News

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

Six innovative leaders from Victorian government, Catholic and independent schools join the challenge in School Leadership

The 2021 cohort of Menzies School Leader Fellows have been announced. Exploring the leadership question “How might we build a pipeline of school leaders equipped to lead collective efficacy in increasingly complex and challenging contexts?”, the Menzies School Leader Fellowship Program is out to tackle the wicked problem, requiring collective minds to understand what can […]

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Set up to fail: Australian-first study reveals how science start-ups are suffering from broken system with overwhelming barriers to commercialisation

At a time when pioneering US, UK and European science entrepreneurs are pandemic-proofing the world, Australia’s science start-ups are floundering – with none featuring in the nation’s current top 25 start-up lists. New Menzies Foundation research released today reveals how Australia’s fractured approach to supporting science start-ups is stopping new discoveries reaching market and potentially

Set up to fail: Australian-first study reveals how science start-ups are suffering from broken system with overwhelming barriers to commercialisation Read More »

How Not-For-Profits Can Secure Their Financial Future in the Wake of COVID-19

The coronavirus pandemic has exposed the shaky financial foundations of the not-for-profit (NFP) sector. But there is a way to create a more sustainable future, according to Menzies Foundation director Harvey Kalman. The not-for-profit sector supports individuals, fosters communities, and champions Australia’s democratic society. But without a laser-like focus on finances, this crucial work isn’t

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Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia honours Menzies Foundation CEO, Liz Gillies

2020 will likely go down in the history books as “The Covid-19 Year”. The significant impact of this pandemic has been felt far and wide and will continue to influence life for years to come. The need for strong leadership in times of uncertainty is vital, with this global pandemic requiring leaders across all sectors

Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia honours Menzies Foundation CEO, Liz Gillies Read More »

Inaugural 2021 MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarships announced.

Photo Credit:https://mattirwin.com Ten high-potential health, medical and biotechnology researchers have been selected to each receive a 2021 MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarship – supporting them to develop a career that fuses science, research, and entrepreneurship. The researchers and scientists are about to embark on a 3-month scholarship, where they will gain knowledge from leading industry experts,

Inaugural 2021 MedTech Actuator Menzies Scholarships announced. Read More »

Fellowship program to reform school leadership – Applications open!

As published in Education Matters – February 2021 Fellowships will be awarded to five innovative principals and assistant principals from Victorian government, Catholic and independent schools. The fellowships are being delivered by the Menzies Foundation together with a multi-sector collaboration group, including the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). Following a successful pilot fellowship program,

Fellowship program to reform school leadership – Applications open! Read More »

Next generation tissue building & regenerative medicine for neural repair

Inaugural MedTech Actuator Menzies Fellow Associate Professor Jeremy Crook is developing a world-first neural repair medical technology to improve the lives of people living with neural tissue damage as a result of illness or trauma. Neurons or nerve cells are key players in our brains and nervous system. Everything that we think, feel, and do

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A message from the CEO

Like many of us, the Foundation has had a challenging year. COVID-19 has presented many obstacles and has had a significant impact on our partners. This has delayed several of our initiatives whilst at the same time allowing us to consolidate the strategies that underpin the work and deepen our relationships with these partners. We

A message from the CEO Read More »

Researchers join inaugural MedTech Actuator Menzies Fellowship

Congratulations to Dr Chris McCarthy and Associate Professor Jeremy Crook on their appointment as inaugural MedTech Actuator Menzies Fellows. The MedTech Actuator Menzies Fellowships are valued at $70,000 each and will provide Chris and Jeremy with tailored mentoring from commercialisation experts, a $20,000 stipend and access to the MedTech Actuator™. The fellowship unlocks the potential

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2021 Menzies School Leader Fellowship Program – taking applications 1 February 2021!

Menzies Foundation together with key collaborators, are delighted to announce the Menzies School Leader Fellowship Program will be commencing the application process for the 2021 Cohort from 1st February 2021. These 5 Fellowships will be available to Principals and Assistant Principals throughout the state of Victoria. More information to follow including the link to the application.

2021 Menzies School Leader Fellowship Program – taking applications 1 February 2021! Read More »

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.