Reception for the General Sir John Monash Foundation to celebrate the 2026 John Monash Scholars

The 25th Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia; 24th Governor of Queensland, the Honourable Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO; General Sir John Monash Foundation, CEO Mr Ross Youngman and Members of the Board; Vice Chancellor of QUT, Professor Margaret Sheil AO; friends and supporters of the foundation, scholars, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by also acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here tonight.

As Governor and Patron of the General Sir John Monash Foundation in Queensland, I am delighted to welcome you to Government House this evening to celebrate four remarkable Queenslanders who have been selected as part of the 2026 cohort of John Monash scholars: Mr Liam Heffernan, Dr Lucas Hu, Mr Luke Heeney and Ms Georgia Leak.

These talented and inspiring individuals are among a group of 18 outstanding young Australians to be awarded one of our country’s most prestigious postgraduate scholarships this year, enabling them to continue their studies abroad, further develop their leadership potential and expertise across a range of diverse fields, and – over time - make significant contributions to our country’s future prosperity.

As this year’s John Monash Business Scholar, Liam Heffernan, an aerospace engineer, will focus on applying machine learning to satellite operations and Earth observation to strengthen Australia’s space capabilities, national security and climate resilience. Liam will help drive our sovereign space industry, foster innovation and translate cutting-edge research into sustainable commercial ventures.

The 2026 Queensland Government John Monash Scholar, funded by the Department of Education, is Dr Lucas Hu, a doctor from rural Queensland dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes in under-served communities through the use of digital innovation — an issue close to my heart.

While Liam and Lucas are here this evening, Georgia is represented by her family — having just boarded a plane this morning to head off overseas to begin her “Chairman’s Circle” scholarship at the University of Amsterdam where she will research how algorithms shape political communications and strengthen democracy in the digital age.

And in his absence, we also congratulate BPH John Monash Scholar is Luke Heeney whose cutting-edge research and leadership will help make Australia a clean economic powerhouse through innovative energy and industry policy. I commend BHP for its generous support of the Foundation, which includes the funding of 16 scholarships to date.

Tonight we honour these four outstanding Queensland scholars, whose talent, ambition and commitment embody the spirit of the John Monash Foundation.  While their areas of expertise may differ, they are united by a shared commitment to service and leadership in the national interest.  

Tonight is also a celebration of the extraordinary success of the Foundation itself, which this year reached an incredible milestone of awarding a total of 300 scholarships since its inception, equating to more than $41 million in funding awarded so far.

I commend the Foundation’s Board, CEO, and staff for their stewardship of this prestigious program, and I extend sincere thanks to the donors and partners whose generosity makes these scholarships possible. Your support has a profound and lasting impact.  

I thank selection panel members, mentors and volunteers who guide applicants through the rigorous selection process.  Their expertise and dedication ensure that the program continues to identify individuals of exceptional promise.

And to the families and friends of our Scholars: your encouragement, belief and support have helped shape these outstanding individuals, and tonight’s celebration is also for you.

As Governor and Foundation Patron, I am proud of Queensland’s contribution to the John Monash legacy. Our State continues to produce scholars whose work has global impact and whose leadership will strengthen our country’s future.  

Thank you.