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Scholarship winner Ms Freda Talao and Executor and Joint Trustee of the Peter Goodenough estate, Mr Neil Matheson. |
A prominent female PNG human rights lawyer and advocate has been awarded the Peter Goodenough and Wantoks Scholarship in Law.
Ms Freda Talao was awarded the scholarship during the 2009 Peter Goodenough Memorial Lecture at the Queensland Brain Institute (QBI) at UQ on August 27.
Ms Talao said she would put the scholarship to good use, initially completing a Master of Philosophy research project on human rights in PNG, then moving on to PhD studies at the TC Beirne School of Law.
"It is often difficult for PNG students to secure financial support for their studies abroad," Ms Talao said.
"I was very happy to learn that I would be able to complete my studies at UQ's TC Beirne School of Law - one of the best law schools in the world."
QBI Director, Professor Perry Bartlett said it was a fitting tribute to Mr Goodenough to support the PNG people through a scholarship program.
"The Institute is delighted to collaborate with the TC Beirne School of Law to initiate this unique scholarship," Professor Bartlett said.
The Peter Goodenough and Wantoks Research Laboratory at QBI is dedicated to the memory and generosity of Peter Goodenough (1936-2004), whose personal battle with MND led to an inspirational private bequest for fundamental scientific research.
A determined and independent entrepreneur, Mr Goodenough was born in the United Kingdom and, from his base in north Queensland, developed a multi-million dollar civil engineering contracting company with extensive interests in his adopted country, Papua New Guinea - where he had many friends.
Mr Goodenough was resolved to ensure his personal wealth would be directed to fighting MND even though he knew he would personally not benefit from the research. The Peter Goodenough and Wantoks Scholarship in Law continues that tradition.