Hunter EmpowHER Education Application Form

Empowher Educational Fund

Applications open June 1, 2026 and close June 30, 2026
The EmpowHER Fund, managed by the Hunter EmpowHERed Association, aims to support the professional and educational development of women of all ages (inclusive of assigned female at birth, non-binary, and trans women).

The fund is designed to remove financial barriers and directly address the challenges women face in our sectors by investing in their growth and empowerment.

Eligibility
This fund is open to individuals who have worked in the wine, tourism, or hospitality industries in the Newcastle and Hunter Valley regions for at least 12 months.

What Can Be Funded?
We invest in initiatives that help women advance their careers, including:
- Education: Funding for specific courses, workshops, or professional certifications.
- Networking: Supporting attendance at key industry conferences or events.
- Growth: Providing resources for formal mentorship or professional development programs.
What Do Successful Applicants Receive?
- Financial Support: Full or co-funding for a selected educational opportunity to take place within the 25/26 Financial Year.
- Platform for Growth: Successful recipients are expected to provide a brief summary of their learning. This is flexible and can be a short written piece for our newsletter or a social media post/reel sharing three key learnings with their peers.
Hunter EmpowHER is proudly sponsorsed by:
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
Assessment Criteria: How Your Application is Scored
To ensure a fair and impactful distribution of funds, all applications will be assessed against the following checklist. We encourage you to be as specific as possible in your responses.

1. Local Commitment & Eligibility

Evidence of 12+ months of service in the Newcastle/Hunter Valley wine, tourism, or hospitality sectors.
Identification as a woman, non-binary, or trans woman.

2. Clarity of Purpose & Specificity

A clearly identified course, event, or program (including provider name and dates).
A specific breakdown of costs (Tuition, materials, travel, etc.).
Defined "Success Markers"—what specific skills or competencies will you gain?

3. Impact & Career Advancement

Career Trajectory: A logical connection between this training and your next professional milestone.

4. Community Contribution

A willingness to share knowledge back with the local industry through the Hunter EmpowHER network.

Key Dates & How to Apply
Applications Open: June 1
Applications Close: June 30
Apply via: hunterempowher.org

Submission Tip: Last year’s applications were broad; this year, the committee is looking for specific details. Tell us exactly what you want to do, exactly what it costs, and exactly how it will change your career path in the Hunter.

I. Personal Data

Tell us about yourself
Full Name

First NameLast Name
Mobile No
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Email
Where the confirmation will be send to
Home Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Provide 1-3 Referees
Name, Phone Number, Email
Provide 1-3 Referees
Name, Phone Number, Email
Provide 1-3 Referees
Name, Phone Number, Email
Application for Hunter EmpowHER Education Fund

Using a medium that best suits you (written, portfolio, video, etc) applicants are to answer the following questions. If you prefer to use a medium other than written, there is a file uploader at the end of these questions.
Describe your current role and your journey within the Newcastle or Hunter Valley wine, tourism, or hospitality sectors over the last 12+ months. What is one specific contribution you’ve made to your workplace or the local industry during this time?
What is your passion in the wine/tourism/ hospitality industries?
Applying to the fund with a value of up to $3000, provide the exact name of the course, conference, or resource you are seeking funding for, including the provider and the total cost. If you are successful, what is the specific start date or timeline for completion?
List three specific skills or competencies you expect to gain from this experience. How will these skills directly solve a challenge you currently face in your professional role?
How will this grant specifically change the feasibility of this training? (e.g., Is it covering the full tuition, travel costs for a regional worker, or a specialised course?)
If the amount you need is greater than $3000 are you or your employer able to co-fund?
Fast forward one year from the completion of this program. Describe a specific professional milestone you aim to achieve as a direct result of this funding
File Upload: Please provide your current CV. You should also include any documentation, such as a quote or brochure, that confirms the specific costs and details of your chosen course.

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The Hunter EmpowHER is dedicated to fostering the professional and educational advancement of women* within the wine, tourism, and hospitality sectors of the Newcastle and Hunter Valley regions. Through targeted initiatives, mentorship, and financial support, we aim to empower women* to achieve their full potential, contribute to the growth of their industries, and cultivate a more equitable and inclusive professional landscape. The committee is led by president Jenna Vaughan, treasurer Jess Buttrey, secretary Lara Hagan, alongside Sally Scarborough, Louise Eather, Allanna Wells, Georgia Smith and Cathy Gadd.

*The term women includes those of assigned female at birth, non-binary, and trans women
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Empowher Educational Fund

Hunter EmpowHER is proudly sponsorsed by:

I. Personal Data

Application for Hunter EmpowHER Education Fund