Activities – Stage One

Stage 1 covers the first year of the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program whereby, in 2024, 27 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 community.

Meet the 2024 Scholars.

Core program activities

Welcome and leadership program

The 27 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.

The Welcome Program impacted me by providing me a safe and comfortable environment where I was able to create new friendships and connections.

2024 Ma & Morley Scholar
Stage 1 Cultural immersion on-country

Scholars experienced two days on-country at Yengo National Park and Murrook Culture Centre. Day one was spent at Yengo National Park learning about connection to each other, country, cultural significance, rock carvings and use of different plants with cultural educator, Leanne King. Scholars then headed to Murrook for dinner, connection around the campfire and camping. Day two involved exploring Worimi country, including the sand dunes at Birubi Point, hearing stories, learning about culture and bush tucker and participating in the Broken Journey workshop.

I gained so much from this trip, I thought I had somewhat of an understanding about the history and the culture, but this immersion really deepened my understanding. I feel so grateful for the trip, and I wish that everyone could experience it and especially the Broken Journey workshop. It was so special being able to learn, listen and connect with country and different people.

Stage 1 Scholar
Gala

The annual celebration of the Scholars’ journeys was a wonderful celebration of the year’s activities and achievements. Scholars and Ambassadors gathered in the Great Hall at the University, along with the many inspiring people with whom they have collaborated across the year, to reflect on their action and growth, and celebrate the progress they have made in their leadership journeys. 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

Hangzhou Normal University Inbound Study Tour

Ma & Morley Scholars and the Program team engaged with a group of 20 students from Hangzhou Normal University who visited Australia in February for a two-week period, thanks to the support of the Jack Ma Foundation.  Reciprocating hospitality extended to the Ma & Morley Scholars on the China Immersion last year and building bridges of friendship was rewarding for all involved.

Judy Morley joined the Chinese New Year group activity, amplifying the connection with the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program. Scholars and HZNU students also participated in a range of Australian cultural activities, including a performance on the yidaki by 2021 Scholar, Jack Chambers, who also shared his knowledge of, passion for, and incredible skill with, this ancient instrument.  The session then progressed to understanding cultural differences between the students, speaking Aussie lingo, tasting different foods and creating Aussie nicknames for the visitors.

There was great engagement and more exchanging of gifts, with the University’s Social Media team present to capture footage and create a highlights reel. We re-connected with these students in Hangzhou during the 2024 China Immersion in June.

Video

Hangzhou Normal University Visit 2:59

Aliexpo Sydney

An opportunity to collaborate with Alibaba Group Australia and New Zealand was extended to Ma & Morley Scholars and Ambassadors for the Alibaba E-Commerce Expo in Sydney on 15-16 March.  In line with their skills and interests, volunteers worked with exhibitors to grow their understanding of marketing, e-commerce, event management, trade in South-East Asia and China, as well as entrepreneurship.  Scholars also had an opportunity to meet with customers, business delegates and representatives from a range of Alibaba business units.

I wanted to express my gratitude for the involvement of some of our Ma & Morley Scholars and Ambassadors in the Alibaba Expo project team this year. Thank you for organizing and guiding them to participate in the expo. I trust that everyone found the experience enjoyable and worthwhile. Eight scholars volunteered at AliExpo 2024, each making significant contributions in various capacities. Four scholars committed two consecutive days to actively engage with the proceedings. Their involvement provided them with valuable experience in event management and exposure to the realm of e-commerce.

Maggie Zhou, Senior Advisor, Jack Ma Foundation
College-led Scholar Events

Each College, the Wollotuka Institute and the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre held an event to celebrate the success of all their scholarship recipients in 2024 and provide an opportunity for them to connect with the donor to their scholarship. Judy Morley attended each event, presenting Ma & Morley Scholars with their certificates, while Su and David Morley also attended where possible. These events provide a wonderful opportunity to showcase the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program to a broader audience and to help connect the Scholars to the Morley family.

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 Hunter Insight Youth Panel, the Reconciliation Ball, speaking opportunities, iLead events, the Ambassador Program event, Stage 3 Action Projects and joining Judy Morley at the Union of Australian Women and Hunter Workers Women’s Committee International Women’s Day Dinner.