As The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust approaches its 60th anniversary next year, 103 of
Australia’s most passionate and determined individuals have been awarded a Churchill
Fellowship, announced today across the nation.
The honour celebrates a diverse group of everyday Australians committed to making a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
“The beauty of a Churchill Fellowship is that they are for people from all walks of life. They are not reserved just for academics or those already in the spotlight,” said Sally Campbell, Acting CEO of the Churchill Trust.
“In fact, recipients are often quietly achieving extraordinary things behind the scenes. They’re everyday Australians who have the drive to create real change, often without seeking recognition.”
The Churchill Fellowship is an opportunity unlike any other, giving recipients up to eight weeks to immerse themselves in international best practices, gathering firsthand experiences and knowledge from around the globe.
This year’s Fellows will explore a vast array of fields and topics, each driven by the desire to bring innovative solutions back to Australia.
“Fellows return home ready to challenge the status quo and work in their field of endeavour to implement what they’ve learnt – they’re determined to make a difference.” Campbell continued.
Annabelle Johnstone (pictured) from Queensland has been awarded a Fellowship to investigate human and social impacts of disasters on aged care facilities and their residents.
Annabelle is a human and social recovery practitioner with 20 years’ experience. In her role Annabelle works with people who have been impacted by natural disasters and guides them through their recovery journey.
She has also played a critical role is coordinating human and social support services following some of Queensland’s biggest disasters.
Annabelle has seen firsthand how disasters impact vulnerable older members of the community especially those living in residential aged care facilities. Annabelle is passionate about ensuring that residents of aged care facilities are safe and secure during and well supported following disasters.
Her area of study will look at the human and social impacts of disasters on aged care facilities and their residents and to identify best practice models and plans that could be adapted for use in Australia.
Since its inception in 1965, the Churchill Trust has awarded over 4,800 Fellowships, each one a testament to Sir Winston Churchill’s belief that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things.
Impact of these Fellowships can be seen in countless areas of Australian life, from the creation of Questacon to the introduction of Unit Pricing in supermarkets.
As the Trust prepares to celebrate 60 years of fostering innovation and leadership, this year’s cohort of Churchill Fellows stands ready to continue that legacy. Their work will undoubtedly touch the lives of Australians across the country, proving once again that curiosity and passion can help to bring about transformative change.
“The Churchill Fellowship is more than just recognition—it’s a celebration of people trying to make a difference.”
“Our Fellows are extraordinary not just in their achievements, but in their drive to make Australia a better place.”
Churchill Fellowships in 2024 are awarded to 24 people from VIC, 23 from NSW, 15 from QLD, 14 from WA, 10 from SA, 7 from TAS, 5 from the ACT, and 5 from the NT. This year’s 103 Fellows will travel for up to eight weeks as they explore their passion projects.
