Joblink Plus New Beginnings Scholarship

Refer to selection details for application information
Amount

$8,000

Number available

4

Scholarship details

Donor

Joblink Plus

Establishment

Joblink Plus is a for-purpose, not-for-profit organisation providing employment services and vocational training. We deliver to a range of communities across rural and regional NSW, covering around 70% of the state. Joblink Plus places approximately 11,000 people into employment annually. We support communities through direct contributions, social enterprise, and volunteering. We partner with a diverse range of organisations with shared values, including health initiatives as well as various youth and Indigenous programs. Our purpose is to believe in and provide support to all people, connecting them to the dignity and fulfilment made possible through education and meaningful work.

This scholarship is dedicated to Christine Shewry. Christine dedicated her 50-year career in Recruitment, Vocational Training & Human Resource to connecting people with purpose. Before joining Joblink Plus as the CEO in 2013, Christine held international executive roles in Australia, the United States, and UK where she worked with Morgan & Banks, Adecco, Corporate Services Group, IAG, and The University of Sydney. Christine has served on the Board and worked closely with a number of not-for-profit organisations.

Christine advocates for marginalised people at every opportunity, celebrating the strengths and achievements of those who have overcome significant barriers to move into education and employment. As CEO of Joblink Plus Christine established her reputation as a leader who speaks up and challenges those in power to do better. Through Christine's leadership Joblink Plus is a trauma-informed organisation and has pioneered ongoing research into the efficacy of trauma informed practice in employment services. Through her advocacy for people experiencing trauma and disadvantage Joblink Plus established a generous scholarship program with the University of Newcastle, now extended to include the Joblink Plus 'New Beginnings' Scholarships for people impacted by domestic violence, whether as a child, young person or adult.

“A scholarship represents food and housing, childcare and security. It is also proof that 'someone believes in me, someone is backing me to succeed'. I personally know the power of that support when trauma has impacted your life. While education can open doors, for some having the support of a scholarship is the only way they can walk through. I believe that through the Joblink Plus New Beginnings Scholarships, lives and communities will be changed - for good." Christine Shewry CEO, Joblink Plus.

Applicants for this scholarship should also consider applying for the Joblink Plus Scholarship and Helen Maslen Scholarship.

Applicable to equity, part-time study permitted, enabling (Open Foundation, Yapug), undergraduate, postgraduate.

This scholarship is not yet open for 2026. Please Register Interest in the apply portal to receive an email when applications open.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, you will need to:

  • Be enrolled (or enrolling) in any year of an enabling, undergraduate, or postgraduate degree program at the University of Newcastle.
  • Have accessed higher education as part of a process for surviving domestic violence.
  • Demonstrate the impact of educational disadvantage such as carer and sole parent responsibilities, financial hardship, a long-term medical condition or disability, the ongoing effects of abuse, regional/remote disadvantage, or applicant attributes such as being an Indigenous Australian, having a Refugee background, or placement with an Out-of-Home Care provider.
  • Not be the recipient of another University of Newcastle donor-funded or sponsored scholarship concurrently.

Required Documentation

Required documents will be listed on the ‘Your Documents’ page of your application. The application portal accepts PDF only. A maximum of 3 PDF smaller than 5 MB can be added per document type upload field.

  • A personal statement (approx. 1 A4 page) outlining your academic achievements, career aspirations in the relevant area of study, and how this scholarship would assist you. This statement will cover all scholarships you are submitting for.
  • You may be required to provide documents to support your educational challenges and personal circumstances. These will be identified when you apply based on your individual application responses.
  • You will be asked the question Are you accessing higher education as part of your process for surviving domestic violence? which requires a yes/no response.
  • A Letter of Support completed by a responsible person who can comment on the educational impact of your circumstances and/or condition (see terms and conditions for more detail).
  • You may use your Medical and/or Educational Impact Statements if applying for other equity scholarships for ongoing effects of abuse, but you do not have to for this scholarship.

Benefit

The scholarship provides a total benefit of $8,000 to be paid as two lump sums of $4,000.

Payments are typically received 2–3 weeks after the semester census date, or 2–3 weeks after you accept your offer if the census date has already passed.

Selection

Selection is a competitive process and will be based on assessment of the scholarship application and any required supporting documents, with reference to the eligibility criteria.

Preference will be given to students who have completed an enabling program (Open Foundation, Yapug) or Diploma at the University of Newcastle.

Contact Details

Scholarships
Student and Academic Services
University of Newcastle
University Drive
CALLAGHAN NSW 2308

Phone: +61 2 4921 5000
Email: scholarships@newcastle.edu.au