Scholarship to honour Meg Purser’s passion for communications and community

Local businesswoman Meg Purser, who passed away in January, will be honoured with a new annual tertiary scholarship by City of Newcastle.

The Meg Purser Communications Scholarship will help support a talented communications student who demonstrates the same community-focused qualities Meg was much loved for.

It is proposed to provide $5,000 to an undergraduate student completing the second year of their Communications degree at the University of Newcastle. A new recipient will be named each year for three years under the suggested initial funding arrangement.

Councillors will vote on the establishment of the scholarship at tonight’s Council meeting.

Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the scholarship was a fitting tribute to a woman who touched so many lives across Newcastle before her passing in January this year following an 18-month battle with breast cancer.

“Meg was strong, brave and an incredibly dedicated professional communicator and executive, with a spirit for life and passion for her work that I’ll always remember,” Cr Nelmes said.

“She touched the lives of so many across Newcastle and beyond.

“We at City of Newcastle were fortunate to work closely with her in 2020 to re-establish the Business Improvement Associations and she was always generous with her time, wisdom and expertise.

“With the blessing of Meg’s father Bob, we want to establish this inaugural scholarship to honour the significant contribution Meg made to the corporate communications community and recognise her passion for the many local community organisations and charities she supported.

“The scholarship will provide support to students who, like Meg, are committed to their local communities and are striving to make a difference in the corporate communications field, working tirelessly for little personal gain.”

Meg is remembered for her charitable and behind-the-scenes work for organisations such as the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, Hunter Breast Screen and Got Your Back Sista.

Bob Purser worked side-by-side with his daughter for many years at Purser Corporate Communications and said she was always passionate about helping others.

“Scott Mills, Meg’s husband, and the family are both delighted and honoured by this way of acknowledging Meg’s contribution to Newcastle,” Mr Purser said.

“There was little she enjoyed more than helping young communicators launch their careers. She would have been thrilled but also a little surprised by this initiative of Council.”