Welcoming our next 100 Westpac Scholars

Four years ago, Westpac Bicentennial Foundation started as an idea – a $100 million gift to the nation to mark Westpac’s 200th anniversary. The gift was in the form of 100 scholarships a year, forever. 

 

Since then, together with Australia’s leading universities, Westpac has awarded almost 350 scholarships valued at over $16 million to some of the brightest minds who have the potential to help shape a better future for all Australians.

 

Last week the next 100 Westpac Scholars were officially welcomed into the Westpac 100 Scholars Network at the annual Westpac Scholars' Summit, in Sydney. 100 individuals from various parts of Australia came together for two days of connection, celebration and inspiration.

 

Addressing the Scholars, Susan Bannigan, CEO Westpac Bicentennial Foundation, said: “We see in you the potential to find new and better ways to contribute to Australia’s progress across technology, social issues and our engagement with Asia.

 

“I have this real sense, over the years to come, that when people hear the term Westpac Scholar, that they’ll know exactly who we mean – people from all walks of life, with a belief in something bigger than themselves, a drive to make a difference, and a generosity of spirit to help others.”

 

Over the two days the scholars took part in a series of active learning and networking sessions. Holly Ransom, CEO of Emergent and 2017 Westpac Scholar Bronwyn Sheehan, founder of the Pyjama Foundation shared their learnings and wisdom through the annual Imagination Lecture series. The Scholars also heard from Westpac Group CEO, Brian Hartzer who recognised their achievements at the annual celebration event held at the Australian Museum, a highlight of the Summit program.

 

Big congratulations to our 2018 Westpac Scholars, welcome to the network!  

 

_{Published 18 April 2018}