11- 11- 2022

On Remembrance Day today, we acknowledge the courage and sacrifice of those who served for their country and acknowledge our responsibility to work for the peace they fought hard to achieve. During times of war, individual acts of heroism occur frequently and only a few receive official recognition.

By remembering all who have served, we recognise their courage and integrity to conquer hardships taken upon themselves so that we could live in peace. We asked Major Nathan Johnson, 2018 Pratt Foundation Commemorative Defence AAA John Monash Scholar, Lieutenant Hannah Phelps, 2021 Chairman's Circle John Monash Scholar and Captain Amrinder Ghuman, 2021 ANZAC Centenary John Monash Scholar what Remembrance Day means to them. 

“Remembrance Day is an opportunity for us all to commemorate the men and women who sacrificed their lives for Australia in war. We reflect not just on World War I, but the heroism, courage and determination of uniformed personnel in all conflicts. This year I will join the National Service of Remembrance in London and reflect on the legacy of Australians who died in service of their country.” - Major Nathan Johnson

“Remembrance Day is a time of reflection. It is an opportunity to remember those that have made the ultimate sacrifice in any aspect of service, and to appreciate all men and women who serve today. It is also a time to reflect on the brutality of war and the lasting impacts it has across all borders and generations.” - Lieutenant Hannah Phelps

“For me, Remembrance Day is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the sacrifices that were made by my forebears in building our nation. It's also serves as a renewing force for a personal challenge, to live up to ideals they fought for.” - Captain Amrinder Ghuman

Jessica Coldrey, 2021 Victorian Government John Monash Scholar, has made a series of postcards to encourage young Victorians to get outdoors and volunteer in the state’s many parks. Jess says she was inspired to make the postcards – which incorporate 3D scanning, painting and collage – following a conversation with park rangers. 
Read more here. 

Why career change is scary and how to overcome your fears

May Samali, 2014 NSW Government John Monash Scholar, was featured on ‘The Job Hunting Podcast’ with host, Renata Bernarde, to discuss the element of fear when it comes to a career change and how to overcome this.
Watch and listen here. 

At the end of October, a group of John Monash Scholars travelled from around the UK to meet up for dinner in Oxford. The group brought together many of the 2022 cohort, who only began their studies one month earlier so had exciting experiences and new-found understanding of the UK system to share. Those who had travelled up from London stayed the night with Oxford-based Scholars and enjoyed sightseeing (and an early run) around Oxford on Saturday. Regular Scholar meetups have helped to build the international John Monash Foundation community, which often lead to interesting collaborations and opportunities for scholars to support one another. 

_{L-R: Dr Isabel Hanson, 2022 BHP John Monash Scholar; Dr Georgia Behrens, 2022 Roden Cutler NSW John Monash Scholar; Lieutenant Matthew Newman, 2022 Zelman Cowen John Monash Scholar; Dr Laura Dryburgh, 2022 Chairman's Circle John Monash Scholar; Natalie Meiklejohn, 2022 Zelman Cowen John Monash Scholar; Professor Harrison Steel, 2016 Roden Cutler NSW John Monash Scholar; Milan Gandhi, 2022 Lee Liberman John Monash Scholar; Darcy Dunn-Lawless, 2022 Australian Universities' John Monash Scholar; Phillipa (Darcy's partner); Rebecca Keeley, 2022 Tim Fischer John Monash Scholar; Paddy (Rebecca's partner).}  

In the media

Dr Rosie Dawkins, 2007 John Monash Scholar, was featured in First Nations Telegraph for her extensive work with Aboriginal communities through a partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) in their ophthalmology clinic. 

Sarah Schwartz, 2019 Roden Cutler NSW John Monash Scholar, published an Op-Ed in The Age on the harms of punitive and profit-driven healthcare in Victoria’s prisons and the impact on First Nations people she works with at the Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service .