Speeches
Tuesday, 29 April 2025
Reception for 2025 John Monash Scholars
Rod and I warmly welcome you all to Government House to celebrate the 2025 South Australian John Monash Scholars.
It is my pleasure to support the work of the foundation in nurturing the talent of the next generation of South Australian leaders.
The General Sir John Monash Foundation was established in 2001 with a bold mission – to encourage academic excellence amongst our brightest young Australians, and in doing so, foster their leadership abilities and their capacity to contribute to Australian society.
This mission is in fine tribute to General Sir John Monash, an exceptional Australian whom, in addition to his remarkable military service, used his personal skills and his qualifications in engineering, arts, and the law for the betterment of the broader community.
By providing our most promising young leaders the opportunity to study overseas at distinguished institutions and then working with them on their return, the foundation does a great service not only to its scholars as individuals, but to the advancement of Australian society.
South Australia benefits greatly from the contribution of your alumni to our state.
Recent alumni are working to ensure water security for our state, to address challenges in the energy sector as it pursues decarbonisation, at the intersection of health, society, technology and food, and other endeavours.
A number of South Australian alumni are also based interstate and overseas; creating a network of individuals of distinction and influence who proudly call themselves South Australian.
One of the great strengths of the John Monash Scholarships is that they are forward‑looking, supporting scholars to develop knowledge and skills to address the significant challenges and opportunities we see ahead of us as a society.
They serve a powerful purpose in laying the foundations of our future success as a state and nation.
I congratulate the 2025 John Monash Scholars, whose areas of study will be of great benefit to South Australia[1]:
- Georgia Dallimore, studying a Masters of Science in Space Systems – we look forward to your continued contributions to Australia’s space sector upon completion of your studies;
- Dr Daniella Nolan, studying a Master of Climate Change and Planetary Health – we wish Dr Nolan all the best as she transitions from her work as a medical doctor to one in public health, supporting our society through the health challenges associated with our changing climate;
- And Rhona Hamilton, who will pursue a PhD in photonics and nanotechnology. We trust her work will help us understand better the biology of the brain, including Alzheimer’s Disease, the most common cause of dementia worldwide.
Friends,
I thank the board and staff of the General Sir John Monash Foundation for their selection of this year’s scholars, and for overseeing the scholarship program, as well as its Leadership Academy.
I am also pleased by the foundation’s efforts to engage with students reflecting the breadth of Australian society in terms of diversity of age, gender, ethnicity and educational opportunity.
I thank everyone here today, including generous supporters and diligent partners, whose support makes the work of the foundation possible.
You are making a substantial contribution to building a better future for our state and nation.
Congratulations once again to our scholars. May your pursuits bring you great fulfillment, while also growing South Australia’s reputation for excellence.