Queensland graduates will have the opportunity to pursue postgraduate studies at the world-renowned Cambridge University under a new scholarship program established by Justice Anthea Philippides, Judge of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Queensland.

For the Greek Australian judge, the initiative is not just an opportunity for her to give back to the community, but also a gesture aimed at honouring her parents for their support – especially her late father, Constantine.

“Having been the recipient of a scholarship to attend Cambridge, it’s really a great joy to be able to give back in turn and especially to provide an opportunity to those of diverse backgrounds to experience a year at Cambridge.

“My family played a very important part in always encouraging me and it feels a lot to be able to pay tribute to them and particularly to my father who passed away,” Justice Philippides told Neos Kosmos.

In 2000, her appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland marked the first appointment of a Greek woman to such a role.

“I am extremely proud of my Hellenic background and it’s always been an inspiration to me,” Philippides said.

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Justice Anthe Philippides, Judge of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Queensland

A trailblazer in her field, Justice Phillipides was also the first woman to head the Australian Maritime Law Association of Australia and New Zealand, and she is also the Queensland patron of the Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association.

The $100,000 scholarship, co-funded by Cambridge Australia Scholarships and The Cambridge Commonwealth European and International Trust, covers everything from tuition costs to flights and even accommodation for a whole year of postgraduate studies.

Justice Philippides was awarded a British Council Commonwealth Scholarship to read for a Masters of Law at Cambridge upon her graduation from the University of Queensland with first class honours. When she realised that the Commonwealth program was no longer available for students, she approached Cambridge Australia Scholarships to establish the new scholarship so that others could benefit from it just as she had.

Supporting those who are less fortunate when it comes to access to educational pathways has been a primary motive in this decision.

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“I think that when you do achieve significant and important positions you should provide an example and encourage others. I have this opportunity and I think it’s a wonderful thing to be able to encourage others,” Justice Philippides said, elaborating on the importance of opening up the door for talented people who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to study at Cambridge.

“I’m not alone in having been fortunate that my parents thought education was very important and wanted to provide opportunities for their children, as many immigrants coming to Australia have done for their children.”

This is why diversity and each applicant’s vision and aspirations feature high in the scholarship criteria.

“The scholarship has in mind promoting diversity[…]We are all beneficiaries of a multicultural Australia and we have a lot to learn from each other.”

*The scholarship will be initially available for the 2020/2021 academic year and applications are now open. For more information contact Cambridge Australia Scholarships on 03 9344 1144 or via email at cambridge@ormond.unimelb.edu.au

**Neos Kosmos wishes to thank Mal Varitimos QC, Queensland representative of the Hellenic Australian Lawyers Association for notifying us about Justice Philippides’ scholarship initiative.