Originally from the Northern Territory, Mitchell Francis spent his childhood living in remote towns including Jabiru in Kakadu National Park, before moving to Adelaide for his secondary education.

Zac Frazer, a Kamilaroi man from Yamba in New South Wales, has always wanted to travel overseas and experience new cultures. His New Colombo Plan Scholarship (NCP) opened up the door to do so.

It’s a long way from Guyra in NSW to the Republic of Korea and Hong Kong for young Kamilaroi man Miles Archibald. But it’s a journey that was worth it and has opened up so many doors for him both personally and professionally.

On World Oceans Day 2021, people everywhere celebrate and take action to protect this shared resource. Emma Locker, 2020 New Colombo Plan scholar spoke to us about her experiences with Pacific communities and sustainable Ocean management.

For 2020 New Colombo Plan Scholar Molly Glendenning, a love for travel and keen interest in global news and current affairs started early.

On World Health Day 2021, New Colombo Plan scholars Shannon Schulz and Soraya McGinley talked to us about their passion for the health and well-being of the peoples of the Indo-Pacific.

Working with students from the City School of Architecture in Sri Lanka topped off their architecture studies in a way University of Queensland students Melissa Jin and Caitlin Masters had never imagined when they began their degrees.

15 to 21 March is Harmony Week. Harmony Week is about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. New Colombo Plan’s Savitri Thurairatnam and Qisthy Kodarusman share personal insights and experiences to help us celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity.

To celebrate 2021 International Women’s Day, three New Colombo Plan women Scholars reflect on their experiences of Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world” and the contribution of women and girls to shaping a more equal future around the world.

The New Colombo Plan program has opened many doors to past scholars and each agrees that the experience was invaluable in bringing about new opportunities to shape their individual futures and for some, in unexpected ways.