Donor Impact Report 2025
Professor Andrew J Deeks
On behalf of Murdoch University, I extend my sincere thanks for your continued generosity and partnership throughout 2025.
Your support is creating meaningful opportunities, enabling students from all walks of life to pursue higher education and powering the research and innovation needed to meet the complex challenges of our time.
As you read our 2025 Donor Impact Report, I hope you see the tangible difference your philanthropy is making across our university and beyond. Your commitment is changing lives, strengthening communities, and helping Murdoch remain a place of opportunity, discovery, and impact.
"It was arguably the most incredible Philanthropic twelve months in Murdoch's history"
Last year, we proudly celebrated Murdoch’s 50th anniversary, a milestone that reflects five decades of expanding access to education and driving positive change. Building on this legacy, we have continued to grow our scholarship offerings, ensuring that more students can access a university education and realise their potential.
It was also arguably the most incredible Philanthropic twelve months in Murdoch’s history, encompassing an extraordinary $100 million gift by the Western Australian businessman and philanthropist Ted Powell.
The size and scope of Ted Powell’s gift – the largest of its type for any Western Australian university and among the largest ever received by an Australian university, will allow us to completely rebuild our iconic School of Veterinary Medicine: one of our foundational Schools, and the chief reason for the foundation of Murdoch University 50 years ago.
Your support in 2025 helped advance research that addresses urgent global issues, from environmental sustainability to health and social equity. These efforts are delivering real-world outcomes and contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.
We remain deeply committed to working alongside First Nations communities, supporting initiatives that are grounded in respect, collaboration, and the strength of Indigenous knowledge. This is beautifully illustrated in the story inside which explains how Murdoch researchers are working in harmony with the local Aboriginal people of Gutharraguda (Shark Bay) to restore the vital seagrass beds of the region.
Looking ahead, we are inspired by what we can achieve together. With your ongoing support, Murdoch will continue to expand access, foster innovation, and create lasting impact through education and research.
Thank you once again for your generosity and belief in our mission.
Professor Andrew J Deeks
Vice Chancellor and President
Professor Andrew J Deeks
On behalf of Murdoch University, I extend my sincere thanks for your continued generosity and partnership throughout 2025.
Your support is creating meaningful opportunities, enabling students from all walks of life to pursue higher education and powering the research and innovation needed to meet the complex challenges of our time.
As you read our 2025 Donor Impact Report, I hope you see the tangible difference your philanthropy is making across our university and beyond. Your commitment is changing lives, strengthening communities, and helping Murdoch remain a place of opportunity, discovery, and impact.
"It was arguably the most incredible Philanthropic twelve months in Murdoch's history"
Last year, we proudly celebrated Murdoch’s 50th anniversary, a milestone that reflects five decades of expanding access to education and driving positive change. Building on this legacy, we have continued to grow our scholarship offerings, ensuring that more students can access a university education and realise their potential.
It was also arguably the most incredible Philanthropic twelve months in Murdoch’s history, encompassing an extraordinary $100 million gift by the Western Australian businessman and philanthropist Ted Powell.
The size and scope of Ted Powell’s gift – the largest of its type for any Western Australian university and among the largest ever received by an Australian university, will allow us to completely rebuild our iconic School of Veterinary Medicine: one of our foundational Schools, and the chief reason for the foundation of Murdoch University 50 years ago.
Your support in 2025 helped advance research that addresses urgent global issues, from environmental sustainability to health and social equity. These efforts are delivering real-world outcomes and contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.
We remain deeply committed to working alongside First Nations communities, supporting initiatives that are grounded in respect, collaboration, and the strength of Indigenous knowledge. This is beautifully illustrated in the story inside which explains how Murdoch researchers are working in harmony with the local Aboriginal people of Gutharraguda (Shark Bay) to restore the vital seagrass beds of the region.
Looking ahead, we are inspired by what we can achieve together. With your ongoing support, Murdoch will continue to expand access, foster innovation, and create lasting impact through education and research.
Thank you once again for your generosity and belief in our mission.
Professor Andrew J Deeks
Vice Chancellor and President
The year of 2025 will arguably go down as one of the greatest in Murdoch’s history.
Not just because it saw the 50th anniversary since the university first opened but because of the vision and incredible generosity of philanthropist Ted Powell, whose gift will shape Western Australia for years to come.
On 7 August 2025 it was formally announced that Murdoch received a $100 million gift from Mr Powell – one of the largest gifts ever received by an Australian university!
The funds will enable Murdoch’s existing Vet School to be replaced by a 9,600sqm state-of-the-art facility large enough to support a 50% increase in the number of veterinary students who can be trained in Western Australia.
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The new facility will: |
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Support next generation world-class teaching and research at WA’s only veterinary school and animal teaching hospital. |
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Upgrade and expand the ageing veterinary school to continue to meet modern standards and best serve the WA and Australian community. |
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Train more veterinarians, addressing critical workforce shortages in WA and nationally. |
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Build on Murdoch University’s demonstrated strengths in livestock, equine, wildlife and conservation, animal care and welfare. |
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Support more cutting-edge research into animal health, welfare and disease. |
Mr Powell is a long-term supporter of the University through The Ragdoll Foundation – created with his late wife Dee - which provides financial support to students through the Ragdoll Scholarship program. Since its inception, more than 140 Murdoch students have earned their degrees with financial support from the foundation.
Murdoch Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks said the new School was part one of a staged project to upgrade The Animal Hospital and refurbish the current veterinary school buildings to create a new Conservation and Life Sciences precinct at the University.
“Veterinary Medicine was one of 10 Foundation courses offered by Murdoch when we opened 50 years ago and a commitment to the environment and conservation are part of the University’s DNA,” he said.
“The development also strengthens research in animal health and the University’s One Health agenda – recognising the links between human, animal and environmental health; expand biomedical research collaborations and attract high calibre academics, students and other animal specialists.
“On behalf of Murdoch University, I cannot thank Ted Powell enough for his generosity, support and foresight. He will leave a legacy for the Western Australian veterinary profession, animal research - and for animals great and small - which will resonate for generations to come.”
Seas: The Future
Murdoch researchers launch bold new era in global shark conservation.
Shark Insights, Global Impact
Last year saw the 30th anniversary since Murdoch University’s Dr Brad Norman first began his pioneering research into whale sharks, transforming global understanding of the world’s largest fish. Beginning in the mid-1990s along the remote coastline of Ningaloo Reef, his work set out to answer fundamental questions about a species that was, at the time, still largely a mystery. Through long-term field studies, Dr Norman and his collaborators revealed that Ningaloo serves as a critical seasonal aggregation site, primarily for juvenile males, offering rare insight into movement patterns, behaviour, and population structure.
Building on this foundation, Dr Norman has embarked on a 10-year plan to build a research hub with the Harry Butler Institute looking at the world of sharks. Entitled Seas: The Future, this visionary project aims to investigate the complex relationships humans have with sharks with the goal of maximising the sustainability of healthy shark populations, minimising human-shark conflict, and ensuring biodiversity. The research project will include work on all chondrichthyans - fish with skeletons made of cartilage instead of bone. Namely, sharks, rays, skates and chimaera. The project has been developed by 2012 Murdoch Distinguished Award recipient Dr Norman in partnership with his colleague, early career researcher Dr Samantha Reynolds.
Sharks are vital to ocean health as top predators that keep ecosystems in balance. Around one-third of shark and ray species are now threatened with extinction, mainly due to overfishing habitat degradation and climate change.
Despite a relatively long history of research on Australian sharks there are still gaps in knowledge about many species which hampers conservation efforts. Distributions, population trends, life history characteristics and movement patterns remain a mystery for many species and Seas: The Future will unearth groundbreaking information that will ultimately be shared with policy makers, government management agencies and the public.
In 2025, to launch the research hub, the Thyne Reid Foundation generously donated the initial grant funding. This allowed Dr Norman and Dr Reynolds to develop the full research objectives and desired outcomes and produce all the essential documentation and marketing collateral. This initial seed funding has allowed a comprehensive framework to be developed and facilitates unlocking larger grant support and multi-year funding. An investment Dr Norman outlined as integral to the success of the research.
“Further philanthropic investment will allow Seas: The Future to become a flagship hub for shark research, conservation and sustainable management, positioning Murdoch University as a leader in ocean stewardship into the future.
In 2025, Murdoch University was successful in securing Channel 7 Telethon Trust grants to support three important research programs.
Advancing Diagnosis for Children with Complex Conditions.
Thanks to support from Telethon, researchers at the Murdoch University Personalised Medicine Centre have secured funding for specialised equipment that will help transform the way complex childhood conditions are diagnosed.
By strengthening the Centre’s diagnostic and research capabilities, the equipment will support studies involving more than 12,000 Western Australian children and their families. The insights generated will help clinicians better understand the causes of complex conditions and guide more personalised approaches to treatment and care.
Importantly, the equipment will also help build Western Australia’s capacity for cutting-edge child health research, ensuring local families benefit from advances in precision medicine without needing to travel interstate or overseas.
Support from Telethon and the community is helping Murdoch researchers accelerate discoveries that could improve diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for children living with complex health challenges across Western Australia.
Improving Cochlear Implant Outcomes for Children.
A research team at Murdoch University has secured Telethon funding to investigate a major challenge affecting children who rely on cochlear implants to hear.
Cochlear implants can restore hearing for children with severe or profound deafness, helping them develop speech, language and social connections. However, outcomes can vary over time. One of the main reasons is fibrosis, the formation of scar tissue around the implant electrode inside the inner ear, which can reduce the device’s effectiveness and, in some cases, lead to implant failure.
Led by Associate Professor Cecilia Prêle, the research team will develop new laboratory models to better understand how this scar tissue forms and test potential treatments to prevent it. Working with collaborators at The University of Western Australia, Perth Children’s Hospital, and industry partner Cochlear Limited, the project will explore innovative drug-delivery approaches that could protect the inner ear and improve implant performance.
Around 350 Western Australian children currently rely on cochlear implants. By reducing the risk of scarring and implant failure, this research could help ensure these life-changing devices work more effectively and last longer.
A Faster Test to Detect Life-Threatening Infection in Newborns.
Researchers at Murdoch University have secured Telethon support to develop a rapid diagnostic test that could transform the way doctors detect Neonatal sepsis, a life-threatening infection in newborn babies.
Sepsis remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in newborns worldwide. Diagnosing the condition quickly is critical, yet current tests can take many hours, or even days, to confirm an infection. During this time, babies may deteriorate rapidly, while others receive precautionary antibiotics that may not be necessary.
Led by Professor Andrew Currie, the research team is developing NeoSep4, an innovative point-of-care blood test designed to detect sepsis in minutes using a small drop of blood. By analysing four biomarkers linked to infection, the test aims to deliver highly accurate results quickly, allowing doctors to begin life-saving treatment much sooner.
50 Scholarships
for 50 Years
In late 2023, the Alumni and Philanthropy Team launched a special initiative as part of the University’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The 50 scholarships in celebration of 50 years initiative set a goal to reach at least $250,000 to support undergraduate students (including First Nations students) in regional or remote areas who may be facing financial hardship.
We are delighted to share that the campaign has passed its target goal. As a result, 50 new students can now pursue their dream of higher education. The life-changing impact of these scholarships has been reflected in numerous student testimonials. Feedback echoed in the following Q&A from one of the recipients, first year veterinary student Annabelle Trezise…
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey to this point.
I am a country-born, very keen Veterinary Science student who plans to become a large animal vet. I grew up in Kojonup, on a sheep and cropping farm and an Australian Stock Horse Stud. I have been obsessed with horses for as long as I can remember and have always been fascinated by the science that comes with any animal. After my school graduation, I had two gap years where I worked on cattle stations in the Northern Territory and the Kimberley. I fell in love with cattle while on these stations, confirming my calling to become a veterinarian. I am also very passionate about my hobbies, which include horse competitions, campdrafting and polocrosse.
Was there a specific person, event, or challenge that shaped your academic path?
My own self-determination shaped my academic pathway throughout school. I had two goals in Year 12 – do everything to my full potential (so I had 100% confidence that I would get the highest ATAR I could) and beat my older sister’s ATAR (of 97.80). I did both!
What are you most passionate about, and why?
I am most passionate about horses. I see the beauty in horses, born through the opportunity of having years of training many different ones. I love the science of analysing how they behave, so I can utilise their strengths in their training, which transfers into wanting to know how to physically care for them. I know that one day I would like to specialise in a certain path and extend my knowledge to be the best I can be. I just don’t know yet where the wind will blow me – surgery, chiropractic, reproduction even!
How did you feel when you found out that you had received this scholarship?
I was immensely overjoyed. Relocating to Perth had a very large financial burden, so I was grateful for any support. I was also very excited that someone recognised me and thought that I deserved this opportunity.
What specific financial barriers did this scholarship help you overcome?
This scholarship took some financial pressure off my shoulders. It smoothed the move to Perth and gave me the opportunity to work less; thus spend more time on my studies. Having to independently fund my life in Perth is very difficult, and this scholarship has aided immensely.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned, or the biggest achievement you've made since receiving this award?
The biggest lesson that I’ve learnt is that you need to back yourself for opportunities that you want. By receiving this scholarship, I have learnt that I am worthy of it, which motivates me to strive for other goals and opportunities.
What are your long-term career goals, and where do you see yourself in 5–10 years?
A massive goal following the completion of my degree is an internship. More specifically, I want an international internship, either in the US or the UK. Through this internship I want to decide what I will specialise in, which will lead to my next goal. A long-term goal is to have my own vet clinic one day, but first I have to focus on the next five years!
What is a major project, research, or experience you are currently working on?
Currently, I am a part of an animal welfare project for the sport that I play, polocrosse. Although this project hasn’t kicked off yet, as we are outside the season, I am investing in knowledge and planning preparation. I am attending endurance equine events as they have well established welfare guidelines. The project for polocrosse is to create a set of standards that will be enforced to ensure that our horses are in good health.
If you could say one thing to the donors who made this scholarship possible, what would it be?
I just want to say a huge thank you. Thank you for your generosity of parting with your money for the health of someone else, both physically and mentally. This financial aid allows me to work less, so study more; but it also eases a continuous stress that would eat away at my mind if I was financially unstable.
How do you plan to ‘pay it forward’ or make a difference in your community in the future?
By giving me the opportunity to become a better student, I will strive to graduate with the highest grades possible. This will hopefully ripple to becoming a better internship student and specialised doctor. Through this success, I will hopefully have the ability to support students in the same financial way. Alternatively, I will hopefully be able to offer students experience at my future vet clinic.
50 Scholarships
for 50 Years
In late 2023, the Alumni and Philanthropy Team launched a special initiative as part of the University’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The 50 scholarships in celebration of 50 years initiative set a goal to reach at least $250,000 to support undergraduate students (including First Nations students) in regional or remote areas who may be facing financial hardship.
We are delighted to share that the campaign has passed its target goal. As a result, 50 new students can now pursue their dream of higher education. The life-changing impact of these scholarships has been reflected in numerous student testimonials. Feedback echoed in the following Q&A from one of the recipients, first year veterinary student Annabelle Trezise…
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey to this point.
I am a country-born, very keen Veterinary Science student who plans to become a large animal vet. I grew up in Kojonup, on a sheep and cropping farm and an Australian Stock Horse Stud. I have been obsessed with horses for as long as I can remember and have always been fascinated by the science that comes with any animal. After my school graduation, I had two gap years where I worked on cattle stations in the Northern Territory and the Kimberley. I fell in love with cattle while on these stations, confirming my calling to become a veterinarian. I am also very passionate about my hobbies, which include horse competitions, campdrafting and polocrosse.
Was there a specific person, event, or challenge that shaped your academic path?
My own self-determination shaped my academic pathway throughout school. I had two goals in Year 12 – do everything to my full potential (so I had 100% confidence that I would get the highest ATAR I could) and beat my older sister’s ATAR (of 97.80). I did both!
What are you most passionate about, and why?
I am most passionate about horses. I see the beauty in horses, born through the opportunity of having years of training many different ones. I love the science of analysing how they behave, so I can utilise their strengths in their training, which transfers into wanting to know how to physically care for them. I know that one day I would like to specialise in a certain path and extend my knowledge to be the best I can be. I just don’t know yet where the wind will blow me – surgery, chiropractic, reproduction even!
How did you feel when you found out that you had received this scholarship?
I was immensely overjoyed. Relocating to Perth had a very large financial burden, so I was grateful for any support. I was also very excited that someone recognised me and thought that I deserved this opportunity.
What specific financial barriers did this scholarship help you overcome?
This scholarship took some financial pressure off my shoulders. It smoothed the move to Perth and gave me the opportunity to work less; thus spend more time on my studies. Having to independently fund my life in Perth is very difficult, and this scholarship has aided immensely.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned, or the biggest achievement you've made since receiving this award?
The biggest lesson that I’ve learnt is that you need to back yourself for opportunities that you want. By receiving this scholarship, I have learnt that I am worthy of it, which motivates me to strive for other goals and opportunities.
What are your long-term career goals, and where do you see yourself in 5–10 years?
A massive goal following the completion of my degree is an internship. More specifically, I want an international internship, either in the US or the UK. Through this internship I want to decide what I will specialise in, which will lead to my next goal. A long-term goal is to have my own vet clinic one day, but first I have to focus on the next five years!
What is a major project, research, or experience you are currently working on?
Currently, I am a part of an animal welfare project for the sport that I play, polocrosse. Although this project hasn’t kicked off yet, as we are outside the season, I am investing in knowledge and planning preparation. I am attending endurance equine events as they have well established welfare guidelines. The project for polocrosse is to create a set of standards that will be enforced to ensure that our horses are in good health.
If you could say one thing to the donors who made this scholarship possible, what would it be?
I just want to say a huge thank you. Thank you for your generosity of parting with your money for the health of someone else, both physically and mentally. This financial aid allows me to work less, so study more; but it also eases a continuous stress that would eat away at my mind if I was financially unstable.
How do you plan to ‘pay it forward’ or make a difference in your community in the future?
By giving me the opportunity to become a better student, I will strive to graduate with the highest grades possible. This will hopefully ripple to becoming a better internship student and specialised doctor. Through this success, I will hopefully have the ability to support students in the same financial way. Alternatively, I will hopefully be able to offer students experience at my future vet clinic.
Philanthropic Fund Performance
Murdoch University manages a philanthropic fund portfolio that encompasses both endowed and non-endowed funds aimed at fulfilling our shared purpose to change lives and society for the better through accessible education and research.
Endowed funds are structures to generate long-term impact through self-sustaining funding. The principal value of the gift is preserved, and a fixed percentage of the funds are distributed for use to deliver on Murdoch’s mission, in accordance with the intent of each donor.
The impact of Murdoch’s philanthropic funds will continue to make a difference by supporting students and advancing research. The generosity of gifts in perpetuity will ensure their impact will endure, benefiting current and future generations, and addressing societal and environmental challenges to create a better and brighter future.
(All figures as at 31 December 2025)
Philanthropic Fund Performance
Murdoch University manages a philanthropic fund portfolio that encompasses both endowed and non-endowed funds aimed at fulfilling our shared purpose to change lives and society for the better through accessible education and research.
Endowed funds are structures to generate long-term impact through self-sustaining funding. The principal value of the gift is preserved, and a fixed percentage of the funds are distributed for use to deliver on Murdoch’s mission, in accordance with the intent of each donor.
The impact of Murdoch’s philanthropic funds will continue to make a difference by supporting students and advancing research. The generosity of gifts in perpetuity will ensure their impact will endure, benefiting current and future generations, and addressing societal and environmental challenges to create a better and brighter future.
(All figures as at 31 December 2025)
Replanting
Sea Country
Shark Bay’s seagrass meadows which are vital for fish stocks, carbon storage and marine life are slowly recovering thanks to a world-first conservation project led by Professor Michael Wear and colleagues at Murdoch University.
Highly skilled Aboriginal divers harvest healthy seagrass and replant it in damaged areas, creating what he calls a “living library” for marine research and education.
The project is focused on Shark Bay, a World Heritage Area and one of the world's greatest wilderness treasures, located on the western edge of the Australian continent. It brings together contemporary research expertise and deep cultural knowledge of Shark Bay’s climatic conditions and biodiversity.
Philanthropic support has been provided by the MRB Foundation, an organisation whose approach is guided by a commitment to improving society through education, arts, environmental stewardship and kindness to animals. Their 2025 funding has directly enabled the delivery of workshops and collaborative initiatives supporting one of the world’s largest seagrass restoration projects.
This unique project is guided by Professor Michael Wear, a Malgana Traditional Custodian of Gutharraguda (Shark Bay) and Murdoch University’s Professor of Practice (Indigenous Environmental Conservation) from the Harry Butler Science Centre.
Professor Wear is the founder of Tidal Moon, a First Nations–owned marine enterprise based in the Shark Bay region. The organisation creates meaningful employment and training pathways for Aboriginal people by combining cultural knowledge with modern maritime industries such as sea cucumber harvesting, diving, and marine restoration.
“Science is a practice that Westerners do to achieve
an outcome,”
“But in First Nations culture, science is entangled in how we live and engage with the world around us. Tidal Moon shows how the two can connect and collaborate with incredible impact.”
Through its programs, participants gain practical, transferable skills while reconnecting with culture and Sea Country. Tidal Moon’s work not only supports economic independence and long-term career opportunities but also contributes to the protection and restoration of fragile marine ecosystems.
Tidal Moon has commenced the restoration work including the MRB funded field-based workshops, The workshops train volunteers, strengthen two-way learning between Traditional Custodians and scientists and support the careful implementation of transplanting and monitoring methods essential to restoring Shark Bay’s damaged seagrass meadows.
The project is increasingly attracting international attention as a leading example of Indigenous-led coastal restoration and has incredible potential to shape global thinking on blue-carbon ecosystems and the role of Indigenous leadership in climate solutions.
Professor Wear’s pioneering response has also earned national recognition when he received the inaugural Prime Minister’s Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems late last year.
It’s an accolade that honours not just scientific achievement, but the power of Indigenous Knowledge to restore ecosystems and reshape industries.
“This is an important recognition of hard work and a signal that you can create your own solutions, using culture, and truly be self-determined,” said Professor Wear.
Murdoch University’s Ngangk Yira Institute for Change has partnered with Minderoo Foundation on a $3 million, three-year program to improve culturally safe healthcare pathways for Aboriginal children and families in Western Australia.
Led by Murdoch’s Professor Rhonda Marriott, the initiative builds on more than a decade of research and proven programs such as Baby Coming You Ready (BCYR) and ICARE, while expanding into new areas of support for families. In 2025, this momentum translated into meaningful progress, with the development of a shared strategic plan to guide the Maternal and Child Health Systems Pathway and ensure long-term, system-wide impact.
Core initiatives continued to grow, alongside the introduction of new programs including Bubba Here What Now, supporting families in the early years after birth, and Baby Coming Maaman Ready, which recognises and strengthens the role of First Nations men in child development. At the same time, the Institute expanded its capacity through the recruitment of key research, governance and evaluation roles, strengthening Aboriginal leadership, cultural governance and the ability to measure impact.
A defining feature of the program is its strong grounding in Aboriginal leadership and cultural governance. This was formally established through the signing of the partnership at Ngangk Yira, endorsed by the Council of Elders, ensuring the work is consistently guided by community authority and priorities.
The partnership has also fostered a deeply collaborative approach. Ongoing learning conversations between Ngangk Yira, Minderoo and key partners have helped ensure the work remains aligned with community priorities. Through this collaboration, the Institute has connected with the Centre for Policy Development, contributing Aboriginal-led evidence and insights to inform national child and family health policy.
Importantly, this work is closely aligned with broader system reform efforts, with active engagement across health services and policymakers to embed culturally safe practices into mainstream care.
All elements of this important research are laying a foundation for lasting change, helping to close the health equity gap for First Nations families and ensuring children have the strongest possible start in life.
Westpac supporting future STEM stars
The Westpac Young Technologist Scholarship is a national undergraduate program designed to support high-achieving Australian students who are passionate about technology and innovation. It targets students intending to commence a STEM degree (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) at one of a small number of partner universities, including Murdoch University.
The scholarship provides up to $20,000 over three years, alongside a structured leadership and development program. Beyond financial support, recipients gain access to mentoring, industry connections, and the Westpac Scholars network, as well as an international leadership experience in Asia designed to broaden minds and inspire new ways of thinking.
The program is not solely based on academic merit. It seeks students who demonstrate leadership potential, curiosity, and a commitment to using technology for positive social impact.
Overall, the scholarship aims to build Australia’s future pipeline of technology leaders, equipping young people with the skills, networks and opportunities needed to drive innovation and address complex societal challenges.
CEO of Westpac Scholars Trust, Amy Lyden, is a regular attendee at the scholarship presentation events held in Perth and brings a deep understanding of their impact on emerging leaders.
"Murdoch University is a treasured partner of Westpac Scholars Trust. They support our scholars with such genuine care, creating an environment where curiosity, ambition and leadership can really flourish. Together we’re backing people whose ideas and work will help shape Australia’s future,” she said.
Westpac first selected Murdoch as a partner university back in 2019 and have donated over $573,000 to support our students to date. In 2025, six scholarships were awarded, with the testimonials below highlighting their role as a genesis for rewarding careers.
“The scholarship summit I attended in Sydney was an invaluable opportunity to connect and meet with fellow scholars. This taught me the value of collaborative work, as the motto ‘for good’ was demonstrated across all our guest speakers’ experiences, and deeply inspired me to help make a change through collaborative efforts to improve the lives of others.
The skills inspiration and financial support offered by this scholarship have enabled me to remain self-sufficient whilst pursuing my passion to help those in a more vulnerable position, ensuring they are equipped to defend against email scams. This follows the principle 'for good' and is a principle I will continue with for as long as I live.”
William Temby
2025 Scholar
“The Young Tech Scholarship has given me the opportunity to attend university with an amazing, supportive team behind me. The connections and friendships I’ve formed through this group have been invaluable, whether we’re studying together, chatting, or attending workshops that help us grow as leaders.”
Ane Gous
2025 Scholar
“This scholarship has opened doors to new opportunities, including networking with professionals and fellow scholars who share my passion for technology and innovation. I am more than grateful to be part of a community that values education, ambition and the drive to make a difference.”
Jack Warnock
2025 Scholar
“This scholarship has opened doors to new opportunities, including networking with professionals and fellow scholars who share my passion for technology and innovation. I am more than grateful to be part of a community that values education, ambition and the drive to make a difference.”
Giving back
Behind every gift is a story. Our donors are united by a shared commitment to supporting Murdoch University’s students, research and future impact, but each brings their own personal motivations and experiences. In this year’s report, two members of our donor community share what inspires their giving, what it means to them, and the difference they hope to make. Their reflections highlight the many ways philanthropy strengthens Murdoch University and helps create opportunities for generations to come.
Hardie
"Our Family charity foundation and I have been so privileged to be involved in such a worthwhile initiative as Murdoch’s 50 Scholarships for 50 Years project. Through our association with Murdoch University which now goes back some 39 years we have a deep appreciation of the ethos of Murdoch University with its aim of not only achieving the highest standards of education for its students but also fostering social generosity by providing otherwise not achievable university level education which in this case is via the 50 scholarships to students from rural and remote communities across Western Australia. We commend the executive staff in their dedicated effort to raise the impressive fund of $250,000 to provide the 50 scholarships.”
Chong
“In the future, what I really would like to achieve is to help others to fulfil their own potential.
The number one thing that we all can be is happy. Happiness is a choice. And helping others is a choice of mine. It drives me, it helps me grow as a person and satisfies me in multiple ways. That is what I want to do. I am very honoured by the career achievements and accolades that come my way, but ultimately, I am most rewarded by being able to help others grow.”
Your generosity and support of Murdoch University continues to make a profound difference - to individual lives, our communities, and the world we share. Through your philanthropy, you are helping to create meaningful and lasting change.
This past year has been one of the most remarkable in our University’s philanthropic history. A transformational $100 million contribution from Western Australian businessman and philanthropist Ted Powell will enable the complete renewal of our iconic School of Veterinary Medicine. As one of Murdoch’s founding disciplines, this investment ensures its legacy will continue to shape the future of animal and human health for generations to come.
We have also seen the extraordinary impact of collective giving. As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations, our community came together to support the 50 Scholarships for 50 Years initiative. Surpassing its fundraising goal, this effort has already opened the doors of higher education to 50 students from regional and remote communities, including First Nations students, a powerful reflection of what can be achieved together.
At the same time, our global Murdoch community continues to grow stronger. Through initiatives such as the Vice Chancellor’s anniversary roadshow, we have reconnected with alumni across the world, strengthening relationships and building new opportunities for engagement and impact.
As we reflect on more than 50 years since our founding, we are proud of how far we have come and energised by what lies ahead. While we look forward with ambition, we remain grounded in the values that define Murdoch University, and in the partnerships that make our progress possible.
The stories detailed within this report offer just a glimpse of what your support makes possible. Behind each one is a powerful testament to the role philanthropy plays in shaping a better future.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership with Murdoch University, and for the difference you continue to make.
Jo Nitz
Murdoch University
Director, Alumni and Philanthropy
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