John R Marsden Memorial Scholarship for Indigenous Students

John Marsden had a passion for law, a love of life and a commitment to minority groups within our community and less privileged individuals and communities.

John was a product of south west Sydney. He was born and raised at Campbelltown, and on completion of his law degree at the University of Sydney, commenced practice in Campbelltown. That practice, now known as Marsdens Law Group, is the biggest and most successful in south west Sydney.

John was active in all areas of the community both locally within the State and nationally. His involvement ranged through the arts world, sporting world and human rights. As President of the Council for Civil Liberties he developed his commitment to the less privileged and those suffering discrimination and intolerance. In particular, he had a passion for the plight of our indigenous community and gay and lesbian men and women.

A gay man himself, John was proud of who he was. Yet, he recognised the discrimination that was rife throughout the community, particularly against gay and lesbian people and our indigenous brothers. On his death in 2006, a fund was established in John’s name to assist in the education of young gay and lesbian people and young indigenous people.

Areas of study: Any Area of Study

At Institution: Western Sydney University

Study level:

• Undergraduate
• Honours, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma

Study Load: Full Time

Location: NSW

Value $5,000 per year for duration of degree

How to Apply Applicants must provide a statement in support of their application indicating how they believe the receipt of the scholarship will assist them with their studies and in their future career. This statement should give a sufficient explanation of the applicant’s background and current circumstances to enable the University to judge their eligibility, need and merit.

Applicants must:

• Be Australian citizens or permanent residents;
• Be enrolled to study full-time in an undergraduate degree;
• Identify as Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.