Gallipoli Scholarship Fund: Thirty years of honouring legacy and empowering the next generation
A record number of students have been awarded Gallipoli Scholarships in 2026, helping to celebrate 30 years of the Gallipoli Scholarship Fund honouring legacy and empowering the next generation.
Lockheed Martin Australia has been proud to partner with the Gallipoli Scholarship since 2021, supporting Scholars pursuing STEM degrees in higher education.
Established in 1996, the Gallipoli Scholarship Fund was founded by a donation from a World War I Veterans Association as a lasting gift of education to strengthen Australia’s future—encouraging scholars to become the leaders, thinkers and innovators of today and tomorrow.
The Fund seeks to build understanding among young Australians of the enduring traditions of perseverance, courage, self-sacrifice and mateship that were established in the cause of world peace at Gallipoli, and thereafter on other battlefields and peace operations.
Today, the Scholarship provides financial assistance to the most deserving and meritorious applicants commencing their first year of tertiary study at university or TAFE. To be eligible, scholars must be an Australian citizen who is a direct descendent of a veteran who has served in the Australian or New Zealand Defence Force in any conflict or peacekeeping role since the First World War.
Now in its most successful year to date, the Fund awarded a record 67 Gallipoli Scholarships and bursaries, including 40 new first year recipients and 27 continuing Scholars.
“Since the first two Gallipoli Scholars were awarded in 1998, the Fund has grown and continues to grow. I am certain that the Gallipoli Veterans who founded the Fund in 1996 would be very satisfied with their legacy over the past 30 years,” said Major General Michael Smith AO (Ret’d), Chair of the Gallipoli Scholarship Fund.
Scholars who were able to travel to Canberra attended a Presentation Ceremony within the newly completed Atrium at the Australian War Memorial. Each Scholar was presented their award by the Gallipoli Scholarship Fund’s Patron-in-Chief, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC.
The following morning, Scholars and guests were welcomed by the Governor-General to Government House for a special visit, continuing the tradition of bringing together service, remembrance and community in a uniquely Australian setting.
“Founded to honour service through education, the Gallipoli Scholarship Fund continues to support descendants of Australian and New Zealand Defence personnel, carrying forward a legacy that helps shape Australia’s future,” said Ms Mostyn[MW(1] .
Since 2021, the Lockheed Martin Australia Bursary has supported over a dozen Scholars from across Australia pursuing tertiary study in a STEM field.
This year, Lockheed Martin Australia are proud to support four Gallipoli Scholars across a range of STEM degrees.
Skyla Davis
Hailing from Lismore, New South Wales, Skyla is entering her third year at the University of Queensland, pursuing a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours).
She has a strong interest in power systems and the renewable energy transition, and is motivated to contribute to sustainable and reliable energy solutions. Her great- grandfather, Stanley Reardon, served in WW2.
Lincoln Rowe
Lincoln, an aspiring Aerospace Engineer, is progressing into his second year of a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Queensland.
Lincoln aims to combine his passion for aviation and engineering in a career with the Royal Australian Air Force, inspired by his great-grandfather, Alexander Thomas Rowe, who served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force during WW2.
“I recently received for the second year the Lockheed Martin Australia bursary as part of the Gallipoli Scholarship Fund. This scholarship has had a very large impact on my life; it allowed me to buy a car and become more independent from my parents, a laptop for university work capable of high-end CAD, and a saxophone to be able to continue my love of playing music on after high school.”
Matthew McGuire
Matthew, from Jamberoo, New South Wales, is advancing into his third year of a Bachelor of Science in Astrophysics at the Australian National University. He aims to pursue a career as an astrophysicist.
His great-great-grandfather, Frederick Harrison Ord Capper, served in both the Boer War and WW1.
"Receiving the Gallipoli Scholarship means more than financial support, it gives me a community and connects me to a legacy of resilience. The support base behind this scholarship is exceptional,” said Matthew.
“We Canberran scholars especially have attended many social and promotional gatherings together, building strong friendships and meaningful connections. Knowing that there are people invested in my success motivates me every day.
“With this foundation behind me, I hope to develop the skills, discipline, and experience needed to contribute meaningfully in whichever direction my career takes me."
Thomas Kavanagh
From St Peters in South Australia, Thomas is embarking on a Bachelor of Science (Theoretical Physics) at Adelaide University. He has a deep love of mathematics and the physical world, and carries the legacy of three generations of military service: his grandfather Rodney Smith who served in Vietnam, his great-grandfather Reginald Hale-Smith who served in Borneo WW2, and great-great-grandfather William Henry Cook fought in the battle of Lone Pine at Gallipoli. Thomas was unable to attend this year’s Presentation Ceremony.
Lockheed Martin Australia congratulates Matthrew, Skyla, Lincoln, Thomas and all recipients of the 2026 Gallipoli Scholarships as they advance in their studies.
Congratulations to the Gallipoli Scholarship Fund on reaching this momentous milestone; we look forward to continuing to support Australia’s future and honouring the legacy of those who have served and those who continue to serve our nation.
Learn more about the Gallipoli Scholarship Fund by visiting their website.