Congratulations to our first RDU journalism scholarship recipients

In memory of Rotary Down Under Founding Editor Paul Henningham and his successor Bob Aitken, RDU Managing Editor 1984-2014, the current Rotary Down Under Inc Council established two $10,000 scholarships for third-year Australian and New Zealand media and communications students to assist with costs associated with their studies.
However, with three strong applications received in the inaugural intake, the Board agreed to award three scholarships for 2026.

Lewis Donaldson is a third-year student at Charles Sturt University, NSW, studying a Bachelor of Communication. Lewis has undertaken part-time work as a cadet journalist at National Radio News and Gunnedah Times and is the creator and author of The Pacific Blog. He hopes to eventually share the stories of regional Australia through working in regional newsrooms to help bridge the gap between our regions and cities.

Madaleine Mansfield is a third-year student at the New Zealand Broadcasting School, working towards a Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications, majoring in Journalism. She is passionate about sport, in particular women’s sport. She is inspired by journalists like Kirstie Stanway and Jordan Oppert, who both began their careers at Broadcasting School and went on to become some of the biggest names in New Zealand sports media.

Isla Melton is studying a Bachelor of Communication, majoring in Journalism, at the University of Canterbury, NZ. She is currently the News Editor of Canta, the university’s student-led news source. Isla envisions herself as a journalist committed to telling stories that matter, stories that amplify voices often left unheard, and that hold institutions accountable. She strongly believes that journalism has the power to strengthen communities by fostering understanding and awareness.

Congratulations to all three of our successful applicants. We are looking forward to getting to know you better!