Federal Member for Banks, David Coleman MP, today congratulated local resident, Andrew Gaffney of Hurstville, on receiving a scholarship under the Australian Government’s New Colombo Plan.
Mr Gaffney, 20, currently studies a Bachelor of International and Global Studies / Bachelor of Laws at the University of Sydney. With the New Colombo Plan Scholarship, he will be hosted by the National University of Singapore while he undertakes an internship at a Singapore economic policy-making institution.
Under the New Colombo Plan, $100 million over five years is being provided to help Australia’s best and brightest undergraduates to live, study and gain work experience in the Indo-Pacific Region.
“It is great to see a bright and talented student from Hurstville given the opportunity to enhance their education and further develop their understanding of the region,” Mr Coleman said.
Mr Coleman joined the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Julie Bishop MP, to congratulate the 2015 cohort of scholars at a reception at Parliament House this morning.
Mr Coleman said the New Colombo Plan scholarships will help give recipients a global edge.
“The scholars’ exposure to the diversity, culture and language of foreign countries will give them an invaluable learning experience,” Mr Coleman said.
“The scholars, including Andrew, will go on to be leaders in our community, and will bring the benefits of their experience as New Colombo Plan scholars back to Australia”.