News

Latest news and updates from the Menzies Foundation on leadership, community, and social impact.

2022 MedTech Actuator Menzies Fellows announced

Two Australian researchers have been announced as 2022 MedTech Actuator Menzies Fellows. Congratulations to Dr Warwick Nesbitt and Dr Gregory Stewart who are set to transform their research impact. In partnership with the Medtech Actuator, the Foundation is incubating a ‘talent investor’ approach which supports high potential science entrepreneurs to transition from institutional contexts and navigate […]

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Impact investment leader joins Menzies Foundation Audit & Investment Committee

The Menzies Foundation is delighted to announce that Sam Richards, Managing Director, Brightlight has joined the Menzies Foundation Audit & Investment Committee. Strategically, the Menzies Foundation is in the process of building an impact framework across all facets of its work. Since the launch of the Foundation’s strategic platform in 2018, significant work has been done

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Announcing the next cohort of MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholars

The MedTech Actuator and Menzies Foundation are thrilled to announce the second cohort of MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarships. The scholarship supports emerging scientists and researchers on their pathway to an impact-driven career fusing science, research, and entrepreneurship. After an overwhelming response to our call for applications – we were three times oversubscribed – MedTech Actuator

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The search is on for the next cohort of MedTech Actuator Menzies Fellows!

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.10.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.10.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.10.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.10.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”] After a successful start to the 2021 cohort, MedTech Actuator and the Menzies Foundation are excited to announce the second cohort of MedTech Actuator Menzies Fellowships in 2022.  are now open for 2022 MedTech Actuator Menzies Fellowships. Two high-potential medical or

The search is on for the next cohort of MedTech Actuator Menzies Fellows! Read More »

Not for Profit Executive: Matt Tyler joins the Menzies Foundation Board

The Menzies Foundation is delighted to announce Not for Profit Executive, Matt Tyler, will join the Board. Mr Tyler is the Executive Director of The Men’s Project at Jesuit Social Services, where he is committed to providing leadership on the reduction of violence and other harmful behaviours prevalent among boys and men. Board Chair, Peter

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Menzies Foundation Board welcomes leading ASX director Siobhan McKenna

The Menzies Foundation is pleased to announce businesswoman Siobhan McKenna will join the Board. Ms McKenna is Executive Chairman of Foxtel, Fox Sports and Australian News Channel (owner of Sky News Australia). She is also a director of Illyria Pty Ltd, Nova Entertainment, and two ASX-listed companies Woolworths and listed investment company AMCIL. Chair of

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Menzies Foundation Board Director: Frances Maguire awarded OAM in Queen’s Birthday honours

**Published in Blue Mountains Gazette, written by Jennie Curtain Activism called Frances Maguire at an early age. “As a child I noticed the different way that males and females were treated. I felt that this was an injustice,” she said. The thought remained with her until her young adult years, when, with groups of other

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More money, more impact? Not necessarily

Published in Pro Bono Australia – Maggie Coggan | 13 July “Philanthropic capital has the potential to drive catalytic systems change in ways that other money doesn’t” Despite Australia’s top philanthropic organisations doubling the amount they’re giving away over the past five years, the sector faces immense challenges in funding activities that achieve lasting change, new

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MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarships now open

Are you a researcher in MedTech, BioTech or HealthTech looking to explore entrepreneurship and commercialisation? Do you have a research project with market translation potential? Apply now for 2021 MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarships! After an outstanding pilot cohort, MedTech Actuator and Menzies Foundation are launching a second call for 2021 MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarships. Applications are

MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarships now open Read More »

Philanthropy: The Continued Journey to Real Impact and Better Practice

Upcoming Webinar, in partnership with Philanthropy Australia – Wednesday 23rd June 2021 Never has there been a more important time for grantmakers and grantseekers to better understand best practice and reflect on how we might do things differently to maximize impact. I am delighted to be joining my colleagues Dr Jodi York, and Kate McKegg

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Natasha Eskinja

Digital Communications Coordinator

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.

LinkedIn | natasha.eskinja@menziesfoundation.org.au

Sarah Jenkins

Strategic Communications Manager

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

Director, Strategy and Partnerships

Rohan has 15 years’ experience in facilitating cross-sector collaborations to address complex social and health challenges.  He has worked with the World Economic Forum in Australia, led an international conflict resolution field team in Nepal, and directed a 10-year £40m initiative to reduce health inequity in London.

Most recently, Rohan was Major Grants Development Manager at the Ian Potter Foundation.  He refined the foundation’s major grants strategy, and co-developed a series of large scale initiatives, including joint philanthropic-government funding for a new national organization to support place-based approaches across Australia.

Rohan has held several non-executive roles, including with an international NGO and with London Funders, the peak body of independent foundations in London.  He holds several qualifications including a graduate degree in innovation and strategy from the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.

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

Operations Manager

A marketing and communications specialist with over 20 years experience in government, corporate and consumer marketing, Trudy brings her adaptive and organisational project management skills to the Menzies Foundation team. 

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. 

Trudy is passionate about leadership and all people being encouraged to reach their full potential through research and educational initiatives and opportunities throughout Australia. A skilled and accomplished writer and editor Trudy is enthusiastic about bringing her variety of skills to the Menzies Foundation team. 

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

Liz Gillies

Chief Executive Officer

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’.

Liz joined the Melbourne Business School in 2009 and was instrumental in establishing the Asia Pacific Social Impact Centre (APSIC) and The Centre for Ethical Leadership. In November 2011 she was appointed as research fellow to lead a partnership focused on strategic philanthropy which culminated in the release of the reports: Philanthropy: Towards a Better Practice Model (2018) and the Philanthropy: The Continued Journey to Real Impact and better Practice (2021).

Liz has extensive governance experience, having served on the Board of the Publish Galleries Association of Victoria, Social Firms Australia, Uniting Care Community Options, United Way Australia and the Development Committee of the Towards a Just Society Foundation. She is currently on the Philanthropy Reference Group of Barmal Bijiril and a Director of Philanthropy Australia.

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

Natasha Eskinja

Digital Communications Coordinator

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.