Ma & Morley Newsletter August-September 2023

WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING?

SEMESTER 2 GATHER & CONNECT: 2023 SCHOLARS

2023 Scholars gathered at the start of Semester 2 to reflect on the semester that was. Afterwards, Scholars from various cohorts met at Bar on the Hill for a catch up.

CHINA IMMERSION

18 JUNE – 29 JUNE

32 Scholars from the 2021 and 2022 cohorts recently embarked on a 12day trip to China – it’s difficult to really capture this experience in words!

Many Scholars have said they’ve left China inspired to continue their learning journey after gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture.

SHANGHAI

Day 1: Newcastle → Sydney → Shanghai

Day 2: Shanghai observatory deck, Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai Old Town & a visit to Investment NSW (a great insight into what it’s like working in China as a foreigner)

Day 3: Back on a plane & headed to Beijing!

BEIJING

Day 3 (continued): Straight from the airport to Adsit Media Co for a visit with UON alumnus, George Tuan. Following this, an engagement with the Australian Embassy – we were fortunate to meet Australia’s Ambassador to China; Graham Fletcher!

Day 4: Forbidden City, lunch in a historic ice cellar, hutong tour (including a home visit with a local family) & a rickshaw ride – we covered 13km walking!

Day 5: Great Wall of China – a trip highlight!

Day 6: a visit to the Summer Palace, Olympic Park, Art 798 District & karaoke (on Beijing’s hottest day in 65 years)

Our beloved tour guide, Dennis

HANGZHOU

Day 7: high speed train to Hangzhou.

Day 8: Art gallery visit, tea fields (including tea ceremony), the beautiful West Lake (where Jack Ma first met the Morley family) and West Lake Impression light show.

Day 9: morning visit to Hangzhou Normal University and cultural exchange with HNU students, Alibaba (hearing from leaders at both Alibaba and Jack Ma Foundation), practicing tai-chi & dinner in Jack Ma’s restaurant!

Day 10: Liangzhu Community Foundation (museum tour, lunch in a family home & learning how to make incense), followed by an (interesting) cooking class.

Day 11: Shanghai → Sydney → Newcastle

APPLICATIONS OPEN: 2024 MA & MORLEY SCHOLARSHIPS

Applications for 2024 Ma & Morley Scholarships are now open, closing midnight, October 2 – we would love if you could spread the word!

If you know of any future UON students who align with the Program’s values, please encourage them to apply! I am sure you can remember back to when you thought of applying – sometimes it takes a little push of encouragement to get the ball rolling!

If you have any ideas of how we can get the word out there more, please reach out ☺ Hearing from Ma & Morley Scholars about the Program & why they should apply is the best way to motivate students!

PROGRAM TEAM UPDATE

TRIENNIAL REVIEW

We have been busy planning for the upcoming Triennial Review. As part of the Deed of Gift, a comprehensive review of the Program must be undertaken every 3 years. With the Program now in it’s sixth year, it is time for the second Triennial Review, scheduled for mid October.

What does this mean for you?

As part of the Review, all Scholars and Ambassadors are asked to complete a survey, giving you the opportunity to voice your experience in the Program. The survey will be sent to your university email address (Scholars) and personal email address (Ambassadors) – more information to follow. Your feedback is invaluable and will guide the future of the Program.

SCHOLAR CHARTER

We are in the final stage of completing the Scholar Charter, which will apply to all Scholars. The Scholar Charter has gone through a comprehensive review process, consulting with your Ambassador representative and other senior University stakeholders.

It will come into place for the 2024 Scholarship intake. The Charter will provide clarity around the expectations of Scholars in the Program, as well as the responsibility of the Program to you.

Continued..

OPEN DAYS

Open Days are a wonderful opportunity to talk to prospective students and get them excited about coming to university! Ourimbah Open Day was held on the 29th of July with Callaghan Open Day this Saturday, 26th of August. A massive thanks to the Scholars who have put their hand up to help at presentations and in the Expo Hall – we appreciate you!

This is a great way to give back to the Program.

MA & MORLEY APPLCIATION HELP WORKSHOPS

We have been working on a series of Application Help workshops to be delivered to potential Ma & Morley applicants in September. These workshops will walk applicants through the application process and help them flesh out the Program values. There will be two face-to-face workshops and one online – if you’re keen to come along and help prospective applicants with their applications, please reach out to Katie.

MA & MORLEY AMBASSADOR EVENT

HISTORY IS CALLING: THE VOICE REFERENDUM

Join us on Tuesday 29 August for the Ma & Morley Ambassador Event: History is Calling, involving a panel discussion on the Uluru Statement from the Heart, specifically on the first reform, Voice. Hosted by Ma & Morley Ambassador, Jasmin L'Green. Guest speakers to be announced soon.

This will be a safe and respectful space to learn about what the Voice is (and what it isn’t) and to ask any questions you may have - submit your questions in the registration form.

The purpose of this event is to provide accurate information to ensure you have the ability to make an informed decision.

WHEN: TUESDAY 29 AUGUST, 6PM-7.30PM, WITH LIGHT REFRESHMENTS FROM 5.30PM

WHERE: NUSPACE, X803 / ZOOM REGISTER HERE

RECOMMENDED READ (OR LISTEN)

The ABC's new podcast explains everything you need to know about the Voice to Parliament referendum, launching on August 23.

‘Educated’ by Tara Westover – an extraordinary memoir of a young girl’s plight to escape the emotional abuse of her family. A wonderful emphasis on the power of education.

Scholar recommendation – Mitch Whaley.

‘A Long Petal of the Sea’ by Isabel Allende – historical fiction on the Spanish Civil War, with themes of hope, exile and belonging.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

LOW WASTE LIVING WORKSHOPS

The Newcastle Council (in association with community partners) are running a series of free workshops designed to help you lead a more sustainable life.

There are close to 30 face-to-face & online events covering a range of topics like reusable sanitary items, home composting, how to save money on energy and making your own natural skin care. Check it out here.

ENACTUS

Enactus is an international non-profit organisation spanning 33 countries that enables students to take ENtrepreneurial ACTion for others to create a better world for US all.

The Enactus program is open to university students with diversity in skills, interests and experience. Enactus provides the opportunity for students to collaborate with peers from a variety of disciplines in developing a sustainable start-up idea that addresses one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Check it out here.

I MADE THIS FOR U

Sophia & Ellie (2021 Scholars) have been hard at work organising their charity art exhibition as their Stage 3 Action Project. “I made this for u” is raising money for Soul Hub, who deliver a range of services to Newcastle’s most vulnerable.

Sophia & Ellie are on the hunt for artworks to sell. Anyone can donate an artwork – it does not have to be a masterpiece! The aim is to get involved with art – it could be a photograph, drawing, sculpture, painting etc.

The theme is community/home – however you may interpret it. Follow the QR code on the poster.

CHINESE BEGINNERS LANGUAGE COURSE

It’s not too late to join the Chinese Beginners Language Course, delivered by the Confucius Institute!

Enrollments will open in September, ready to start the course on Monday, October 9. The free course is delivered online over 10 weeks (1 hour per week). If you would like to join, please reach out to Katie!

MEET THE SCHOLAR: ALANNAH HORNE

Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey to getting to University

Hey there, I'm Alannah! Right now, I'm knee-deep in a Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine, and am a proud 2023 Ma & Morley Scholar. Jumping straight from high school into university has been quite a whirlwind. Shifting from a rural school, where our cohort numbered just 42 to such a diverse and expansive university environment has proven both challenging and exciting. I have immense gratitude to be studying medicine. I am really passionate about women’s health and look forward to where this takes me!

What is something about you that most people wouldn't know? Against the grain, I actually enjoy public speaking! I’m also yet to meet someone who can outdo me in a hula hooping contestchallenge accepted!

What is your favourite thing to do outside uni?

I'm located in Port Stephens, and you'll often find me unwinding at the beach. Whether it's walking my dog, Ollie, in the cooler months or enjoying a swim or boat ride when the sun's out, the beach is my go-to escape!

What is your favourite quote?

“If not me, who? If not now, when?” - Emma Watson

Recommended read: What are you currently listening to, watching or reading?

I’ve currently been listening to DMA’s. I love supporting local Australian artists and am so excited to see them perform at Bar on the Hill later this year!