31- 03- 2023
Greetings and welcome to our fifth edition of Monash Minds for 2023. This year the Foundation is thrilled to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the first cohort of John Monash Scholarships being awarded.
This milestone presents an opportunity to reflect on the Foundation's legacy and the remarkable contributions made by our Scholars to the communities they serve. It also provides the occasion for forward-thinking, as we consider new opportunities and solutions for the future. To mark this celebration, the Foundation has set an ambitious goal of raising $20 million for 20 years of impact, bringing us closer to assuring John Monash Scholarships will continue with substance, in perpetuity. We invite you to join us in supporting the next generation of Australian leaders.
For more information, please click here.
In this week's edition, we are pleased to feature a Scholar research paper on the opposition to hydropower projects in Cambodia, as well as opinion pieces written by John Monash Scholars that delve into various global issues. Additionally, we invite you to tune in to our Scholars podcast for an episode featuring an awe-inspiring account of climbing Mt. Everest. We hope you enjoy these inspiring stories of the impact of our John Monash Scholars.
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Arlie McCarthy, 2017 David Turner John Monash Scholar, has been accepted as a Marine Biologist on the prestigious leadership development program for women scientists and Antarctic expedition, Homeward Bound.
Arlie’s research explores human impacts on marine environments, especially in polar regions. Her interest is in animals like mussels, barnacles and crustaceans that live on the seabed or on human structures like ships and her current research focuses on the risk of introducing non-native marine species to Antarctica, especially via biofouling on ships.
We spoke with Arlie about her professional journey since receiving the John Monash Scholarship, this new opportunity and what leadership means to her.
Prioritising the rights and best interests of children in law reform |
Hannah Gandy, 2022 Victorian Government John Monash Scholar, has written a piece about the need to prioritise the rights and interests of children in law reform for The Policymaker, a digital publication of the James Martin Institute for Public Policy.
Hannah discusses how Queensland’s new bail laws will infringe on the human rights of children and explains why a better approach that understands the needs of vulnerable children is necessary.
Hannah is passionate about improving the lives of young persons through law and policy, in areas including policing, education and criminal law. She has worked on a range of programs to reduce youth and social disadvantage within the School Partnerships Program, Legal Action for Afghanistan, Banyule Youth Services, the Fair Work Commission and across a range of youth and social services organisations. With her John Monash Scholarship, Hannah is completing a Master of Laws Specialising in Social Justice at University College London.
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Dustin Barter, 2019 Australian Universities’ John Monash Scholar, has co-authored a research paper exploring opposition to hydropower projects in Cambodia. The paper focuses on reformist versus confrontationist civil society and activists, examines problematic sustainability agendas and the need to challenge the ideology that justifies damaging hydropower projects grounded in practice.
Dustin is undertaking a PhD in Development Studies at the University of Cambridge, examining dynamics between international institutions and civil society in Cambodia and Myanmar, with a specific focus on contestations of land and water. He has worked in the aid sector for more than a decade in Asia and Africa with national and international organisations, across the humanitarian, peace and development sectors.
How will Australia pay for the AUKUS Submarines? Lieutenant Matthew Newman proposes a solution
Lieutenant Matthew Newman, 2022 Zelman Cowen John Monash Scholar, wrote an opinion piece for the Australian Strategic Policy Institute on the possibility of a Nuclear-Powered Submarine Future Fund to pay for the AUKUS program.
“An investment in advanced undersea capabilities serves the broader strategic aims of both the UK and the US.”
Passion at the heart of musician’s performance
Earlier this month Violinist Peter Clark, 2021 Judith Neilson Foundation John Monash Scholar ‘Social Innovation and Cohesion’ performed in the Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra’s premier season of Viennese Vogue - Mozart Clarinet Quintet, Schubert and Hummel.
In an article published by the Australian Arts Review, Peter’s performance as Violinist was described as “wearing his delight in the music on his sleeve, swooning over phrases, ending others with extravagant flourishes, frequently smiling encouragement and approval to his colleagues, who, relaxed and confident in their playing, were happy to respond.” The Foundation is immensely proud of Peter’s performance as he continues to lead his work with a great sense of passion, dedication and gratitude.
Peter Clark has been performing with the Australian Romantic and Classical Orchestra since 2018 and tutors at the Young Mannheim Symphonists education programs. A leader and innovator in the arts, Peter holds a steadfast belief in the importance of creating new Australian music. He has been engaged as concertmaster for significant premieres of ‘Oscar and Lucinda’ (Sydney Chamber Opera) and ‘Lorelei’ (Victorian Opera), as well as appearing with the New Zealand Opera and the Darwin Symphony Orchestra. With his John Monash Scholarship, Peter is completing a Doctor of Musical Arts at City University of New York.
Image L-R: Peter Clark (violin), Julia Russoniello (violin), Daniel Yeadon (cello), Nicole van Bruggen (clarinet) and Simon Oswell (viola) – photo by Hikari Photography
PODCAST: What it is like to climb Mt. Everest with Dr Nikki Bart
In this new episode, we speak with Dr Nikki Bart, 2010 John Monash Scholar, about her work as a Cardiologist and her adventures as a professional mountaineer.
Dr Bart is a world record holder for being part of the first ever mother-daughter team to climb Mt. Everest. Upon reaching the top, they also became the first mother-daughter duo to complete the Seven Summits, climbing the highest peak of every continent in the world.
As part of her John Monash scholarship, Dr Bart completed a Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Oxford which looked at the study of oxygen deprivation and the clinical implications on the body.
Listen here
VIDEO: 'Fashion Beyond the Frontier' at Federation Square by Jessica Coldrey
Jessica Coldrey, 2021 Victorian Government John Monash Scholar, had her video installation, 'Fashion Beyond the Frontier' showcased at Melbourne's Federation Square.
The artwork draws on the symbol of the "frontier" to critique outdated ideals that drive the push for progress. Through a retro-futuristic visual language inspired by 1960s space-age fashion, 'Fashion Beyond the Frontier' questions societal values and the consequences of extending our exploitative tendencies to off-planet resources in the pursuit of profit-driven space exploration.
“It was an immense honour to exhibit my work in such a culturally significant location, where millions of people from all over the world visit each year.”
Watch here