Alumni making unique contributions across the public service

Sir Roland Wilson and Pat Turner alumni gathered with senior Australian Public Service (APS) and Australian National University (ANU) leaders for the Sir Roland Wilson Foundation Alumni Networking Reception last week.

Keynote speaker, incoming Sir Roland Wilson Foundation Chair Dr David Gruen AO, acknowledged the unique contributions alumni are making across the Australian Public Service.

“Alumni should be proud of their varied and influential contributions across the public service and beyond. You are committed to progressing evidence-informed policy and programs wherever you find yourselves,” Dr Gruen said.

“Using the best available evidence is a hallmark of a high-functioning public service.

“This practice improves the effectiveness, efficiency and equity of public administration, and leads to better economic and social outcomes.

“Good evidence helps to increase transparency and accountability. Meaningful translation of that evidence for policymakers leads to stronger decision-making and better outcomes for Australians.”

At the reception, Sir Roland Wilson alumna and Board member Dr Cathy Fussell acknowledged outgoing Board member, Dean of the College of Asia and the Pacific, Professor Helen Sullivan.

Over her six years of contributions to the Board, “Helen has been a loud champion of scholars and the scholarship, and research and policy collaboration,” Dr Fussell said.

“Helen recently cited the scholarship program as an outstanding example of public sector and academic collaboration.

“The program is underpinned by a Board that exemplifies academia and public servants working together to deliver shared outcomes. Helen has been a valued and thoughtful member, and it is clear she cares deeply about the program and scholars’ success.”

The Sir Roland Wilson scholarship is a three-year, full-pay scholarship for PhD research at ANU for high performing EL1 and EL2 APS employees.

The Pat Turner scholarship is a one-to-three year, full-pay scholarship for any level of postgraduate study at ANU or Charles Darwin University for high performing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander APS 4 to SES Band 1 APS employees.

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Image: Grace Goodwin/GGoodwin Media