2018 Scholars

Newcastle NSW

Bachelor of Social Science / Bachelor of Laws (Honours), and Enabling Pathway: Yapug

Brittany is not afraid to speak up against disadvantage. After overcoming her own challenges to enrol in the University’s Yapug program, Brittany is committed to studying a Bachelor of Communications/Bachelor of Laws (Honours). Her determination is fuelled by her own life experience and a real desire to help others. For Brittany, being a leader means being unafraid of the truth, and being prepared to make both big and small changes to create equity and justice for all people. She is focused on the change she can make creating documentaries and films exposing and highlighting the injustices specifically relating to men. She also hopes to create change in the legal system for those ‘falling through the cracks’.

Central Coast NSW

Bachelor of Nursing, and Enabling Pathway: Open Foundation

For Sindi, learning about different cultures has been the key to unlocking her own potential as a leader. After completing many environmental and community projects as a child, Sindi expanded her global outlook by travelling the world. Working as an English teacher and surf instructor throughout Southeast Asia and Central and South America, she immersed herself in diverse social and cultural environments, and learnt to empathise with people’s differences. Whilst caring for her two children and disabled mother, Sindi has completed studies in perinatal mental health counselling for anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). After completing her studies, she hopes to work in developing countries as a nurse.

Odette Brown

Newcastle NSW

Bachelor of Aboriginal Professional Practice / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

As a Wiradjuri woman, Odette’s style of leadership is rooted in her deep sense of community, culture and connection to Country. Odette is in her third year of a combined degree, studying a Bachelor of Aboriginal Professional Practice / Bachelor of Laws (Honours). During her time at the University, Odette has been an active part of the student community. She helped establish the UON Indigenous Student Collective to support Indigenous students. She also managed events and social media platforms to address issues of injustice, strengthen relationships, and build community for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living and studying off-Country. Driven by her passion for inclusivity, Women’s Business and cultural continuation, Odette also helped in establishing the Women’s Group, a safe space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women to come together.

Newcastle, NSW

Bachelor of Biomedical Science

A volunteer work placement in Tanzania was a turning point for Biomedical Science student Olivia. Already passionate about global health and social justice, the experience of monitoring patients in some of the most under-equipped hospitals in rural Tanzania reinforced her desire to pursue a career in global health research. A student leader and President of the Bachelor of Biomedical Science Society, Olivia has worked to establish positive social environments for younger students to work alongside older students and mentors. After her final year of undergraduate study in 2018, Olivia hopes to complete her honours and PhD at the University. She will combine her passions for medical research and global health by working in collaboration with other medical professionals around the world to overcome some of the universal challenges facing today’s society.

Hunter Valley NSW

Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management, and Enabling Pathway: Open Foundation

Brent believes that education, experience, and above all, love can change the world. He admires passionate dreamers who become inspirational leaders via action! As an emerging environmental scientist, Brent is committed to personal development and continued academic growth. Guided by his heart, he desires to bring about positive change to planet and people - creating new approaches while embracing Indigenous ontologies. Brent dreams that destructive consumption, justified by ‘profit’, will simply fade away… After winning the first-year prize for his degree, a faculty award given for outstanding academic achievement in 2018, Brent followed with a strong 2019, again placed on the faculty commendation list. He embarked on two overseas study tours to Indonesia - observing orangutans deep within the Bornean jungle and working with constructed wetlands for passive water treatment at a coastal mine in Kalimantan. Brent’s pre-graduation career experience has seen no boundary. His dreams are just beginning, while his experience broadens daily…

Newcastle NSW

Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management, and Enabling Pathway: Yapug

A passion to be an Indigenous leader in the fields of environmental science and marine biology motivated Jason to return to study after a ten-year break. After completing the University’s Yapug program, Jason commenced a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Land Management. Jason believes that by adapting million-year-old traditional techniques to contemporary settings, Aboriginal culture can play a major role in fostering more sustainable use of resources. His interest in preserving culture extends to his work as a volunteer in the University’s archaeological Glam X lab and as a local leader and mentor. Jason hopes to enter a cadetship with the CSIRO.

Newcastle NSW

Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Diploma of Legal Practice

Currently in her final year of a Bachelor of Law (Honours)/ Diploma of Legal Practice, Rosalie has developed her leadership skills through volunteering, work, and study experiences – including a semester exchange to the University of Leeds. Rosalie mentors female high school students through the University’s Empower Program, helping young women from rural and regional high schools make informed decisions about their future study and career opportunities. As President of the University of Newcastle Law Student Association (UNLSA) for 2018, she aims to help students create positive change within Newcastle through volunteering and leadership opportunities. Late last year Rosalie travelled to China to undertake practical legal training through a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade ‘New Colombo Plan’ (NCP) grant. She is currently undertaking a legal internship at the Department of Employment in Canberra.

Newcastle NSW

Bachelor of Development Studies

For Chezarne, undertaking a Bachelor of Development Studies majoring in Environmental Sustainability has meant a better understanding of people and their power to create change. She is passionate about restructuring agricultural processes, food distribution and the underlying power structures in agribusiness that reinforce inequalities and negatively impact planetary health. Chezarne is making positive changes at a grassroots level, with a philosophy to normalise an alternate way of production and consumption. She supports many community-led initiatives including volunteering with Feedback Organic Recovery: Urban Farming, an organisation working to reduce food waste in local restaurants by converting it to compost for use on an urban farm, ultimately providing organic produce back to the community.

Central West NSW

Bachelor of Communication / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

Kishaya is a Wiradjuri women who has always been passionate about creating change. After the loss of her elder brother when she was nine, Kishaya went on to become an active ambassador for the Red Cross Blood Service, advocating for organ and blood donation, and was awarded Lions Club Youth of the Year in 2014. Kishaya has further developed her skills as a leader and global thinker while undertaking a Bachelor of Law/ Bachelor of Communication. She is part of University’s Indigenous Collective and is an Indigenous Representative of University’s Law Student Association. As a CareerTrackers ambassador, Kishaya encourages fellow Indigenous students to gain experience in the private sector throughout their degree. After studying Mandarin during a semester exchange at the University of Leeds, Kishaya is looking forward to visiting China as a Ma & Morley scholar.

Sydney NSW

Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine

Joanna believes that leadership is less about leading from the front and more about driving from behind. Her commitment to leadership through teamwork started during school, when she began volunteering with the St Vincent de Paul Society, where her work was recognised with the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership and Teamwork Award. Joanna now volunteers with University’s global health group, of which she was recently elected Vice President. The group works with various organisations in Newcastle to help those in need, from creating birthing kits to send to developing countries, to volunteering at Zara’s House – a local service that develops safe social support networks for refugees.

Central Coast NSW

Bachelor of Psychological Science, and Enabling Pathway: Open Foundation

Since childhood, Rachel has dedicated her weekends to giving back to the community. Many years in the Scouts provided countless opportunities to serve others before taking up several volunteer leadership positions. More recently, Rachel has served the community through surf lifesaving – giving back hundreds of hours on beach patrol, as an emergency radio controller and surf education instructor. Her passion for helping people is underpinned by her belief that small acts make a big impact. She is currently studying Psychological Science and is interested in a career as a psychologist working with teenagers and young adults.

Hunter Valley

Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine, and Enabling Pathway: Open Foundation

Liam is a Biripi man with immense pride and respect for his culture. Personal qualities include integrity, empathy, resilience and motivation. Liam believes that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, even in adversity. Being an inaugural Ma & Morley scholar and 2019 Alibaba Global Dreamer participant, Liam strives to be an inspiring role model for others. Studying medicine, Liam envisions giving back to the community by improving the lives of others through his future work. Aspiring to inspire others, he wants to be an uplifting influence on family, friends, and the community. As a Ma & Morley scholar, he has undergone significant personal growth, crafted meaningful connections, and aligned closely with the scholarship’s core values. He eagerly awaits the future experiences the scholarship will bring. Overall, Liam intends to continue inspiring others while sowing the seeds of positive change one step at a time.

Manning Valley NSW

Bachelor of Development Studies / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

Jasmin is a proud Kuungkari (Con-kari) Indigenous woman. Kuungkari is located in the Carinda region and means ‘you carry.’ Jasmin grew up in Gloucester and moved to Newcastle in 2018 to begin her combined Bachelor of Law and Development Studies degree. Growing up in a small community undergoing coal mining developments, Jasmin has experienced firsthand how issues of environmental sustainability can affect a community. To Jasmin, a globally-aware, socially-conscience leader works to preserve the environment for future generations. Jasmin believes that education is the most powerful tool for change and wishes to use her degree to ensure positive transformation for future generations concerning environmental conservation and cultural respect. Jasmin’s vision is for everyone to have access to basic education to empower individuals to make sustainable choices. Jasmin also wishes to see Aboriginal Australian history incorporated into primary and secondary curriculums to promote cultural respect and awareness.

Newcastle NSW

Bachelor of Science (Honours)

Thomas is a proud Yuwaalaraay man living on Awabakal country, and acknowledges his heritage as a key factor in the development of his values. Thomas is a campaigner who believes true leadership begins with service, which allows leaders to better understand their position and the impact of their actions. In 2017, Thomas completed an internship with The Wilderness Society, worked as Hunter Valley regional coordinator for renewable energy think-tank Beyond Zero Emissions (BZE), and stood in the Newcastle City Council elections as a Greens candidate. As a Ma & Morley scholar, Thomas aims to further connect with the community to advocate for change on environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.

Port Stephens NSW

Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Diploma of Legal Practice

Ambitious and entrepreneurial, Alissa has always sought opportunities to extend her global outlook. She is committed to developing and nurturing relationships in Asia, and has represented the University at programs in Hong Kong, Cambodia and Japan. In 2016, Alissa participated in a legal internship at a community development organisation in Cambodia. Through this, Alissa developed a clearer understanding of how western organisations can help empower local communities in developing countries to thrive with autonomy, rather than dependence. Alissa is interested in the power of work and education to improve people’s lives and reverse the cyclical nature of disadvantage. She believes technology is changing the nature of everything we do, and is interested to see how the world will respond to these shifting dynamics.

Northern NSW

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Environmental)

A passionate environmentalist, Elijah grew up in the hinterland of northern NSW. He is inspired by leaders like Barack Obama, Nelson Mandela and Peter Garrett – as well as leaders in his local community. Elijah is a committed volunteer with his local surf lifesaving club and is dedicated to keeping the beaches in his community clean and safe. He has travelled to Indonesia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand and hopes to expand his global connections as a Ma & Morley Scholar. An aspiring environmental engineer, Elijah plans to continue his environmental advocacy work into the future.

Lake Macquarie NSW

Bachelor of Business

Participating in the Mentor Support Network for the Hunter Region inspired Vanessa in more ways than one. In addition to receiving valuable advice on her own life choices, the proud Novocastrian decided to pay it forward and become a City Ambassador for Newcastle – a role that supports the creation of a world class smart city. As one of the inaugural student entrepreneurs of the Sydney School of Entrepreneurship, Vanessa believes that embracing collaboration and being inspired to motivate others are essential qualities for leadership, and that the smallest acts can offer great rewards. Vanessa continues to be involved in mentoring initiatives, drawing on her experience to help high school and fellow university students, and encourage others to be agents of change in their chosen field or community.

Phoebe McIlwraith

Central Coast NSW

Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

Phoebe, a proud Bundjalung and Worimi saltwater woman, has a vision. A social enterprise that engages with marginalised peoples and enables meaningful change through community-based economies.

Phoebe's association with Lions International, the world’s largest service organisation, has enabled her to expand her interest and experience in community development initiatives in Australia and internationally.

In 2017, Phoebe was one of the youngest members of the National Indigenous Youth Parliament – igniting her desire to participate in local political advocacy through the Lake Macquarie Youth Advisory Council.

With aspirations to be a change-maker within society through legal advocacy and community development, Phoebe is in her first year of a Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws (Honours).

Newcastle, NSW

Bachelor of Business / Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Enabling Pathway: Open Foundation

Through innovative thinking and leadership, James hopes to motivate and inspire others to create positive change in the world. A mature age student, James’s career redirection has been driven by a desire to rectify unsustainable business practices and injustices in society. James volunteers for a number of local initiatives to support the homeless, and recently began working on an initiative called ‘Piece by Piece’, using social media to encourage Novocastrians to stop rubbish from entering our oceans.

Mid-North Coast NSW

Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Jessica is a strong and passionate advocate for welfare and equity, having participated in campaigning and reform on both local and national levels. Her passion for people has led her on a path to student governance and advocacy where she hopes to use her voice to inspire action and change from the inside out. Jessica’s passion is fundamentally built on her own experiences of overcoming adversity and recognising that embracing those situations often have the most rewarding outcomes. Since starting university in 2018, Jessica’s confidence has grown tenfold where she is now confident in running workshops and not afraid to put herself out there. Currently undertaking a Bachelor of Social Science/ Laws (Honours), Jessica wants to use this as a steppingstone to help bridge the gap and empower other young people, especially women, to go and do it, even if the odds are against them.

Sydney NSW

Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Grace believes it’s only through understanding others that we can hope to change ourselves, and take responsibility for our world. At school, she dedicated her time to coordinating student activities, fundraising and community-building. Currently undertaking a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Grace’s recent experience on placement at a hospital in the Dominican Republic offered important insight into the challenges of delivering effective healthcare in developing nations. Grace draws inspiration from leaders with great integrity and social responsibility like international eye surgeon Dr Sandruk Ruik, and hopes to pursue a career serving people in countries with a great need for healthcare expertise.

Central Coast NSW

Bachelor of Medical Engineering (Honours), and Enabling Pathway: Open Foundation

Growing up, Jessica was certain that she wanted to help people and make the world a better place. As a young social justice leader, she was twice awarded the Australian Defence Force Long Tan Leadership Award and enjoyed taking part in many advocacy and volunteering initiatives. After attempting to complete a Bachelor of Nursing despite significant health problems, Jessica made the difficult decision to change career paths. She went on to complete the Intensive Open Foundation Course at the University's Central Coast Campus, and is now studying a Bachelor of Medical Engineering. For Jessica, the most important leadership qualities are empathy and commitment. Motivated by her own experience, she is driven to help alleviate the suffering that can be caused by illness and to make a difference to others.

Newcastle NSW

Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary), and Enabling Pathway: Yapug

Georgia is a descendant of the Wiradjuri Nation and understands the important role of leaders in maintaining community. Georgia admires people who put the needs and concerns of others before their own. She strives to do all she can to make a difference, while inspiring others to do the same. At school, Georgia showed integrity and a steadfast commitment to her own beliefs, acting as Chair of her school’s NAIDOC committee and volunteering for the Teaching in Primary Schools program. Passionate about the power of education, Georgia is now working hard to complete her Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood and Primary). She says her experiences have taught her she can achieve far more than she ever thought possible.

Central Coast

Bachelor of Nursing

A descendant from Murramarang, Ulladulla, Alyson recently began her journey to connect with her Indigenous heritage. Alyson believes there is nothing more rewarding than caring for others, and her desire to be a role model for her family and give back to her community motivated Alyson to begin her Bachelor of Nursing in 2018. Alyson faces the challenges of balancing study and being a mum to her two young children head-on. She is also a full-time carer for her son, who has a condition called albinism affecting his skin, hair, eyes and making him legally blind. Somehow, Alyson makes time to coach the local netball team and volunteer as a surf lifesaver. As a Ma and Morley scholar, Alyson hopes to encourage others to follow their dreams and give back to their communities.

Central Coast NSW

Bachelor of Education (Secondary), and Enabling Pathway: Newstep

A Bachelor of Education student, Joshua’s path to teaching has been influenced by his family values of perseverance and equity in education, and passion for environmental conservation. He is a regular volunteer with Wildlife Arc, an animal rescue and care society on the Central Coast which supports the rehabilitation of threatened or injured native wildlife species. He has helped Wildlife Arc reintroduce hundreds of flying foxes to the ecosystem by preparing fruit to feed animals in care. Working with flying foxes has helped Joshua to better understand the impact of various environmental problems (such as deforestation and culling) and motivated him to promote the value of conserving these long-distance pollinators as a climate change priority. He sees teaching as a means to communicate environmental conservation principles, and empower others to contribute to positive global change.

Central Coast NSW

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours), and Enabling Pathway: Open Foundation

Georgia Young is inspired to pursue a career in social work through her personal experiences, her passion for supporting others to reach their goals, and her experience volunteering and working with people with intellectual and physical disabilities. In all her positions she has demonstrated her ability to create positive experiences for social integration. Georgia understands the values of friendship and equity in education, and believes that every person can shine with individualised assistance. She is motivated to create positive change, which she believes can build a larger social movement. Georgia has a strong desire to help young people develop to their full potential.

Hunter Valley NSW

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Electrical) and Science (Physics)

At school, Jarred would take things apart to see how they were made. He’d then think about how they could be improved, or used in other combinations to make a more effective product. Now an electrical engineering student, Jarred still takes things apart – it’s only the scale that has changed. Inspired by global innovators like Elon Musk, Jarred is excited by the future of electric vehicles. As part of his final year project, Jarred is focusing on improving the performance and efficiency of multilevel inverter technology. He hopes that these improvements can be utilised in the Hunter Valley Electric vehicle competition and by the NU Racing team. Jarred is dedicated to improving humanity through his innovation work, volunteering and other community initiatives.