Ma & Morley Scholarship Program Report 2023
Activities – Stage One
Stage 1 covers the first year of the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program, when 25 new Scholars joined the Program. The theme of the year was to connect, and the Scholars took part in a range of activities to build connection between themselves, with the Program values and with the wider Ma & Morley family.
Meet the 2023 Scholars.
Core program activities
The 25 new Ma & Morley Scholars were welcomed to the University through a two-day Welcome Program on Callaghan campus. Scholars participated in sessions that connected them with the values of the Program and with each other, and these sessions were led by current Ma & Morley Scholars. They also participated in a formal Welcome Lunch, where they met and networked with leaders from across the University of Newcastle.
I have so much gratitude towards this Program. I found it so cool to meet people from various backgrounds and experiences that I wouldn’t usually interact with, yet shared so many of the same values as myself. Moving forward I have more confidence in starting my University journey as I feel that I have a family of Scholars to lean on and ongoing support from staff.
2023 Ma & Morley Scholar
Scholars experienced 2 days on-country at Mt Sugarloaf, Baiame Cave and Murrook Culture Centre. Day 1 was spent at Mt Sugarloaf, west of Newcastle, learning about connection to each other, country, cultural significance and use of different plants and an introduction to leadership with Uncle Paul Gordon and David Newham. Scholars then headed to Baiame Cave at Milbrodale, where they learnt of the history and significance of this ancient meeting place before heading to Murrook for dinner, connection around the campfire and camping. Day 2 involved exploring Worimi country, including the sand dunes at Birubi Point, hearing stories, learning about culture and participating in the Broken Journey workshop.
I gained knowledge on early colonisation and the true treatment of Indigenous Australians which is regularly disregarded these days. I knew this treatment was incredibly poor, but I think I understand to a larger extent now. I also gained lots of knowledge about the use of different native plants.
Stage 1 Scholar
The annual celebration of the Scholars’ journeys was a wonderful celebration of the year’s activities and achievements. Scholars and Ambassadors gathered at the Great Hall at the University with many inspiring people with whom they have collaborated throughout the year, to reflect on their action and growth, and celebrate the progress they have made. Their stories and messages were shared with the rest of the Ma & Morley family, Program stakeholders and the University community through both the face-to-face event and online live streaming for those who were unable to join us.
Other Leadership Program activities
The Scholars were also invited to take part across the year in various activities and learning opportunities, which were linked to the values of the Program, including the Ambassador Program panel discussions, Stage 3 Action Projects and joining Judy Morley at the Newcastle International Women’s Day Dinner.
2023 Scholars, Jemma Miyashita, Charlee Marshall and Arman Zolfaghari, connecting at the Welcome Program
2023 Scholar, Jamie Lim, sharing a photo in the Cultural Sharing Circle
2023 Scholars learning from Uncle Paul Gordon on Awabakal Country
2023 Scholars at the Welcome Program
2023 Scholars and Program team with Maggie Zhou, Senior Advisor, Jack Ma Foundation
2023 Scholars with Uncle Paul Gordon at Mount Sugarloaf
2023 Scholars celebrating the year at the Ma & Morley Gala
2023 Scholar, Cooper Ivory, reflecting on the year at the Ma & Morley Gala
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.