Elle Clayton-Brown, Nikita Austin and Bernadette Flynn were announced as this year's scholarship recipients from a strong field of 20 applicants at a belated International Women's Day event hosted by the council in Nelson Bay last Friday.

"International Women's Day is a time to celebrate women's achievements, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality. These scholarships are a small way that Port Stephens Council is helping to create opportunities for local women," central ward councillor Sarah Smith said before announcing the scholarship recipients.

Ms Austin was named the first recipient of the council's three $1000 scholarships.

The 24-year-old Indigenous speech pathologist from Salamander Bay recently started her own practice called Eat, Speak Repeat Allied Health.

"Nikita overcame significant adversity when looking to open her practice while identifying a need for more allied health services in the Port Stephens area," Cr Smith said.

"Nikita hopes to use the scholarship to create more inclusive holiday programs for children and adults with additional needs. Programs will include dance and movement therapy, sensory stimulation programs and craft workshops in sensory-friendly environments."

Ms Austin said winning the scholarship felt "great".

"It definitely will go a long way towards the holiday programs that I am looking forward to starting in December," she said.

The second recipient, one of the scholarship program's youngest applicants, was Ms Clayton-Brown, 19, who is a competitive surfer and in her first year of a nursing degree at the University of Newcastle.

"Anyone who has seen her out on the waves will know she's very talented and very competitive," Cr Smith said.

"Elle is hoping to achieve solid results at World Surfing League Qualifying Series events being held this year. This scholarship will help her achieve her goals in and out of the water."

Ms Clayton-Brown, from Corlette, said she was "so grateful" to be a recipient.

"I want to thank the council and everyone who has supported me. It will go a long way because surfing and uni are both very expensive," she said.

The third recipient, Ms Flynn, a full-time carer to her husband and two foster children who have special needs, will use her scholarship to connect with senior members of the Port community.

"Bernadette will use her scholarship to connect and engage Port Stephens seniors through ongoing craft classes at retirement villages and aged care facilities," Cr Smith said.

"This scholarship will assist Bernadette in fostering connecting amongst Port Stephens seniors with the establishment of regular craft classes as well as contributing towards the purchase of materials for participants."

Mrs Flynn, from Medowie, said she was "very surprised but very grateful" to be named a scholarship winner.

"Now I am able to go through with my plans to guide recreation for over 55s," she said.

Last Friday's event was attended by a small selection of guests including nominees, 2020 scholarship winner Chontelle Grecian who spoke on the day about her career, life experiences and her work to help Port mothers throughout the pandemic, councillors Ryan Palmer, Glenn Dunkley and Paul Le Mottee, council staff and representatives from Salamander Bay Rotary.

The Rotary club, in partnership with the council, typically hosts an International Women's Day luncheon where the scholarship recipients are announced. However, due to COVID-19, the luncheon was cancelled and the council instead held a more intimate event on March 12.

The aim of the scholarship program, in its fourth year, is to assist Port women aged 16 and above to achieve a goal and contribute to their community whether it be in the arts, culture, environment, business, community, health or sport sectors. Three women are selected each year and receive $1000.

"Our International Women's Day Scholarships are designed to support local women and the valuable contribution they make to Port Stephens," Cr Palmer said. "It's just one of the ways we can help change the future and celebrate those who are leading the way to an equal tomorrow."

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