2022 Scholars

Umina Beach, NSW

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) Enabling Pathway: Newstep

Angus is an outspoken advocate for equality and inclusion. As a player and coach at his local soccer club, Angus’ training sessions focus on more than just scoring goals. Teaching young players about equity and respect – inside and outside sport – has given him an outlet to heal from the past and provide positive leadership within his community. Despite being unaware of his Indigenous heritage for much of his life, Angus has learned to embrace all parts of his identity. His journey of self-acceptance has made him passionate about supporting others. In studying Physiotherapy, Angus aims to travel across Australia providing support to rural and disadvantaged communities where access to health care can be difficult to find, and provide a safe and accepting service for people from all backgrounds. He is looking forward to building supportive and positive connections as a Ma & Morley Scholar.

Greta, NSW

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)

Delta is keen to explore the connections between environmental and human health. Growing up in a town directly exposed to the negative environmental impacts of mining shaped her interest in this area. As an active school leader, she used her emerging interest in human and environmental health to establish a school garden to connect students with native plants and Indigenous culture. Inspired by stories of people overcoming adversity, Delta dreams of working as a rehabilitation physiotherapist after completing her degree. She also hopes to focus on improving the overall health of ecosystems in communities where health and wellbeing have been negatively impacted by poor environmental management.

Canberra, ACT

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

Meeting a Holocaust survivor when she was 11 years old radically shifted Eliza’s outlook on kindness. After this meeting, the empathetic nature her parents encouraged her to nurture was bolstered with real world meaning. Eliza drew on this to when advocating for issues of inequality. In her first roles with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as an entry level IT officer, the lack of female technical officers was stark. Eliza created a video to attract more women into technical training programs featuring some of the few female technical officers in her work area. As her career progressed, she began working closely with aid-funded technology enterprises in developing countries. Eliza supported these, often small, organisations through funding discussions and advocated on their behalf to ensure they did not miss out funding due to differences in communication styles. Eliza completed Open Foundation in 2021 and will begin a Bachelor of Social Work in 2022. Eliza is excited to bring about further positive change in the world as a professional social worker, and through the focused initiatives and relationships of the Ma & Morley program.

Linley Point, NSW

Bachelor of Medical Science / Doctor of Medicine

A childhood trip to Burma with her grandfather ignited Hillana’s passion for service. She remembers visiting schools and orphanages, making friends with the children she met. But even as a child herself, she felt compelled to do more to help. With both of her parents working as doctors, Hillana had many opportunities to learn the value of service to others. A mission trip to Kenya with her mother cemented her decision to pursue Medicine as a career. Since then, Hillana has found many ways to give back around Sydney. Playing games with Indigenous children as part community programs for Life for Koori Kids; helping out with Side Street Medics, a volunteer medical service for people experiencing homelessness; and as a tutor and role model with Ethical Education. She is looking forward to learning and growing alongside all the Ma & Morley Scholars.

East Gosford, NSW

Bachelor of Midwifery Enabling Pathway: Open Foundation

Sophie is a deeply compassionate person who never stops asking ‘why?’. A sensitive child, Sophie has grown up to experience debilitating mental health challenges throughout her life. However, she never lost her desire to learn or her dream of making the world a better place. In her recovery, she became a volunteer at the Sydney Adventist Hospital, supporting staff caring for patients awaiting scans and renal dialysis. As the pandemic took hold, Sophie transferred to the gift shop, where she listened and empathised with every person who walked through the doors. Sophie has recently been diagnosed with autism and is proud to be a strong advocate for others in this space. By studying Midwifery, Sophie’s goal is to provide the gentle, woman-centred care birthing people from all walks of life deserve. In particular, she hopes to care for women experiencing mental illness during pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period to ensure they have the best possible start to motherhood.

Pennant Hills, NSW

Bachelor of Coastal & Marine Science

Emma’s dream to become a marine biologist is fuelled by her passion for sharks. As a member of ORRCA (Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia) Emma has taken part in several marine animal rescues and spoken on conservation issues. She credits the experience of overcoming challenges in her childhood for teaching her that her voice counts. Emma is a long-standing volunteer in the Paramatta Family Count’s Safe Room, where she supports vulnerable children. Her advocacy for the program led to similar volunteer programs for 16-21 year olds being introduced in two other Family Courts in NSW. Emma enjoys helping others to find causes they feel passionate about. A quality she will put to good use as a future researcher and champion of marine biodiversity conservation.

North Lambton, NSW

Bachelor of Education (Primary) Enabling Pathway: Yapug

As a proud Indigenous woman, Haylee’s connection to culture has shaped the person she is today. She credits her strong support network during her final years of high school with helping her discover her passion for teaching even when she thought she was unreachable.  Haylee learned that understanding a person’s history can help influence their path in life. Now studying to be a teacher herself, she also works closely with her old school Aboriginal liaison officer and careers officer at Callaghan College Jesmond Senior Campus to support high school students. Her goal is to help inspire more students find their passion and achieve their goals.

Lennox Head, NSW

Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) Diagnostic Radiography

Hollie’s desire to give back was fostered early in life. Growing up in Lennox Head, surrounded by her supportive family and dance community, Hollie learnt the importance of kindness, gratitude, and dedication. She immersed herself in community initiatives that fostered unity and support among people in need. Whether she was mentoring younger students, volunteering at the Blood Bank or supporting people through a local homelessness service, she learned how simple acts of kindness could bring positive change. As a Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science student, Hollie is determined to make a difference in women’s health. After completing her studies, Hollie hopes to combine work and travel. Her goal is to improve access to safe and supportive medical imaging for women in regional, remote and varied communities across Australia.

Birmingham Gardens, NSW

Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) Enabling Pathway: Newstep

Creating positive change is extremely important to Keely who sees her brother Nathan as her greatest inspiration. After a serious brain injury 12 years ago, Nathan’s determination in the face of adversity has inspired Keely to put her dreams in motion. She has chosen to study Social Work after her experience in foster care at the start of high school when the compassion of carers enabled Keely and her five siblings to stay together. Now she is committed to bringing more equity into the care system, creating space for similar chain reactions of positivity and kindness to take effect. Keely is looking forward to sharing her experiences with her brother Nathan as she connects with fellow change makers as a Ma & Morley Scholar.

Inverell, NSW

Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours)

Luke learned the importance of being open to new ideas from his mother. A refugee from the Croatian War of Independence, she was always meeting and welcoming newcomers to their community in northern NSW. Luke followed suit, volunteering with his local church and school community, where his passion for supporting others grew. He represented his school at the Australian Catholic Youth Festival, helped to produce a theatre production for local actors with disabilities to showcase their talents, and raised funds for Inverell High School’s Student Representative Council. On completing his Pharmacy studies, Luke hopes to become a community pharmacist to help educate and support people to proactively look after their health.

Wallsend, NSW

Bachelor of Computer Science Enabling Pathway: Open Foundation

After fleeing Afghanistan as a refugee, Mohammad’s father spent nine years trying to reunite his family in Australia. Mohammad finally arrived in Newcastle with his mother and five sisters in 2019. Since then, he has embraced opportunities to build community and continue with the education he thought was lost amid the war and weapons of his past. As a member of Hunter Meher Association, he helps Afghan-Hazara people forge friendships, represent Afghan culture and build connections within Australian society. Mohammad’s strong sense of community extends to all marginalised groups. As a volunteer with the Big Issue, he enjoys bringing people of diverse backgrounds together to share a meal and a game of sport. Having successfully completed Open Foundation, Mohammad is looking forward to studying a Bachelor of Computer Science.

Whitebridge, NSW

Bachelor of Commerce

Growing up in Bankstown, diversity and difference played a significant role in Natasha’s upbringing. With Greek and Macedonian heritage on her mother’s side, and Lebanese-Muslim on her father’s, Natasha enjoys rich cultural diversity within her family. She credits her early experience with racism and social inequality with making her the strong person she is today. And despite the added challenge of Covid-19, she was still able to contribute positively to her community by providing mentoring and support to students in disadvantaged areas. As she embarks on her Commerce degree, Natasha is looking forward to building on her passion for social justice as part of the Ma & Morley program.

Lake Macquarie, NSW

Bachelor of Renewable Energy Engineering (Honours) Enabling Pathway: Open Foundation

As a child in a refugee school, Tashi learned the importance of compassion for all living things. Since then, he has dreamed of becoming an engineer and giving back to those facing inequality. While circumstances prevented him from finishing his schooling, Tashi eventually returned to Tibet to be reunited with his family. Since moving to Australia, Tashi has been able to follow his dreams of making a difference. He is currently a regular volunteer with Landcare and after completing Open Foundation, Tashi has also embarked on a degree in Renewable Energy Engineering. He hopes to be one of the first Tibetan engineers to work in renewable energy and hopefully inspire the next generation of his community to follow their dreams to make positive change in the world.

Gloucester, NSW

Bachelor of Psychological Science

Allison is a proud Indigenous woman from the Biripi and Wiradjuri nations. Growing up in the rural town Gloucester on the Mid Coast of NSW, Allison was surrounded by positive role models. Teachers, cultural leaders and family helped her develop a strong connection to her local community and heritage. And despite the challenge of completing high school during a pandemic, Allison has learned that resilience and self-motivation are two of her greatest strengths. Looking ahead, Alison hopes to realise her dream of becoming a nurse to advocate for Aboriginal communities and improve Indigenous health outcomes across Australia.

Raymond Terrace, NSW

Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

Being a teacher is a special gift according to Cailtin. She plans to use her Bachelor of Education (Secondary) to create learning environments where students feel as supported and valued as she did at school – able to learn confidently and reach their full potential. As a keen public speaker, and school captain at Irrawang High School, she had many opportunities to use her voice to advocate for change. From how the media influences stereotypes of Indigenous Australians to highlighting all forms of inequality, she has started many conversations that have contributed to positive social change. Caitlin looks forward to connecting with like-minded people who want to join her in standing up for what they believe in as part of the Ma & Morley program.

Carrington, NSW

Bachelor of Medical Science / Doctor of Medicine Enabling Pathway: Yapug

Jarrod is a proud Kamilaroi-Wailwan man from Gilgandra, with family ties to Gulargambone. His journey to the University of Newcastle has followed an interesting path. Jarrod’s parents always encouraged him to give everything a go regardless of his disability. This positive outlook saw Jarrod embrace many opportunities for leadership through school and his chosen sport of basketball. After graduating from high school, Jarrod worked for three years while playing for the Australian Deaf basketball team. He also helped steer local kids towards a healthy and active lifestyle as a coach with the Aussie Hoops program. Inspired by his cousins Shane, an alumnus, and Jamie, Jarrod applied to the Yapug program with the goal of studying Exercise and Sport Science. He is now studying Medicine to help create positive change for his community and his people.

Callaghan, NSW

Bachelor of Medical Science / Doctor of Medicine Enabling Pathway: Yapug

Kamilaroi man Kobey is passionate about empowering Aboriginal people to proudly represent their culture. As school captain and active member of the Oxley Clontarf Academy, he dedicated much of his time at school to supporting younger Aboriginal students develop their own leadership skills. His transition to studying Medicine in 2022 comes after completing the Yapug programme and a Certificate III Health Services Assistance as a school-based trainee with Hunter New England Health. Spending time with patients at Tamworth Rural Referral Hospital, Kobey saw the barriers many Aboriginal people face when accessing health care. He hopes to break down these barriers and encourage more Aboriginal people to pursue careers in health. Kobey looks forward to continuing his leadership journey through the Ma & Morley program.

The Hill, NSW

Bachelor of Medical Science / Doctor of Medicine Enabling Pathway: Yapug

Levi is ready to take the next step in his medical career. After a decade working as a medical administration officer and registered Aboriginal Health Practitioner, he is embarking on a new path to become a General Practitioner. As a GP, Levi will build on his already impressive experience improving health outcomes among his community. Whilst Levi grew up on Bundjalung Country around Lismore, he is a proud member of the Wonnarua Nation of the Hunter Valley. Inspired by many Aboriginal doctors he has worked alongside over the years, Levi plans to join them as leaders and change makers among Aboriginal communities. He hopes to provide a culturally safe healthcare service particularly for people who face significant social disadvantage.

Dubbo, NSW

Bachelor of Environmental Science & Management

Paycee is a strong Wiradjuri woman with ties to the Murrawarri and Wangkumara nations. Growing up in Dubbo, surrounded by her large family, Paycee always had support around her. This shaped her into a person committed to standing up for those who need extra help. Paycee’s passion for sustainability has seen her make significant changes in her personal life and hold others accountable in lowering our environmental impact. As the sole youth member of the Wiradjuri Technical Advisory Group with Dubbo Regional Council she shared decision-making with key stakeholders, including elders, on important community projects such as the Wiradjuri Tourism Centre. Paycee believes Aboriginal people have an important role to play in her chosen field of Environmental Science & Management. She is committed to driving change by working towards a more sustainable climate future.

Warners Bay, NSW

Bachelor of Education (Primary)

Abbey has always looked for ways to make a difference. After losing her father to cancer when she was ten, Abbey responded by making and selling bookmarks to raise funds for the Leukemia Foundation. Even as a small child with a simple idea, she understood her actions had impact: a perspective she carries forward to this day. Abbey’s many contributions to student leadership at the University of Newcastle include positions as Residential Mentor and Administrative Assistant at Student Living where she creates opportunities for all students to connect and belong. As a teacher Abbey hopes to have a profound impact on the NSW public education system, ensuring that every student in every place is known, valued and cared for.

Coffs Harbour, NSW

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)

The ocean has been a place of refuge for Alex from a young age. Surfing the breaks around Woolgoolga provided a pathway not only for competitive success and global travel, but a way to inspire others. Outside of professional surfing, Alex has shown leadership by sharing his knowledge and passion for the ocean with the broader community as a lifeguard. A desire to help people overcome hardship led him to study Physiotherapy at the University of Newcastle. Having experienced first-hand the inequity present in rural and regional health care, his mission is to help improve access to medical support so more people can reap the benefits of healthy and positive lifestyles.

Merewether, NSW

Bachelor of Nutrition & Dietetics (Honours) Enabling Pathway: Open Foundation

Anouk believes good health starts with what we put on our plates. As an Armenian born in the UK and raised in Egypt, Anouk travelled and worked extensively before calling Australia home. Her global travels fostered her deep respect for all people and cultures. She spent five years working as a dive instructor in Cairns where she advocated for marine conservation and fought for better industry wages. She hopes that studying Nutrition and Dietetics will enable her to help others to eat well to improve their health and live in a more sustainable way.   Anouk is committed to setting a positive example for her son and creating a better world for his future as a Ma & Morley Scholar.

Shortland, NSW

Bachelor of Aerospace Systems Engineering (Honours) Enabling Pathway: Open Foundation

Ben witnessed droughts, bushfires and heatwaves getting worse every year from his hometown of The Rock, NSW. At 16, he joined the Rural Fire Service to help protect his community. During his five-year service, he fought fires and helped people in times of need. The experience of growing up in rural town, where the impact of climate change is keenly felt, made Ben prioritise environmental sustainability in his own life. Through daily actions, such as redirecting timber from landfill while working at a local timber yard to reducing waste at home, Ben may have started small but he is thinking big. He hopes to use his degree in Aerospace Systems Engineering to design an environmentally friendly and reusable means of space travel to provide a sustainable alternative to the chemical rockets used today.

Chittaway Bay, NSW

Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

Erin often views the world through a different lens. She brings her talent for storytelling to share insights about interesting people and cultures and to raise awareness for pressing issues such as drought and societal and systemic violence. Studying to become a teacher has strengthened her belief in the fundamental human right to education. She plans to advocate for integrating cultural understanding into school-based learning for every student. Outside her studies, Erin owns two small businesses with her husband. She hopes to inspire others to push boundaries and challenge the status quo through knowledge and critical thinking. As the first person in her family to attend university, she is already leading by example for her two daughters.

Black Hill, NSW

Bachelor of Laws (Honours) / Diploma of Legal Practice

Lucas dedicates much of his time to serving others. At school he learned the value of servant-hearted leadership and the importance of giving voice to all sectors of the community. He has applied these principles to his time at the University of Newcastle with positions as Student Representative on the University Council and Vice President of Education of the University of Newcastle Law School. As founder and president of the University of Newcastle Poker Club, Lucas has also championed social justice causes and supported local charities like Jenny’s Place, a Newcastle-based women and children’s domestic violence and homelessness service. On completing his studies, he looks forward to upholding these values by providing access to legal services for disadvantaged people.

Merewether, NSW

Bachelor of Science (Honours) / Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

As a child, Lucy absorbed the stories of her grandfather. A doctor, naturalist and explorer, his incredible adventures centred around the natural world. With almost four years of scientific education behind her, Lucy is acutely aware of how different the world appears now as we grapple with the effects of climate change. Through her honours studies, she has learned how to use the scientific language of data and evidence to help inform appropriate social, political and environmental solutions to combat these global issues. Alongside her studies, Lucy still finds time for her other wide-ranging interests. This includes experience as a globally ranked top 50 equestrian competitor, a volunteer at the Maitland Regional Art Gallery, a violin teacher and disability home care worker. She looks forward to connecting with people who share her passion for creating positive change in the world as a Ma & Morley Scholar.

Cooks Hill, NSW

Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Computer Systems Engineering (Honours)

Max believes that integrating our cities into biodiverse habitats will create healthier, more sustainable places to live. As a member of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) Newcastle and as a volunteer for Food Not Bombs Newcastle, Max helps lead and develop grassroots action on climate issues and provide community care and mutual aid for those in need. He views climate change as both a social justice and environmental issue that needs to be addressed on many levels to ensure nobody is left behind in the bright future we are creating. Working alongside his fellow volunteers and likeminded activists inspires Max to keep going when problems seem overwhelming. As a Ma & Morley Scholar, he looks forward to meeting community leaders and creating a network that will help achieve positive change together.

Gunnedah, NSW

Bachelor of Science

Savanna grew up on a property outside of Gunnedah where stunning landscapes were the backdrop to daily life. As a child on a stock and cropping farm, surrounded by animals and immersed in nature, she learned the importance of looking after our ecosystem and its vital role in her family’s livelihood. By prioritising environmental sustainability in her own life, she hopes to help tackle climate change on a broader scale. Savanna understands that while we are in the same storm, we are not in the same boat. By studying Environmental Science majoring in conservation and biodiversity she hopes that sharing her knowledge will help different communities weather the storms of the future together.

Kew, NSW

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)

Competing at national level in robotics empowered Shae to push limits and discover new technologies and ideas within the field of engineering. It also opened her eyes to the many inequalities that exist for regional competitors working with limited resources and fewer opportunities. Shae hopes to give back to this area in future so that budding engineers and robotics enthusiasts in regional areas can have the same opportunities to enhance their future as their city counterparts. Also a passionate hockey player, Shae competes in many high-level teams and volunteers as a coach to teach kids of all ages and abilities the great lessons of sport. Her goal is to become a physiotherapist to help people achieve optimal health and lessen the burden of chronic disease on the health system.