- New Geoff Gallop John Monash Scholarship for outstanding university graduates
- Inaugural recipient is UWA graduate and former Perth Modern student Anish Badgeri
- Scholarship allows university graduates to undertake postgraduate studies at top overseas programs
The Cook Labor Government's new scholarship for outstanding university students, the Geoff Gallop John Monash Scholarship, has named its inaugural recipient - The University of Western Australia alumnus Anish Badgeri.
Currently head of the learning community at Shenton College in Perth, the scholarship will allow Anish to pursue a one-year Master of Education Leadership course at University College London.
The perpetual Geoff Gallop John Monash Scholarship has been funded by the Cook Government in recognition of the former WA Premier, with an outstanding Western Australian to be awarded the scholarship every year by the General Sir John Monash Foundation.
Anish attended Perth Modern School in Perth before studying at The University of Western Australia as a Fogarty Scholar, where he completed a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) and received a New Colombo Plan Scholarship to pursue an immersive honours research program in Taipei.
In 2019, Anish completed his Master of Teaching (Secondary) degree at the Australian Catholic University as part of a Teach for Australia scholarship.
Recipients of the Geoff Gallop John Monash Scholarship will receive a contribution of $80,000 towards tuition and living expenses per year of study, up to a maximum of $240,000 for three years of study, in addition to travel support.
The scholarship will be granted to recipients whose field of study will benefit Western Australia, and the State's goals for community resilience, equity and sustainability into the future.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"My Government is proud to support this scholarship, which is to be granted to recipients whose area of study will have a positive impact on Western Australia and those who live here.
"Education is an investment in our future, and forward-thinking collaborations like this one are important to make progress in overcoming the challenges that we have a real duty to face.
"With a focus on fields of study that benefit teaching, nursing, disadvantaged communities or regional WA, it is fitting that this scholarship is named after exceptional and compassionate former Western Australian Premier Geoff Gallop, who prioritised working alongside the community to solve problems.
"Congratulations to the inaugural Geoff Gallop John Monash Scholar, former Perth Modern student Anish Badgeri. I look forward to seeing his future achievements."
As stated by Education Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"I would like to congratulate Anish on this outstanding achievement.
"I am very pleased our Government is supporting the John Monash Foundation to establish a perpetual fund for the Geoff Gallop John Monash Scholarship.
"I encourage our best and brightest postgraduate students to consider applying in the coming years, and I look forward to witnessing the benefits the scholarship will bring, not only to individuals, but to the great State of Western Australia."
As stated by Dr Geoff Gallop:
"I'm greatly honoured to be recognised in this way, believing as I do in education and all that it brings to our community."
