AHA Newcastle Hunter Launch Memorial Grant In Honour Of Paul Woseen

The Newcastle Hunter, the largest branch in the Australian Hotels Association (AHA), has launched the Paul Woseen Memorial Grant, a remarkable initiative set to honour the Screaming Jets bassist’s legacy.

The grant will honour Woseen’s memory and contributions to the Newcastle music industry. Through this initiative, local up-and-coming artists will receive the support they need in their careers.

Each recipient will receive $5,000 in cash and the equally vital opportunity to record, produce, and release an original single. The recipient will also receive mentor sessions with industry professionals. 

Applicants must be over 18 to apply for the grant and reside in the Greater Newcastle Area, living anywhere in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Maitland, and/or Cessnock.

Applications open on Friday, 23 February and close at 11:59 am on Thursday, 4 April. You can find more information about the background of the grant here.

Industry titans, including The Screaming Jets, Triple M Newcastle, the City of Newcastle, The Stag & Hunter Hotel, TAFE NSW, The Newcastle Conservatorium of Music, Newcastle Live, Moose Creative Agency, and The Harbour Agency support the Paul Woseen Memorial Grant.

AHA Newcastle Hunter President Mick Starkey commented in a press release, “The Screaming Jets are undoubtedly one of Newcastle’s most iconic bands, and Paul’s contribution to the musical landscape of this city is without question, both within his role in The Screaming Jets and as a solo artist.

“His loss is one that was, and continues to be, felt far and wide. It is widely known that he was a mentor to many young artists and, as a result, undoubtedly fostered the success of numerous careers. That’s something we feel should be perpetuated in his memory.”

The Screaming Jets added, “The Screaming Jets are extremely grateful to Australian Hotels Association - Newcastle Hunter along with the City of Newcastle, who have got behind the Paul Woseen Memorial Grant. It is an amazing testament to Paully’s contribution to the Australian Music Industry.”

In October, The Screaming Jets released their album Professional Misconduct, a release shared in honour of Woseen’s memory, vocalist Dave Gleeson explained at the time.

“It’s been probably the most trying time in my professional life,” Gleeson said. “We lost Paul on the 15th of September, and everything has been thrown into a bit of turmoil since then.... Paully wrote nine of the songs on the new album, and we didn’t just want to mothball that; we wanted to get it out there.”

Paul Woseen passed away in September 2023. You can read his final interview with The Music here.