Sir Roland Wilson Foundation

Join Kylie Bishop, Nikolai Drahos, Dr Cathy Fussell and Kristian Hollins next Wednesday 5 August for a special APS Academy MasterCraft event exploring how academic theory can inform government craft.

The Sir Roland Wilson and Pat Turner scholars and alumni will use real policy challenges to demonstrate how theory can be applied in ways that are useful for The Australian Public Service staff.

Find out more and register: https://www.apsacademy.gov.au/events/mastercraft-series-srw-scholars-applying-academic-theory-realities-aps-work

Sir Roland Wilson and Pat Turner alumni improve outcomes for Australians through their work in The Australian Public Service.

Sir Roland Wilson alumnus Dr Siddharth Shirodkar is now Chief Economist for the Indigenous Economy at Indigenous Business Australia, where he is putting his PhD research findings into practice. Siddharth’s work supports greater First Nations economic self-determination, inclusion, and prosperity.

Siddharth’s research at Arts & Social Sciences at ANU explored pathways and barriers for Indigenous Australians starting a business. He graduated in 2021.

https://srwfoundation.anu.edu.au/people/siddharth-shirodkar

Public servants use frameworks and mental models every single day - they just don't always call it "theory".

Meanwhile, academia builds theory constantly, but often in ways that feel a world away from the daily realities of government work.

Join this special APS Academy MasterCraft event to bridge that gap.

Pat Turner scholar Kylie Bishop and Sir Roland Wilson scholars Nikolai Drahos and Kristian Hollins will show how theory can become a practical tool for APS staff across every portfolio. Facilitated by Sir Roland Wilson alumna Dr Cathy Fussell.

11.00am-12.00pm Wednesday 5 August 2026

https://www.apsacademy.gov.au/events/mastercraft-series-srw-scholars-applying-academic-theory-realities-aps-work

This week, a group of Pat Turner scholars and alumni have been at Charles Darwin University Northern Institute for an intensive First Nations governance workshop – ‘Between First Nations Polities and The Nation State’.

The annual workshop offers personalised support for Pat Turner scholars and alumni to develop and share tools and resources for working across Indigenous and non-Indigenous institutions.

Congratulations to Pat Turner scholar Dolly Nye, who has won the 2026 Naidoc Week ACT award for scholar of the year.

Dolly was nominated by ANU College of Business & Economics for our outstanding contributions to education and community leadership.

Congratulations to our deadly 2026 ACT NAIDOC Award winners!

Big thanks to brother Luke Carroll for hosting and Soul & Stone for being a part of this truly magical event!

This week, Sir Roland Wilson Foundation celebrates 50 years of NAIDOC Week.

We proudly recognise the history, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, including Pat Turner scholars and alumni.

NAIDOC Week is around the corner – a time to celebrate and recognise the history, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn, reflect and engage with the world's oldest continuing cultures.

This year's theme, 50 Years of Deadly, marks a significant milestone for NAIDOC Week and honours the generations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who have shaped and strengthened the movement.

See what’s happening at The Australian National University during NAIDOC Week at
https://www.anu.edu.au/news/all-news/naidoc-week-2026

Sir Roland Wilson and Pat Turner alumni demonstrate leadership across The Australian Public Service in a variety of ways.

Pat Turner alumna Carlyn Waters is Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer at AIATSIS a national cultural institution that encourages people to connect with the knowledge, heritage and cultures of Australia’s First Peoples.

In this role, Carlyn leads the overall direction of the Institute - overseeing governance, finance, people, and technology. She works to drive reform, align the organisation with broader government priorities, and turn complex policy challenges into practical, accountable outcomes.

Carlyn completed a Master of Business Administration at The Australian National University ANU College of Business & Economics. She graduated in 2022.

https://srwfoundation.anu.edu.au/people/carlyn-waters

Pat Turner scholars and alumni gathered at The Australian National University last week to explore the strength of lived experience at the 2026 Pat Turner Forum.

Scholars and alumni heard from a range of colleagues in academia and the public service on how lived experience can be used as a powerful lever for meaningful and influential outcomes.

Former Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Linda Burney spoke about her distinguished career in the public service and politics, inviting scholars and alumni to consider how their lived experience influences the way they lead.

https://srwfoundation.anu.edu.au/news/strength-lived-experience

Images: Adam McGrath/HCreations and Sir Roland Wilson Foundation