Latest news and updates from the Menzies Foundation on leadership, community, and social impact.
The students might be off for their summer break, but this just marks the start of ‘work’ of the creative kind for their teacher Nick Vines. The accidental teacher is embracing the dual world of practical teaching and pursuing his esoteric musical creativity, which seems to have become his preferred mix. Nick is the only […]
Nick's dual career the way of the future Read More »
For those who want to understand potential early inspiration for a career in science, Dr Ken Pang remembers an already blossoming interest in medical research being cemented by a school holiday program run by the CSIRO. He found himself at the Baker Institute in a lab exploring what happens when the small intestine of a
A career ripe with possibilities Read More »
A tribute to the Menzies Family and the role they played in the small rural town of Jeparit – birthplace of Sir Robert Menzies – was the feature of the Menzies Square redevelopment, officially opened last week. The Menzies Square redevelopment, funded by the Hindmarsh Shire, Victorian State Government and with additional funds from the
Menzies Square captures old and new in Jeparit Read More »
This year’s Menzies Centenary Prize-winner, Andrew King, had a special medal presentation when he went back to visit his old school last week and give the students of Dimboola Memorial Secondary College (DMSC) a taste of life at Mannix College at Monash University. The young engineering student had his medallion presented by the eldest grandson
Alec Menzies presents Menzies Centenary Prize Read More »
Imagine reducing the need for invasive gut tests like colonoscopies or developing bacteria in your gut which could help manage your own inflammatory conditions. These are some of the potential futures for patients with inflammatory bowel disease being explored in Dr David Riglar’s research at Harvard Medical School and the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired
Shaping the future of science Read More »
The International Cytokine and Interferon Society (ICIS)* has awarded NHMRC/RG Menzies Fellow Dr Si Ming Man, with the Milstein Young Investigator Award for 2016. The Award is given to scientists who have made an impact on interferon and cytokine research early in their careers (and who have received a PhD or MD within the previous
Milstein award for Dr Si Ming Man Read More »
An exploration of Sir Robert Menzies’ role in the Maralinga nuclear tests has won young Biruk Kahsay from St Monica’s Catholic Primary School in Footscray, Melbourne, the Menzies special category prize in the National History Challenge. Coming from an Ethiopian background, Biruk had a lot to learn about Australia’s history and chose to focus on
Atomic Dust wins Biruk the Menzies history category Read More »
Training programs to help physiotherapists and other health professionals support adults with disabilities identify and participate in sporting activities, will be boosted by a Menzies Alumni Community Leadership Grant. Disability Sports Australia and 2005 Menzies Research Scholar in the Allied Health Sciences, Dr Leanne Hassett, have been awarded a grant to run two pilot training
Increasing sports participation for adults with disabilities Read More »
Understanding the circadian cycles of immune cells and the genes that control them may play an important role in combating and treating inflammatory and chronic diseases. In the same way that when we suffer from jetlag we don’t function properly, when circadian cycles are disrupted in immune cells or organs such as the liver, they
Deciphering cellular immunity around the clock Read More »
The death of his brother’s team mate on the soccer field led Professor Jamie Vandenberg, Menzies Scholar and Deputy Director of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Centre in Sydney, to think about how he could combine his professional expertise and his passion to help players stay active in soccer for longer. Jamie had started providing
Scholar supports Heartbeat of Football 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.
