Three $1000 scholarships are available to women with a goal they wish to achieve in 2022 as part of Port Stephens Council's annual IWD celebrations.

"Now in its fifth year, the Port Stephens International Women's Day Scholarships support local women to achieve an important goal, whether it's related to the arts, culture, environment, business, community, health or sport," Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer said.

"There are so many women already doing incredible things across our region, and we know there are many more out there who have an important goal or idea and just need a hand to get them off the ground.

"We're excited to offer these scholarships for another year to help lift up local women and provide them the opportunity to build their future and reach their goals."

Taylors Beach-based speech pathologist Nikita Austin said receiving a scholarship in 2021 meant she could run her first inclusive school holiday program through her practice Eat, Speak Repeat Allied Health.

"We had a great turn out and got some excellent feedback. The money helped with hiring the space, and filling it with resources needed for the children," she said.

"I would definitely encourage anyone with a passion for supporting Port Stephens to apply.

"The scholarship can really help to bring your visions to life - exactly what happened with me."

The other 2021 scholarship recipients were Elle Clayton-Brown, a representative surfer and nursing student, and Bernadette Flynn, who used hers to connect and engage seniors through craft classes at retirement villages and aged care facilities.

The scholarships are open to Port women aged 16 years and over.

Applications close 5pm on Sunday, February 13.

The winners to be announced at an International Women's Day lunch in March.

For more information and to apply go to portstephens.nsw.gov.au/community/grants,-funding-and-scholarships/international-womens-day-scholarship.

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