Scholarship a tribute to outgoing Southern Ports chief Steve Lewis

A scholarship set up to fully support one student from the Great Southern, South West or Goldfields-Esperance regions has been established by Southern Ports to honour outgoing chief executive Steve Lewis.

The Steve Lewis Regional Scholarship will provide an individual with full tuition to undertake an undergraduate degree or accredited VET program in a STEM, management, maritime or related field each year.

The port authority announced the scholarship last week as a farewell to Mr Lewis who retired on Friday, nearly four and half years after taking over the top job at Southern Ports.

New chief exectutive Keith Wilks said Mr Lewis had shown commitment to the ports industry throughout his career.

He said the scholarship was a fitting way to recognise the leadership his predecessor had shown in the industry.

“One of Steve’s key drivers has always been the desire to build strong, sustainable foundations for future generations, particularly in regional communities,” Mr Wilks said.

“The Steve Lewis Regional Scholarship will offer an outstanding opportunity for Southern Ports to continue Steve’s legacy and foster the next generation of leaders.”

Prior to starting as Southern Ports chief executive in 2019, Mr Lewis was in the same role at the Dampier Port for 11 years and North Queensland Bulk Ports for three and half years.

Mr Lewis said it was an honour to have the scholarship named after him as he wrapped up his time as CEO.

“I’m a strong believer in intergenerational assets,” he said.

“Every day we look at how we can make sure we’re leaving something better for the next generation and I’m pleased that this scholarship will do exactly that.”

More than $1.38 million was invested in 550 regional groups and projects in his time leading Southern Ports, as a result of the authority experiencing strong growth in trade, vessel numbers and regional staff.

Further details about the scholarship, including application processes, will be announced in the coming months.