Scholars supported to drive positive change

Six students from the University of Adelaide have been awarded prestigious Westpac Scholarships for 2023.  

Postgraduate students Harry Spurrier (PhD Organisational Psychology) and Jessica Freund (Master of Clinical Psychology) were awarded exclusive Future Leaders scholarships.  

The Future Leaders scholarship aims to support individuals who are undertaking postgraduate study that will ultimately make a difference to Australia in technology and innovation, fostering Australian-Asian ties, reducing Australia's environmental impact, and creating a more inclusive country.  

Asian Exchange scholarships were awarded to Clare Peterson, (Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of International Development), Piero Jaksa (Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours)/Bachelor of Science), William Day (Bachelor of International Relations/Bachelor of Laws) and Flynn Wedd (Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of International Relations).  

In addition to undertaking up to two semesters of study in Asia, the Asian Exchange scholarship will allow students to also undertake internships, volunteering opportunities and language courses. 

Future Leaders scholar Harry Spurrier said this was an incredible opportunity.  

“Being a Westpac scholar fills me with a lot of confidence and a feeling that a lot more is possible,” Mr Spurrier said.  

“Being part of a community of supportive and ambitious people is quite exciting. 

“As part of my studies, I aim to explore teams, culture, and workplace environments and how these can be improved to facilitate the employment of people with disability. 

“A key part to this problem is effective communication and confidence around disability across all stakeholders.  

“Being a Westpac scholar fills me with a lot of confidence and a feeling that a lot more is possible."Future Leaders scholar Harry Spurrier

“My focus for my PhD will be how we can facilitate change to communication and confidence through unique solutions such as inter-team digital communication.” 

Each year, Westpac Scholars Trust awards 100 new scholarships to university students with the passion and ambition to drive positive change.  

The University of Adelaide is one of 14 Westpac Scholars Trust university partners across Australia. There have been 33 previous Westpac scholarship winners from the University of Adelaide since 2016.