As we approach the end of the year, I extend warm season’s greetings to our community. This is traditionally a time for reflection, gratitude and connection, and this year those feelings are tempered by shared and profound sorrow. We join Australians across the country in mourning the lives lost in the tragic attacks at Bondi, and we hold the victims, their families and all those affected in our thoughts. This was a devastating attack on Australia, a country built on diversity and multicultural acceptance.
Since joining the General Sir John Monash Foundation in June, I have been struck by the strength, purpose and generosity of this community. It has been a remarkable period of growth and achievement for the Foundation and a privilege to witness the impact of our scholars and supporters firsthand.
Earlier this year, we welcomed at Government House, Canberra our 2025 cohort of John Monash Scholars, who are now immersed in their studies around the world. In the latter half of the year, we announced our 2026 cohort, bringing the total number of John Monash Scholars to 300. Like those who have come before them, the 2026 Scholars will pursue studies in areas critical to Australia’s future, including engineering, medicine, defence, robotics and sustainability.
A standout moment was the 2025 John Monash Oration, delivered by the Hon. Arthur Sinodinos AO and generously hosted by Commonwealth Bank. Drawing on his experience as Australia’s former Ambassador to the United States, Mr Sinodinos spoke powerfully about the need for adaptability and leadership in a rapidly changing global order. Dr Trung Ton (2017 Susan and Isaac Wakil Foundation John Monash Scholar) delivered the Scholar Reply, reflecting on these themes and the enduring relevance of General Sir John Monash’s legacy for our Scholar community.
In September, we were delighted to bring scholars and alumni together in Copenhagen for the 2025 Regional Symposium. The value of these gatherings was clear: early-career Scholars gained insight and guidance from those further along their journeys, exchanging ideas, building connections and sparking new collaborations with our more established alumni across Europe and the UK.
We were also proud to welcome the generous support of the McCusker Charitable Foundation, Hansen Little Foundation and Katrina Dawson Foundation, alongside a commitment from the Government of South Australia. This marks a significant milestone, with support now coming from every mainland Australian state government.
The year concluded with fireside chats in Melbourne and Sydney, where scholars and alumni came together to reflect, share perspectives and strengthen the bonds that define this community.
Looking ahead, we are excited to officially present the 2026 Scholars to the Governor-General at Government House, Canberra, in early March. This will also mark the beginning of their Leadership Academy induction, ahead of their overseas studies.
I am sincerely grateful to everyone who supports our scholars and advances the mission of the Foundation. For a more detailed overview, I invite you to read our Annual Report for FY2024–25.
The Foundation will be closed from Monday 22 December to Friday 2 January for the holiday period. We wish you a safe and restorative break and will respond to enquiries when we return on Monday 5 January.
With warm regards and season’s greetings,
Ross Youngman
Chief Executive Officer
General Sir John Monash Foundation
