The 2023 Scholars were welcomed to the University through a two day Welcome Program, where Scholars were able to connect with each other, as well as the values of the Program. Big thanks to our Scholar facilitators – Georgia Young, Mitch Whaley, Emily Strauss, Jasmin L’Green & Brent Cassidy!
Stage 1 Scholars gathered after the first week on campus for 2023.
Scholars were connected to some of the University services on offer, such as the Careers service, Learning support and Library Services.
Judy Morley invited Scholars to attend the International Women's Day dinner hosted by the Union of Australian Women, NSW at Club Charlestown. Seven Scholars joined Judy and the Ma & Morley team for a wonderful night with guest speakers, Jodie Harrison, State Member for Charlestown and Leanne Holmes, National Organisaing and Coordinating Director for the Railway, Tram and Bus Union.
Inspiring conversations & a long way yet to go for gender equality.
3 MARCH
Stage 3 Scholars (and some keen Scholars from other stages!) met to gain an overview on how to plan and implement their Action Projects. Thanks to all the Scholars who shared their projects & ideas
You have what feels like a million assignments due, how on earth are you going to fit in another project?
• Don’t feel overwhelmed – you may already be doing something that could be built on as an Action Project (think: work, volunteering or an existing Uni project?)
• Pick something you’re passionate about & it won’t feel like a project at all!
• The purpose of the Action Project is to provide an applied experience to build your leadership skills & confidence – this is something you can talk about when applying for your dream role!
• Start by researching your ideas and benchmark against projects that already exist or could inspire your own work. If there are local projects in the area that are similar to your own project concept, could you reach out to understand the ways you can contribute to a pre-existing project?
• PLAN! Define your objectives Explain the scope Schedule & prioritise tasks.
• Come along to an Action Project drop-in session to collaborate, share ideas & check on your progress. Keep on eye in the ‘Action Projects’ Slack channel for updates on sessions.
Kieran Shipp and James Burt’s Action Project, in collaboration with Thurru Indigenous Health Unit.
Initially Kieran and James were quite reluctant to add another task to their already very busy 4th year Medicine schedule. After some encouragement by Maryanne, the boys decided they wanted to make sure that their project was meaningful and had impact in an area relevant to their passion: Indigenous health and the next wave of Indigenous medical students. Their project has evolved over time with new doors opening, through collaboration with the Indigenous Health Unit at UON known as Thurru. The original idea was to build upon the podcast that they did for the Ma & Morley digital zine, where they spoke about their journeys into medicine. That idea has now grown to involve a digital promotional tool for potential Indigenous medical students. The promotional tool will include interactive pathways relevant to indigenous people from different backgrounds, pathways and journeys. They understand that not everyone has taken the same road and they want to highlight this with real life examples. This will be done through personal stories, in both video and audio formats. Users will have the chance to click on someone’s story who most closely resembles them, and will be able to follow their journey through medicine. The hope is that once the many different journeys are highlighted, more Indigenous people will be inspired to pursue a career in health.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey getting to University.
Hi, my name is Jamie. I am a Physiotherapy student who became a Ma & Morley Scholar in 2023. Ten years ago, I came to Australia without thorough planning, expecting to spend just one year exploring the country. Little did I know how much that decision would shape my life. (Funny thing is, these days I’m all about making plans and sticking to them :D)
When I first landed in Brisbane, I only had enough money for two weeks’ rent. To support myself, I took on a variety of jobs, such as cleaner, butcher, warehouse worker, construction laborer, carpenter, and cabinet maker. However, constantly changing careers was quite overwhelming, but it taught me resilience and adaptability. Fast forward to 2022, I embarked on a new journey as a university student. Looking back, I couldn’t be more confident that it was the best decision I’ve ever made. If the younger me knew that I’d still be studying in Australia after ten years, I would have hesitated to come. However, the experiences I’ve gained over the past decade—my work, friendships, university, and scholarship—are far more valuable than my achievements. These irreplaceable memories have shaped who I am today, and I can’t wait to see what the next chapter of my story holds.
What is something about you that most people wouldn’t know?
After graduating high school, I had aspirations of becoming a dancer. So, I joined an amateur Kpop dance group and practiced with them for a few months. I was pretty serious about it until my first stage performance, when I realized I wasn’t exactly gifted in the dancing department. People in the audience even pointed and laughed at me. It’s a hidden memory that I don’t often share.
What is your favourite thing to do outside of Uni?
Typically, when I go outside of the university, it’s to run to the beach. I love running at Bar Beach, where there’s a beautiful 6km track along the shoreline.
What is your favourite quote?
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
Recommended Read: What are you currently listening to, watching or reading?
I like to read bible chapter proverbs. They are really short chapters and like a treasure trove of practical advice and wise teachings on how to live a fulfilling and morally upright life.
Scholarship payments are made on a pro-rata basis, which means you get paid based on the number of units you do. As the Ma & Morley Scholarship Program, we have an understanding that our Scholars’ unique circumstances and responsibilities don’t always allow for full-time study. Life will throw curve balls! To accommodate this, we allow students to study any number of units per semester, and we make payments based on each semester’s course load. Please reach out if you have any questions
Because payments are made prior to you completing your units, if you are to withdraw from a course after Census date or if you fail a course, you will have been overpaid for completed units. The overpayment for that withdrawn or failed course will then be deducted from your next payment. This means if you withdraw or fail a 10-unit course, and study 40 units the next semester, you will only be paid for 30 units of study.
You must always let the program team know if you are on a path to failing any of your courses. This enables us to help you navigate the options open to you and also help you with any support services you might need. Please let us know with plenty of timing, so that we have more options to offer you!
Make sure that you’ve finalised your enrolment –dropping courses after the Census date will incur a financial penalty from the University. Reach out if you have questions.
13-14 APRIL
Stage 2 Scholars will attend a two day workshop facilitated by Polykala, to explore a model of leadership that will be applicable to their chosen careers – Polykala’s Leadership Intensive challenges the notion of leadership, generates insight and offers tools to catalyse growth. The intensive is delivered with an emphasis on experiential learning modes, inspired by the creative arts and Harvard’s Art & Practice of Leadership Development Program. Note: 2021 Scholars who missed out on last year’s Leadership Intensive are welcome to attend this year – please reach out to Maryanne or Katie.
21 APRIL
One day on-Country immersion for Stage 2 & 3 Scholars. Scholars will travel to Darkinjung Country.
• Ma & Morley Scholar & VP for the UNLSA, Aleisha Bailey is holding a panel on the 27 th of March at NUspace & online to discuss Indigenous specific law experience opportunities.
• iLead is holding an evening with Niav Owens, sports journalist and UON alumna. Hear about Niavs’ fascinating career and learn the importance of authentic storytelling and building your brand as a leader.
ABC’s Q&A episode: Rights, Refugees & Fighting for Fairness. Available on ABC iview
Tell me again by Amy Thunig.
Amy is an alum of the University of Newcastle and proud Gomeroi/Gamilaroi/Ka milaroi woman.
Amy is also speaking at the upcoming Newcastle Writer’s Festival – check it out here.
Episode 3 of Good Will Hunters
podcast: More than a Voice with Joe Morrison
Available on Apple or Spotify podcasts.
Remember – Support is available when you need it!
Careers service –
Level 3 of the Shortland (US) building (upstairs from Subway). Open Monday to Friday from 9am-4.30pm, with the drop in service available during these hours. Visit the website to book an appointment for career counselling, interview preparation, mock interviews, or LinkedIn profile reviews.
Mental health support –
The University offers a range of free services, including face to face or online counselling.
Visit here to see what support is available.
Academic Learning Support –
Academic Learning Support can help to develop skills such as planning your study, reading, notetaking or academic writing.
Visit here for more information or contact
learningsupport@newcastle.edu.au
