Speech to the Winston Churchill Trust Fellows Onboarding Day, Canberra
To the Churchill Fellows of 2024, congratulations.
Today, you join a quite remarkable family of well over 4,000 alumni.
People who have applied their curiosity, creativity and intelligence to identifying the best global solutions to local problems.
And given so much of themselves to the progress of our nation.
From its beginnings, the Winston Churchill Trust has acted as a repository for the evolving priorities, needs and interests of Australians.
The history of these fellowships gives a panoramic view of a country in a state of rapid and dynamic change.
In the mid-1960s, the first cohort of fellows began their journeys across the globe.
Year on year, they returned home to apply what they learned.
Challenging and, ultimately, helping to overturn the dominant influence of unassailable distance on our identity and relationship with the world.
The optimistic, vibrant and modern Australia of today emerged from that era.
And, now, as successors to the inquiring, striving and courageous Churchill Fellows of nearly 60 years ago, you make a similarly profound contribution to the progress of our nation.
The passion and curiosity you bring to your quest for new knowledge is an example of the care, kindness and respect that is the best of Australia.
In the broadest fields of arts and sciences, you apply your brilliance to improve all our lives.
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It is a pleasure to be back in Canberra after the visit of the Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
For five days, it was my privilege to witness their kindness and generosity, and their deep affection and admiration for Australia.
For all Australians, this was an historic encounter between a modern King and the best of modern, optimistic Australia.
During their visit, Their Majesties participated in two important roundtables.
The first, at Government House in Canberra, was attended by the Queen and addressed domestic and family violence.
The experts at the table – researchers, professionals and women with lived experience – shared their insights and ambitions for a world free from violence against women and girls.
The second roundtable, at Admiralty House in Sydney, introduced the King to senior business and industry representatives for a discussion on issues of sustainability.
The theme was inspired by the King’s Sustainable Markets Initiative, which challenges the private and public sectors to accelerate the transition to a sustainable future.
On both occasions, I was struck not just by the exchange of ideas and expertise, but by the energy generated by the give and take of respectful dialogue.
Clever, passionate people learning from one another and collaborating on shared goals is a failsafe guarantee of progress.
Churchill Fellowships are designed for fellows to be immersed in international best practice.
But, as you travel, you take your experience and insights with you, and share them with the world.
You participate in a global conversation of huge potential and tremendous optimism.
Setting no limits to eligibility or subject matter, Churchill Fellowships cross borders, disciplines and cultures.
When everything is up for discussion, and everyone is invited to the table, the opportunities for discovery are truly limitless.
I am looking forward to learning more about the projects of 2024.
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Before concluding, I would like to join the Fellows of 2024 in congratulating the Winston Churchill Trust for establishing this onboarding program.
As you all know, a globalised world is a competitive place.
Fast-paced and demanding, it is full of distractions and competing priorities.
Recognising that you face unique contemporary challenges, today’s program offers so much to equip you to maximise the impact of your important projects.
The benefits are sure to endure long after the final reports have received and celebrated.
I wish you all the very best on your journey and, as your Patron, I look forward to learning about and celebrating your achievements in the years ahead.