The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust is gearing up to celebrate its 60th anniversary next year. Over the years, the Trust has awarded a Churchill Fellowship to 103 individuals in Australia, enabling them to immerse themselves in international best practices for up to eight weeks. This year's Fellows are set to explore a diverse range of fields and topics, driven by their desire to bring innovative solutions back to Australia.

Since its inception in 1965, the Churchill Trust has awarded over 4,800 Fellowships. The impact of these Fellowships can be seen in various areas of Australian life, from the creation of Questacon to the introduction of Unit Pricing in supermarkets. The 2024 Churchill Fellowships have been awarded to 24 people from Victoria, 23 from New South Wales, 15 from Queensland, 14 from Western Australia, 10 from South Australia, 7 from Tasmania, 5 from the Australian Capital Territory, and 5 from the Northern Territory.

Sally Campbell, Acting CEO of the Churchill Trust, said, “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.” She added, “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.”

The Churchill Trust has flown talented Australians around the globe to pursue their passion and bring their knowledge home for nearly 60 years. Churchill Fellows are people from all walks of life and all sectors; the arts, science, health, agriculture, and beyond. Campbell further stated, “The Churchill Fellowship is more than just recognition—it’s a celebration of people trying to make a difference.”

Applications for a Churchill Fellowship will open again on 1 March 2025. This is an opportunity for individuals from all walks of life to immerse themselves in new knowledge and skills, and to bring back innovative ideas that can make a difference in Australia.