Purpose of the Banksia Association
The Banksia Association is an active network that will help shape the university now and into the future. It is an inviting community where you can stay connected to Murdoch University, each other and friends.
History
Initially formed in Murdoch’s early years as a friendship group started by the wives of academic staff, the Banksia Association was established in 2005 by former Vice Chancellor Professor John Yovich to mark the University’s 30th anniversary and reconnect the institution with people who had made special contributions.
The founding mission statement was ‘to extend knowledge, stimulate learning, and promote understanding for the community's benefit.’
One of the Association's early priorities was to establish a scholarship to support students during their Honours year. Thanks to the generosity of its members, the Banksia Association Honours Scholarship was established in 2007 and continues to be awarded today.
Membership
The Banksia Association is a welcoming community – a place to stay connected with each other and our beautiful campus. As a member, you will be invited to engaging events, have the chance to share your insights, and remain involved in projects that make a difference for both the University and the wider community.
The Association consists of dedicated individuals including past external Senate members, Honorary Degree recipients, Emeritus Professors, Distinguished Alumni, foundation staff, donors, past employees and others.
There are no formal membership conditions, just a continued connection with the University and a desire to support its success.
If you would like to join, please complete the Banksia Association membership form and submit to banksia@murdoch.edu.au.
Benefits
Members are offered complementary parking on campus, as well as access to our Library.
Each year, members are invited to special events, including the Sir Walter Murdoch Lecture, Keith Roby Memorial Lecture, and the Bankia Association Honours Scholarship Thank You event.
Banksia Association Advisory Committee
The Banksia Association Advisory Committee provides leadership and guides the development of the Banksia Association. Advisory Committee Members include:
- The Hon. Justice Ralph Simmonds (Chair), Emeritus Professor of Law
- Janice Bowra
- Dr Janice Dudley
- Emeritus Professor Kateryna Longley
- Emeritus Professor David Macey (Deputy Chair)
If you would like to nominate for the Banksia Association Advisory Committee, please complete the nomination form and submit to banksia@murdoch.edu.au.
Banksia Association Honours Scholarship
The Banksia Association Honours Scholarship was established to encourage our highest achieving students to continue their education at Murdoch. The Scholarship provides financial assistance to students during their Honours year. Thanks to the donations received from members of the Banksia Association, the Scholarship has supported the following students:
- 2009 Claire McArthur
- 2010 Katherine Williams
- 2011 Tania Douthwaite
- 2012 Jessica Skelton
- 2013 Barb Howard
- 2014 Jeanette Koh
- 2015 Deborah Blecha
- 2016 Rita Mejzini
- 2017 Daniel Gould
- 2017 Claire Greenwell
- 2018 Georgina Robbins (nee Stag)
- 2019 Wenna Lee
- 2020 Joanne Scotney
- 2021 Jess Spithoven
- 2022 Hannah Fenwick
- 2023 Louise Kingsford
- 2024 Cristina Arcodia Burriolo
- 2025 Joyce Lau
- 2026 Kelsie Dowley
“I chose to undertake my Honours project full time over two semesters, despite the challenge of balancing paid work alongside my studies. Receiving this scholarship eases that burden and allows me to focus fully on my research."
Kelsie Dowley, 2026 Banksia Honours Scholar
Contact us
Please contact us if you would like to contribute to the University by becoming a Banksia Association member, donating to the Banksia Association Honours Scholarship, are a long-serving Murdoch University staff member (or know someone who is).
We also welcome expressions of interest for the Banksia Association Advisory Committee.
Email us at banksia@murdoch.edu.au.
Make a donation
Your contributions make a profound impact on our University and community.