To encourage and support up-and-coming tradies in the construction industry, the Sovereign Hills Display Village Group of builders provide a scholarship in the form of $1,000 vouchers to be utilised at Total Tools Port Macquarie for two dedicated students from Newman Senior Technical College studying either Construction, Electrotechnology, Plumbing, Bricklaying, Furniture Making or Manufacturing & Engineering.
The scholarship aims to assist students pursuing careers in residential construction by helping them get started with the purchase of tools, safety equipment, or project materials.
The 2026 Scholarship recipients, Lachlan Kidd & Sophie Holmes, were announced at Newman College’s Assembly earlier this month by a representative from Lewis Land Group and the Sovereign Hills group of builders, which includes:
- Baygrove Designer Homes
- Better Homes & Developments
- Hotondo Homes
- McDondal Jones
- Perry Homes
- Mojo Homes
- Hunter Homes
- Rob Tate Family Homes
- Pycon Builders & Designers
The Sovereign Hills Display Village is the biggest display village between Newcastle and the Gold Coast, including 14 homes and 9 builders. With sustainability at the forefront, including solar panels, passive cooling and heating and numerous energy-saving products, the display village provides a wealth of information and inspiration. You can gain expert building advice and explore custom designs for all lifestyles and budgets when you visit the Sovereign Hills Display Village, Acton Street, Thrumster – Port Macquarie.
Forecast to construct more than 600 homes across the Mid North Coast, generating an estimated $300 million in local, new home construction activity annually, the Sovereign Hills Display Village builders are well aware of the need to develop a pathway for young people to take up the construction trades to keep the industry turning.
Lachlan Kidd, who is studying Certificate II in Manufacturing & Engineering, will be using his voucher to purchase welding tools. “I am really grateful for the voucher at Total Tools. I’ve already started my wish list of things to purchase at Total Tools with my voucher”.
“When a young tradie shows a passion for their work, there is nothing better than being able to connect them with people who will support their journey. We are grateful to the Sovereign Hills group of builders who are doing just that. Their support of the students at Newman is exactly what the industry needs to inspire young people to continue learning the skills that will build our future.” Janeden River – Leader of VET Curriculum, Newman Senior Technical College.