The Sir Roland Wilson Foundation welcomed 2023 Sir Roland Wilson and Pat Turner scholars at a Commencement Dinner last night.

In 2023, 11 Sir Roland Wilson and Pat Turner scholars commence their studies at The Australian National University (ANU) and Charles Darwin University (CDU).

• Conrad Buffier, Sir Roland Wilson scholar from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
• Lynette Caruso, Sir Roland Wilson scholar from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
• Ronald Fujii, Sir Roland Wilson Pat Turner scholar from the Torres Strait Regional Authority
• Emily Hitchman, Sir Roland Wilson scholar from the Department of Home Affairs
• Andrew Perusco, Sir Roland Wilson scholar from the Department of Health and Aged Care
• Monty Pounder, Sir Roland Wilson scholar from the Department of Home Affairs and Trade
• Maathu Ranjan, Sir Roland Wilson scholar from the National Disability Insurance Agency
• Matthew Smith, Sir Roland Wilson scholar from The Treasury
• Dana Volker, Sir Roland Wilson scholar from the Attorney-General’s Department
• Rachel Wawra, Sir Roland Wilson Pat Turner scholar from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Jennifer Wheeler, Sir Roland Wilson scholar from the Department of Defence.

Sir Roland Wilson Foundation Chair, Dr Martin Parkinson AC PSM, welcomed the new scholars.

“All of you, through your research and your studies, will make a significant contribution to public policy, academia and the nation,” Dr Parkinson said.

“You’re now in the unique position to add to the repository of knowledge the Australian Public Service needs to continue the development of best-practice policy.”

Dr Parkinson encouraged scholars to make the most of their time on scholarship, in particular the new connections they will forge.

“I know I speak for many of our existing scholars when I say the connections you will form with your cohort, other public servants and academics over the life of your scholarship are truly second to none, and they are vital for getting through the road blocks and challenges you will face, and overcome, during your studies.

Sir Roland Wilson scholar Maathu Ranjan is the first scholar from the National Disability Insurance Agency and spoke on behalf of the commencing scholars.

“I’m excited to be starting this scholarship journey with my fellow cohort of future public policy leaders,” Ms Ranjan said.

“We come from diverse backgrounds, areas of interest and perspectives but are united in our shared journey of making a tangible contribution to the lives of Australians through public service.

“I feel privileged to have been given this opportunity and am grateful to be standing on the shoulders of the giants who have paved the pathway before me.

“I am looking forward to making the most of this opportunity, to building my skills, knowledge and networks, and to contributing to evidence-informed public policy.”

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

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