News

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

Menzies Foundation Board Director and Molecular biologist Doug Hilton crowned Melburnian of the Year

When Doug Hilton accepted a job as a researcher in a blood cancer lab at Melbourne’s Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research as a university student in the mid-1980s it was love at first sight. “It sounds really weird, but I just fell in love with the place,” the molecular biologist and Melburnian […]

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New partnership with MedTech Actuator will drive Australia’s future growth

Australia has long punched above its weight in scientific production. The most recent figures from the OECD ranked Australia 9th globally in 2015. We must continue to build capacity to commercialise this scientific production to support a strong Australian economy – and recovery. The Menzies Foundation and the MedTech ActuatorTM have partnered to do just

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School Improvement: working in this way has helped me empower other learners and other leaders

Teacher Magazine, Jo Earp – 17 September 2020 Featuring  Menzies School Leader Fellow, Karen Snibson and key collaborator Angela Mina, leadership coach and executive consultant. **From Teacher magazine, I’m Jo Earp and you’re listening to another episode in our series on School Improvement. We’re going to be talking about leadership coaching today. My guests are

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Menzies Oration Series presents Creativity with constraints with Dr Tina Seelig

In a post-COVID world, how do we pivot to unlock creativity and innovation to build a brighter future? Dr Tina Seelig, a world-renowned Stanford University Professor, speaker and best-selling author on innovation, entrepreneurship and creativity is the 2020 University of Melbourne Menzies Orator. Drawing on insights from a workshop with a group of Australia’s next

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2020 Menzies School Leader Fellowship applications postponed

Unfortunately, due the impact of Covid-19 and pressures now upon the Education system, the 2020 Menzies School Leader Fellowship application process has been postponed until early 2021. Further updates to follow. Menzies School Leader Fellowship Program The Fellowship is led by a multi-sector collaboration comprised of school leaders, their school and corporate, philanthropic and university

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ANU Ninian Stephen Cyber Law Program – Enrol now!

Calling all commercial lawyers! We have a CPD course upcoming in October on the intersection between the law, cyber and technology focusing on data and privacy with Andrew Ray, Damian Clifford, ANU Cyber Institute and Menzies Foundation. Places limited! Enrol here The program will explore the challenges of resolving transnational legal cyber security and risk

ANU Ninian Stephen Cyber Law Program – Enrol now! Read More »

Four ways COVID-19 philanthropy is helping to navigate the crisis

The community is facing rough waters due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Andrew Sadauskas examines four ways Australian philanthropy is helping. “We have decided to completely close our next two funding rounds and seek invitation-only applications.” The COVID-19 crisis has seen Australian philanthropy sail into stormy and uncharted waters. The pandemic has created a wave of

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Menzies Foundation Board welcomes Australian fashion retailer, business leader, philanthropist and patron: Naomi Milgrom AC

Naomi Milgrom AC was recently named recipient of the our country’s highest honour, the Companion to the Order of Australia for eminent service to the community through philanthropic leadership and support for the promotion of the arts, architecture, design excellence and cultural exchange, and to business. Naomi is the Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer

Menzies Foundation Board welcomes Australian fashion retailer, business leader, philanthropist and patron: Naomi Milgrom AC Read More »

Released: 2019 Menzies School Leader Incubator – Impact and Evaluation Report

Menzies Foundation is delighted to release the first Impact & Evaluation Report and ACER Background Literature Review of the Menzies School Leader Fellowship Program. The Menzies Foundation is focused on raising the profile and importance of ‘outstanding’ leadership for Australia. We do this by identifying leadership challenges and supporting catalytic initiatives to build leadership capability.

Released: 2019 Menzies School Leader Incubator – Impact and Evaluation Report 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.