Latest news and updates from the Menzies Foundation on leadership, community, and social impact.
Menzies scholar Associate Professor Anina Rich has recently been elected to the Executive Committee of the Global Young Academy (GYA), which brings together young researchers to address global problems. Working alongside experts from around the world, Anina is the only Australian on the committee. “I’ve been a member of the GYA since 2015, and it’s […]
Giving research a global voice Read More »
Back youth and take some risks was the advice of Sir Gustav Nossal AC, CBE, FRS when speaking recently about the Menzies Foundation’s new strategic approach to supporting entrepreneurs in science and technology. Sir Gus put his impeccable science credentials on display while speaking at the Menzies Foundation’s 40th anniversary dinner in a fireside chat
Take some risks to back entrepreneurial young Australians Read More »
Photo courtesy Dimboola Courier Hard work and enthusiasm has paid off for Dimboola Memorial Secondary College (DMSC) student Sam Polack, who has received this year’s Menzies Centenary Prize. Each year the Menzies Foundation awards the $10,000 prize to an exceptional graduate from DMSC, a small school in country Victoria, to contribute to the cost of
Dimboola student comes out a winner Read More »
The Directors, Council and staff of the Menzies Foundation have expressed their sadness at the passing of Professor John Coghlan AO, who served as Executive Director of the Foundation for over 10 years from the late ‘90s. Professor Coghlan had a range of senior roles with the Howard Florey Institute with which he was associated
Vale Professor John Coghlan AO Read More »
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,
40 years on – reawakening a strong, knowledgeable Australia in Menzies’ name Read More »
The Menzies Foundation will relaunch its Sir Ninian Stephen Menzies Law Scholarship later in 2018 with a focus on a pressing global legal issue: cyber security. Here, University of Melbourne law student and Menzies Philanthropy Intern, Charlie Summons, outlines the pressing need for a considered focus on protecting our data. “There are two types of
Shining a light on cyber security Read More »
New research on better practice models in philanthropy will help shape the way the Menzies Foundation tracks its impact. Menzies Foundation CEO, Liz Gillies, who is also an Honorary Fellow at the University of Melbourne’s Asia Pacific Social Impact Centre, was the lead author of the Philanthropy: Towards a Better Practice Model report released this
New impact framework to track our progress Read More »
The following story is from our publication Taking the lead: 40 stories of impact Protection of our environment and its natural resources is an enduring issue, but a number of Menzies scholars are directing their careers, and using their expertise and passion for sustainable practices, to ensure our world becomes cleaner, healthier, greener, and more
Discoveries for a better future Read More »
It’s often said that great leaders must “walk the talk”, and this is certainly something Serena Rae Thompson is striving to do. Serena is mentoring Year 7 students at the Melbourne Indigenous Transition School (MITS) through a 12-month Menzies Indigenous Mentoring Fellowship. MITS is home to 22 Indigenous girls and boys from far-north Northern Territory
Learning through leadership Read More »
The nephew of Sir Robert Menzies, successful CEO, business coach and mentor, John Menzies, has joined the Menzies Foundation Board, taking the baton from Diana Menzies. Having dedicated 10 years’ service to the Board, Diana felt it was time to step down and allow for other family input. Diana expressed gratitude toward the people who
Passing the Menzies baton Read More »
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.
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 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
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 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 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.
