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Monday, 26 November 2018

A 19-year-old Whadjuk Ballardong Nyoongar man studying Political Sciences, International Relations and Indonesian studies at The University of Western Australia has been named the New Colombo Plan Indonesia Fellow and presented with a scholarship through the prestigious 2019 New Colombo Plan (NCP) scholarship program.

This honour is given to the top ranked Indonesia Scholar based on academic results, leadership record and involvement in university and community life.

Jack Collard was also recognised for being the top ranking New Colombo Plan Indigenous Scholar. He is the first Indigenous Fellow to also be named a location Fellow.

The New Colombo Plan is an initiative of the Australian Government which aims to increase knowledge by providing young Australians with scholarships so they can study and undertake internships in the Indo- Pacific region.

Mr Collard said he felt incredibly privileged and honoured to be recognised through the program and to receive a once in a lifetime opportunity to study and work in Indonesia for six months as a New Colombo Plan Scholar.

“It will allow me to enhance my fluency in speaking Indonesian while I immerse myself in the rich, diverse cultures of the Indonesian archipelago,” he said.

UWA students Isobel Cole and Lucas Cary were also presented NCP scholarships. Ms Cole will be studying physics and Japanese in Japan and Mr Cary will be studying environmental and marine science in Indonesia.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Dawn Freshwater congratulated the students on their achievement.

“Our students should be very proud of being selected for such a prestigious program that will provide them with a wonderful education and personal development opportunity,” Professor Freshwater said.

“This is a fantastic international program that will really develop our students’ understanding of our region by allowing them to experience living and studying abroad.”

The students were presented the scholarships by the Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon. Marise Payne, at ceremony held at Parliament House in Canberra tonight.

Image: UWA student Jack Collard.

Media references

Jess Reid (UWA Media and Public Relations Advisor) 08 6488 6876

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