Westpac Banking : 19/06/2017 Westpac begins search to back Australia’s future leaders with $2 million in postgraduate scholarships

15 June, 2017

Westpac Bicentennial Foundation is calling for the nation's future leaders to apply for its annual Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship, supporting talented individuals to undertake post-graduate study at one of Australia's leading universities.

Now in its third year, the unique postgraduate scholarship program will support 17 exceptional people who have a vision to help shape a better future for all Australians through their work and studies, with a focus on technology and innovation, driving social change or strengthening Australia-Asia ties.

The scholarship program applications are now open until Tuesday 5 September, 2017 and are valued up to $120,000 per student over two to three years.

Susan Bannigan, Chief Executive Officer of Westpac Bicentennial Foundation, said, 'The Future Leaders Scholarship aims to empower the next generation of ambitious innovators, visionary leaders and drivers of real change. Chosen not only for their academic excellence, Westpac Scholars are people from all walks of life who are united in their mission to advance Australia and their drive to make a difference.'

The scholarship includes opportunities for leadership development beyond the classroom. Successful recipients will participate in a nine-month bespoke leadership development program, developed specifically for Westpac Future Leaders Scholars, networking opportunities and the chance to gain global experience as part of their post-grad study.

2017 Westpac Future Leaders Scholar Philip Chan is undertaking a Masters of Laws, specialising in human rights at University of Melbourne and says the program is a transformative experience.

'Being awarded the Future Leaders Scholarship is life changing. It has given me the courage and confidence to go and pursue my dreams, because I know I have a massive support network behind me,' Philip said.

In addition to the funding, successful recipients will gain lifelong membership of the Westpac100 Scholars Network. Through this alumni network, they will be supported to connect, collaborate and have access to invaluable learning and development opportunities. Each year the Network will grow by 100 Scholars from each of Westpac Bicentennial Foundation's five scholarship programs.

For information on Westpac Bicentennial Foundation and the Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship, visit westpac.com.au/scholarships

About Westpac Bicentennial Foundation

Westpac Bicentennial Foundation awards 100 scholarships and fellowships, every year, to the people with the drive and imagination to shape Australia's future. It was launched as a gift to future generations of Australians, with a contribution from Westpac Group of $100 million, to commemorate Westpac's 200th anniversary in 2017.

The Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship is one of five scholarship programs offered by Westpac Bicentennial Foundation. The nine partner universities for the Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship are:

University Partners

• The University of Adelaide
• The Australian National University
• The University of Melbourne
• Monash University
• The University of Queensland
• The University of Sydney
• University of Tasmania
• University of New South Wales
• University of Western Australia

Westpac Bicentennial Foundation Contact:

Suzie Warrick

0466 336 801 or swarrick@westpac.com.au

** Note to editors: A list of past Westpac Future Leaders Scholars is provided overleaf. These scholars may be available for comment. **