2025 CAS Hawker Scholarship presentation all scholars Frances Adamson website

Henchliffe twins make C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship history

Burgmann residents Thomas and Nicholas Henchliffe have made history as the first twins to be awarded the prestigious C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship in the same year.

Each brother received a C.A.S. Hawker residential scholarship valued at up to $75,000 disbursed over three years, in recognition of their accomplished academic records, exemplary moral character, and demonstrated leadership capabilities.

Thomas is studying a Bachelor of International Security Studies with plans to transfer to a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) in 2026, and Nicholas is pursuing both a Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics and a Bachelor of Finance.

In a private award ceremony held in May at South Australia’s Government House, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC, Governor of South Australia, presented framed scholarship certificates to this year’s C.A.S. Hawker Scholars.

‘Congratulations to the 2025 scholarship recipients. Your academic results and civic contributions show you are on a pathway to leadership befitting the example set by the scholarship’s namesake, the South Australian pastoral pioneer, veteran and federal parliamentarian, C.A.S. Hawker’, said Her Excellency.

The Henchliffe twins exemplify outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and service, setting a remarkable precedent for future C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship candidates and embodying Burgmann's values of selfless service and giving back.


Thomas 'Tom' Henchliffe.


Thomas ‘Tom’ Henchliffe is known for his commitment to various activities, including being a serious debater and public speaker, a talented drummer, a sailor, an environmentalist, and a proactive community volunteer. He was an Evatt Model UN participant and served as the College Co-Vice Captain in his senior year at Prince Alfred College (PAC) in Adelaide, where he and Nicholas attended before coming to ANU and Burgmann. He was awarded the Headmaster's Medal in 2024, the highest possible student award at PAC for commitment, service, and leadership.

Notably, Tom demonstrated exceptional courage during a critical incident during the school’s 2024 sailing program, likely saving a young man's life, and his modesty in the aftermath highlighted his character. He was awarded the Year Twelve Special Prize for Character, Service, and Leadership in 2024.

Tom believes that his Bachelor of International Security Studies, along with his future transition to a Bachelor of Laws, will enable him to tackle complex legal problems and advocate for others. He envisions a career as a senior public servant in areas such as diplomacy, development, intelligence, or trade, and expresses a desire to enter federal politics in the future.

Nicholas 'Nic' Henchliffe.


Nicholas ‘Nic’ Henchliffe was appointed a College Prefect, House Captain, and Captain of Debating in 2024 at Prince Alfred College. In 2024, he was awarded the Todd Golding Medal for the Best Speaker in the South Australian Debating Team, while facilitating conversations with younger boys about the treatment of young women and female staff at PAC, which staff reported as having a positive impact on the community.

Nic received the ADF Long Tan Leadership Prize, and Co-curricular Honours for Debating, the school’s highest award for co-curricular achievement, which recognises both individual talent alongside service and leadership.

He was part of the South Australian Schools’ Debating Team in 2022, 2023, and 2024, winning South Australia’s first national title in 26 years at the 2023 National Schools’ Debating Championships. In 2024, he was named Best Speaker for the State Team.

He has been involved in the Evatt Model UN, reaching the SA final in 2021 and 2022 and winning in 2023. In 2024, he competed in the Bond University High School Mooting Competition, where his team placed third and Nic was awarded Best Orator.

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