Latest news and updates from the Menzies Foundation on leadership, community, and social impact.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing with unprecedented speed, moving from theoretical promise to everyday reality in our courts, businesses, and communities. Its impact will be profound, not only in how we work and live, but in how we understand truth, fairness, and human dignity. The critical question before us is not what AI can do, […]
Australia’s Moral Compass in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Read More »
School leaders today are navigating an environment more complex than ever before. In classrooms and communities across Australia, the challenges are mounting: Rising student disengagement and absenteeism. Deepening inequities in access to resources and outcomes. Growing pressure on teachers, with recruitment and retention crises. The demands of digital transformation and AI reshaping learning. The broader
Leading in Complexity: Why Schools Need a New Approach Read More »
By Sarah Jenkins, Menzies Leadership Foundation In a grievance age, leaders are not remembered for the volume of their messages, but for the fairness of their actions. Walk into almost any public forum in 2025, a town hall meeting in regional Australia, a corporate all-staff briefing, a climate rally, or even a school assembly and
Leading in a Grievance Age Read More »
Episode 6, A Purposeful Edge: Leading in Uncertainty What does it mean to lead for the greater good in an industry under constant scrutiny — and where the stakes are life and death? In this episode of A Purposeful Edge: Leading in Uncertainty, Dr Peter Collins is joined by Linda Mellors, CEO of Regis Aged
Leading Through Crisis: The Private Sector’s Role Read More »
Across the Kimberley, Indigenous women are not just starting businesses — they are reshaping what economic development means for Australia. These ventures aren’t built in boardrooms. They are born from cultural knowledge, lived experience, and a deep commitment to Country and community. But while these women lead from the front, the systems designed to support
Bridging the Gap: How to Support Indigenous Women Entrepreneurs in the Kimberley Read More »
Episode 5, A Purposeful Edge: Leading in Uncertainty When communities are divided and trust is eroded, leadership must do more than manage — it must heal.In this episode of A Purposeful Edge, Dr Peter Collins speaks with Paris Aristotle AO, CEO of Foundation House, to explore the difficult but vital work of rebuilding social cohesion
Rebuilding Social Cohesion: A Fractured World Read More »
Episode 4, A Purposeful Edge: Leading in Uncertainty When systems fail to care for those who need them most, leadership must carry both moral weight and emotional depth. In this episode of A Purposeful Edge: Leading in Uncertainty, Dr Peter Collins is joined by Rachel Green, CEO of SANE, to explore what it means to
Mental Health Leadership: The Long Haul of Reform Read More »
Episode 3, A Purposeful Edge: Leading in Uncertainty When technology races ahead and tradition digs in its heels, leadership must become the bridge — strategic, ethical and deeply human. In this episode of A Purposeful Edge: Leading in Uncertainty, Dr Peter Collins is joined by Terri Mottershead, Executive Director of the Centre for Legal Innovation,
Transforming the Law – A Digital World Read More »
The Menzies Leadership Foundation is proud to announce that Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, has accepted an invitation to serve as the Foundation’s official Patron. This esteemed patronage represents a significant milestone in the Foundation’s enduring commitment to cultivating outstanding leadership for the greater good. Her
Honouring Leadership: Patronage of the Governor-General Strengthens Foundation’s Mission Read More »
Unlocking science for the greater good requires more than innovation. It demands leadership, trust, and systems-level thinking. When we first came together in 2020 to launch the MedTech Actuator Menzies Fellowship and Scholarship programs, the question wasn’t simply how to help scientists commercialise their research. It was broader and deeper: how can we prepare a
Leadership Meets Innovation: How Collaboration Fuels Commercialisation 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.
