Monday 21 July 2025

• SYD100 now in its sixth year supporting young people from under-represented backgrounds to enter the aviation industry
• Amber West named 2025 recipient, a proud Wiradjuri woman from regional NSW
• Scholarship was inaugurated as part of Sydney Airport’s centenary celebrations in 2019 and will be awarded every year for 100 years

Sydney Airport is proud to announce Amber West, a proud Wiradjuri woman from Orange in regional New South Wales, as the 2025 recipient of the Trevor Gerber SYD100 Scholarship.

Amber, 24, is a first-year Bachelor of Aviation Management student at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and is the second First Nations student to receive the scholarship since it began in 2020.

Amber said: “I didn’t grow up thinking a career in aviation was possible for someone like me. But I’ve always had a passion for joining the Air Force and knew I wanted to be part of that world.

“Coming from a regional town and as a First Nations woman, the SYD100 Scholarship means more than I can put into words. Being able to study at university without the financial burden gives me the chance to focus on my studies and pursue a future I never thought possible.”

Amber’s interest in aviation began in high school, inspired by her brother’s service in the Army and her family’s strong connection to the Defence Force.

While she initially dreamed of joining the Air Force and was fascinated by aviation technology, her focus later shifted to aviation management. She now hopes to transfer into the dual Commerce/Aviation Management degree at UNSW to combine her passion for aviation with her background in finance.

Amber’s journey to university began after several years in the workforce. She then joined UNSW’s Nura Gili pre-programs, which support Indigenous students exploring study options.

There she discovered the Aviation Management degree and was encouraged to apply. Amber was later accepted into the program and went on to secure the SYD100 Scholarship.

Amber said: “Coming to university really opened my eyes. Talking to lecturers and other students showed me how much is possible with this degree. It’s a whole world I never imagined.

“I now know that where you’re from doesn’t define what you can do. I hope my story encourages other young people, especially Indigenous women and those from the regions, to believe it’s never too late to chase your dreams.”

The SYD100 Scholarship supports under-represented groups in the aviation industry, including people from diverse cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, women and First Nations students. It was created to mark Sydney Airport’s centenary and honours former Chair Trevor Gerber.

Sydney Airport CEO, Scott Charlton, said: “Amber’s story is one of grit, growth and great potential. She represents the spirit of this scholarship, showing that with the right support, anything is possible.”

UNSW Head of Aviation, Professor Brett Molesworth, said: “Amber brings maturity, passion and drive to her studies and will no doubt inspire others. The SYD100 Scholarship continues to open doors into aviation for students who might not otherwise get the chance.”

Sydney Airport offers internship opportunities as part of the scholarship to provide recipients with hands-on experience. 2023 recipient Timothy Walker is currently completing a 10-week internship with the Safety and Wellbeing team, while 2022 recipient Jessie Huynh is working part-time in the Operations team as she finishes her final year of a double degree in Aviation Management and Commerce.

Notes to Editor

More information about the SYD100 scholarship can be found here.

Photos for media use available here

Honour Roll – Trevor Gerber SYD100 Scholarship

• 2025 – Amber West
• 2024 – Harmony Boonaerts
• 2023 – Timothy Walker
• 2022 – Jessie Huynh
• 2021 – Hoang Thai Tran - Graduated
• 2020 – Manmeet Kaur - Graduated