Two well-known local identities have been appointed as new leaders of Newcastle and Hunter Region’s Mentor Support Network (MSN).
Judy Hart and Melinda Smith will join the not-for-profit organisation, which provides training, professional development and networking for mentors while also conducting an allowance and support program for students in financial need.
Since forming in 2005, the MSN has presented nearly 400 scholarships valued at more than $700,000.
Ms Hart, a retired pharmacist whose been involved in community volunteering for many years, is the network’s latest chairperson while Ms Smith was unanimously endorsed by the committee as its patron.
Both women said they were honoured at being approached to take up positions for MSN.
Ms Hart has held a variety of executive board positions, including chair, in numerous not-for-profit and community groups.
“I have a firm belief in the value of mentoring for the achievement of education and career potential,” she said.
“I’m delighted to be involved with Mentor Support Network.”
She takes over the role of chairperson from Shayne Connell, who stepped down at MSN’s recent 2022 annual general meeting because of increased work and family commitments.
Mr Connell, who had been chair for 18 months, thanked the MSN committee for its hard work and also the organisation’s volunteers for their time and dedication in helping the young people who benefit from Mentor Support Network.
Ms Smith is a strong advocate for mentoring and helped establish MSN in 2005.
She served on the executive committee and has subsequently been awarded Life Membership.
She’s continually maintained interest and assisted MSN in its activities, too.
Ms Smith, who spent 25 years in the media across radio and television – co-anchoring NBN Television’s 6pm News for more than a decade before establishing her own successful corporate communication and public relations consultancy – is MSN’s new patron following the untimely passing last year of Dr Bernie Curran AM who filled the position since 2019.
She is a non-executive board director of The Mutual Bank and has supported the work of many regional charities and community organisations as well as the University of Newcastle’s MBA Advisory Board and 2NURFM’s Advisory Board.
MSN boasts strong partnerships with the corporate sector and its services are delivered through a network of volunteers.
Ms Hart and Ms Smith have already participated in their first official function for MSN by being involved in the organisation’s 2022 Scholarship Ceremony where 35 students were rewarded.
