For the first time in the history of the C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship, four Burgmann College residents were named C.A.S. Hawker Scholars. The newest scholarship recipients were announced on 8 June 2018 during a special ceremony at the Australian War Memorial.
Since 1990, the Trustees have awarded more than $6 million dollars to 122 young Australian students, including a significant number from regional areas. A number of successful Hawker scholars have also completed part of their degree when they apply. The four successful 2018 candidates were awarded Hawker Scholarships from a strong field of 180 applicants.
The four 2018 Charles Hawker Scholarship ANU recipients are Miss Nathalie Johnstone, Mr Solomon Jones, Miss Jennifer Kerr and Ms Olivia Turner.
Nathalie Johnstone was educated at Trinity College, Gawler (SA). Nathalie is enrolled in Bachelor of Law (Hons) and Policy Studies degree courses. Solomon Jones from Longford (VIC) was educated at Gippsland Grammar, Sale (VIC) and he is enrolled in Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) and Commerce degrees.
Miss Jennifer Kerr from Canberra (ACT) was educated at Radford College (ACT) and is enrolled in the Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy & Economics and Bachelor of Arts degree courses. Ms Olivia Turner from Burpengary (QLD) was educated at Clayfield College (QLD). Olivia is enrolled in Bachelor of Political Science, Philosophy & Economics and Bachelor of International Studies degrees.
Director of the AWM Dr Brendan Nelson AO presented the four new Charles Hawker Scholars with their scholarship certificates.
“These four young outstanding students have displayed a strong commitment to the splendid ideals upon which the Charles Hawker Scholarship Memorial Trust Fund was founded. They are gifted scholars who will make significant contributions to their chosen fields of endeavor,” Director of the Australian War Memorial Dr. Brendan Nelson AO said.
Mrs Lilias Needham established the Charles Hawker Scholarship in memory of her brother Charles Allan Seymour Hawker. Today, each of these residential scholarships is valued at up to $60,000.00 over three years. It is one of the most generous privately funded scholarships available to undergraduate and postgraduate students in Australia.
Forty friends and family, College representatives, current Hawker Scholars and Trustees of the C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship attended the function at the AWM.
There are a number of scholarships awarded each year. The Trustees offer them to capable students of principle and character, who are committed to Australia’s future.
The Charles Hawker Scholarship perpetuates the memory and commemorates the achievements of one of Australia’s most respected pastoral pioneers. Born on 16 May 1894, at Bungaree homestead near Clare in South Australia, Charles Hawker was educated at Geelong Church of England Grammar School and Trinity College, Cambridge. Student, soldier, pastoralist and statesman Charles Allan Seymour Hawker died in the Kyeema air disaster on 25 October 1938. 2018 is the centenary of the end of WW1 and the 80th anniversary of the death of C.A.S. Hawker.
Undergraduate and postgraduate Hawker Scholars are able to attend a range of educational institutions, including the ANU. Postgraduate Hawker Scholars are also able to follow in Charles Hawker’s footsteps and study at the University of Cambridge UK.
'Charles Hawker had a lasting impact on Australian politics, and all members of the federal house had enormous respect for him during his time as Australia’s first Minister for Commerce in the Lyons government in the 1930s.
'He was a great Australian who offered his best through his commitment to his country, countrymen and women and democracy; these are values I hope the 2018 scholarship winners take with them into their studies. Through his example and these scholarships it’s my hope that public service will be included in the career options of a number of the current recipients.
'C.A.S. Hawker was a truly remarkable man and a great Australian. This scholarship is a fitting tribute to his memory, and each of these four scholars is a much-deserved recipient,' former Speaker of the House of Reps and Hawker family member the Hon David Hawker AO said.
Selection is based on personal qualities as well as academic ability. Applications for the Charles Hawker Scholarships typically open in December. An application form and further information is available from www.hawkerscholarship.org.
