A nursing graduate who pivoted from a background in civil engineering has praised the Lord Mayor’s Scholarship Program.
Dominic Julius Gudis was among nine recipients recognised by City of Newcastle (CN) this week, along with Astro Haddon, Chloe Hooper, Emily Lloyd, Winnie Lynn, Maddison Innis, Leanne Swainson, Chen Tai and Sharnie-Marie Withers.
After receiving the inclusion bursary in 2023, he completed his Diploma of Nursing at TAFE NSW Newcastle.
Now an enrolled nurse at Lingard Hospital in Merewether, Mr Gudis hopes to complete a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Newcastle (UoN), study medicine and ultimately become a rural GP.
It’s a career twist the Filipino expat, and former civil engineer, doesn’t regret.
“Nursing is something I’ve wanted to do since I was kid,” he said.
“We were very family-oriented growing up in the Philippines, always taking care of our mum, our grandma and our extended family.
“As soon as I started nursing, I thought this is my place.
“I’m glad I went through TAFE and I’d recommend it to anyone.
“It helps you learn about the job and it’s a stepping-stone to whatever you want to do later.
“I’ve definitely found my passion.
“And, I have the Lord Mayor’s Scholarship to thank.”
In 2022, CN expanded the initiative with the NSW TAFE Foundation to five categories to help more local students facing personal or financial hardship to reach their educational goals.
A similar Lord Mayor’s Scholarship Program was set up in 2015 with the University of Newcastle.
Council will provide financial assistance, between $1,000 and $4,000, totalling more than $16,000 in 2024.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes acknowledged the beneficiaries for their hard work, dedication and vocational success.
“These outstanding Novocastrians embody what can be achieved through fair access to tertiary education for everyone,” she said.
“Already, each one of these high achievers is contributing to our common goal of making Newcastle a more liveable, sustainable, inclusive global city.
“City of Newcastle has a proud record of supporting scholarship opportunities and empowering students to reach their potential, despite any hurdles.
“In the past four years, we have supported 37 pupils through the program.
“So, I’m by this opportunity to congratulate them personally.”
TAFE NSW executive director education and skills north Jason Darney said the recipients reflected a diversity of career paths.
“We’re committed to providing practical skills training along with real work experience to help people find the job they want, and to training the workforce of the future,” he explained.
“However, choosing to study, upskill or retrain can be a difficult decision for some, as they balance cost of living pressures with study commitments.
“These scholarships, along with the ongoing support from the NSW TAFE Foundation, will allow those who are experiencing hardship to reach their full potential and their education goals.”
University of Newcastle Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Kent Anderson commended the nine scholarship recipients and the equity and importance of the support.
“It’s wonderful to have this kind of backing from the City of Newcastle,” he said.
“It is a great example of our community’s commitment to supporting equal access to higher education.
“The scholarship empowers students to pursue their dreams, making sure that financial hardship does not stand in the way of academic achievement and making a positive contribution to society.”
Lord Mayor Scholarship recipients:
- Dominic Julius Gudis – Lord Mayor’s Inclusion Scholarship – TAFE NSW
- Astro Haddon – Lord Mayor’s Art Scholarship – TAFE NSW
- Chloe Hooper – Lord Mayor’s Art Scholarship – TAFE NSW
- Emily Lloyd – TAFE Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Scholarship – TAFE NSW
- Winnie Lynn – Lord Mayor’s Art Scholarship – TAFE NSW
- Maddison Innis – Lord Mayor’s Scholarship for Women – UoN
- Leanne Swainson – Lord Mayor’s Women Empowered Scholarship – TAFE NSW
- Chen Tai – Lord Mayor’s TAFE CALD Scholarship – TAFE NSW
- Sharnie-Marie Withers – Lord Mayor’s Arts Encouragement Award – TAFE NSW
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