40 years on – reawakening a strong, knowledgeable Australia in Menzies’ name

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The Menzies Foundation has used the occasion of its 40th anniversary to look back at achievements and to usher in a new era with some significant
changes to its strategic direction.

Today is the 40th anniversary of the announcement of a memorial to Sir Robert Menzies by then Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser.

Menzies Foundation Chair, Peter Jopling AM QC, speaking at a 40th anniversary dinner at the Melbourne Museum, said the Menzies Foundation wanted
“to re-imagine and reawaken Sir Robert’s vision for a strong, knowledgeable Australia.

“We have a 40-year track record of backing outstanding Australian leaders who are willing to tackle intransigent problems – from mental health, cancer
and autism, to global human rights issues and the depletion of natural resources.

“On the occasion of our 40th anniversary we have reflected on how the Foundation can meaningfully contribute to the constructive dialogue to
build a more successful nation. And it is that future we want to focus on if the Foundation’s work is to remain of value and benefit to the Australian
community of the 21st century,” Mr Jopling said

The Foundation has outlined three new areas of focus: entrepreneurship in science, leadership in our schools, and guiding Australia’s
response to complex global legal issues.

Mr Jopling said the Foundation was committed to raising the profile and importance of support for

Australian entrepreneurial science and technology start-ups.

“Over the next decade we will support a number of science entrepreneurs by establishing an incubator network and building a resource pipeline to support
these start-ups to go to market and then to scale.

“In doing this we will build a greater understanding of what helps and hinders Australian science and technology start-ups. We will work with the science,
business and government sectors to share knowledge about the opportunities, barriers and impediments in this space to help others.

“Our second area of focus is leadership in education.We aspire to dramatically improve student outcomes by enhancing leadership capability
in Australia’s education sector,” Mr Jopling said.

The Foundation will soon release details of a partnership with the Graduate School of Education at the University of Melbourne.

The third area of focus sees a reshaping and modernising of the law scholarship named in honour of Sir Robert and former Governor General, High Court Justice,
and Chair of the Menzies Foundation, the Right Honourable Sir Ninian Stephen.

The Sir Ninian Stephen Menzies Scholarship in Law will enhance Australia’s capacity to grapple with complex global issues.

“We have sought to identify what are said to be the most pressing legal issues confronting Australia to ensure our scholars develop a practical capability
to deal with such issues and share their knowledge widely.” Mr Jopling said.

“For the next three years, the Sir Ninian Stephen Menzies Scholarship in Law will focus on the legal implications of cybersecurity breaches
for the nation. Cybersecurity breaches have grave implications for our citizens and community, the government and business sector.We very much look
forward to our scholars making an important contribution in this field of endeavour.”

Mr Jopling, who was an associate of Sir Ninian, said he would have been intrigued by the complexity of this rapidly growing international challenge. The
Honourable Justice Susan Kenny, also a former associate of Sir Ninian’s will chair the scholarship selection committee. The scholarship will open for
applications later in 2018.

“Like our namesake, the Foundation is committed to supporting leadership initiatives to make a difference. We will continue to strive for a stronger, more
informed and knowledgeable Australia,” Mr Jopling said.

To mark the 40th anniversary, the Menzies Foundation has also released ‘Taking the lead: 40 stories of impact’ focusing on the achievements of
many of its scholars and fellows as well as the significant contribution made to the establishment of the four Menzies health and medical research
institutes.

From peacekeeping in Iraq to leading research into finding the cure for Motor Neurone Disease or helping parents and children on this autism spectrum by
identifying their symptoms early, the Menzies Scholar and Fellows continue to make their mark as Australian leaders.

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Natasha Eskinja

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Natasha is driven by a profound passion for both creativity and analytics, a synergy that fosters authentic storytelling in the digital realm with both innovation and integrity. 

Throughout her career, she has consistently integrated the overarching marketing and communications narrative with the emotional connections of audiences. She is currently pursuing a Certificate in Society and the Individual from Flinders University, furthering her exploration of human behaviour and the critical importance of connectedness between organisations, individuals, and communities.

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Sarah Jenkins

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Sarah has more than 18 years’ experience in communications and marketing leadership across a range of sectors.

Communications strategy and organisational growth is a continuing theme in Sarah’s career. Most recently, she leads the development of a Leadership Movement, evaluated by Menzies Viral Co-efficient Model; a contribution to the NFP. 

Sarah’s early career centred around best practice in marketing and communications which later culminated into the establishment of her very own agency. This work extensively spanned across PR, traditional media, event management, strategy, digital marketing, graphic design and business development consultancy. 

In 2019, Sarah joined the lean and robust team at the Menzies Foundation. She has since crafted the Foundation’s narrative and communication strategy. The development of this strategic communications platform is essential for ‘movement building’ and requires a strong strategic, management and communication skills set. Sarah has brought so much to this important work, which sits at the forefront of communication practice. 

Sarah continues to contribute to the NFP sector through her commitment to Purpose; as she reflects on her own leadership, builds her own leadership capability and contributes to the greater good. 

LinkedIn | sarah.jenkins@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0401 880 071

Rohan Martyres

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When Rohan isn’t exploring Melbourne’s creeks with his partner and 6yo daughter, he’s working on his currently weak Australian accent (after 15 years in the UK).

LinkedIn | rohan.martyres@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0404 505 954

Trudy Morrison

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With a BA degree in Public Relations, Trudy began her career with the City of Melbourne and in magazine publishing, before moving into marketing communications consulting. She has worked in strategic marketing leadership roles with retail brands and enjoys juggling many projects and tasks simultaneously. Her skills were further enhanced when managing her own communications business representing industries across private education, financial services, aviation, government and the health industry. 

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LinkedIn | trudy.morrison@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0402 361 878

Liz Gillies

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Liz Gillies has had over 25 years experience in a range of fields focused on initiatives for social impact. She has held roles in multiple sectors and academia.

In 2018, Liz was appointed CEO of the Menzies Foundation which aspires to build a leadership movement that supports Australians to pivot to purpose, build their leadership capability and contribute to the ‘greater good’.

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LinkedIn | liz.gillies@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0416 112 703

Natasha Eskinja

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Natasha is driven by a profound passion for both creativity and analytics, a synergy that fosters authentic storytelling in the digital realm with both innovation and integrity. 

Throughout her career, she has consistently integrated the overarching marketing and communications narrative with the emotional connections of audiences. She is currently pursuing a Certificate in Society and the Individual from Flinders University, furthering her exploration of human behaviour and the critical importance of connectedness between organisations, individuals, and communities.

natasha.eskinja@menziesfoundation.org.au