2022 Jack Cranstoun Scholarship Winners Announced

Five outstanding young Queenslanders with a passion for mediation and dispute resolution have been awarded Jack Cranstoun memorial scholarships worth $3500 each at a ceremony at the Brisbane Supreme and District Court.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman last week congratulated Amanda Martin, Nana Makatema, Nadia Saeed, Letticia Gooroovadoo and Gemma Sampson for their successful applications.

“Since its establishment in 2015, the Jack Cranstoun scholarships have attracted exceptional young candidates with diverse backgrounds from across our State and our 2022 winners are no exception,” Minister Fentiman said.

“This year, in addition to regional and general scholarships, two new categories were introduced for First Nations Peoples and for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

“The judges were so impressed with the calibre of applicants, they awarded an extra scholarship in the CALD category.

“I applaud Amanda, Nana, Nadia, Letticia and Gemma for their achievements to date and wish them every success with their mediation training.”

The scholarships, funded by the Queensland Government, honour the memory of Jack Cranston, a talented young mediator within the Department of Justice and Attorney-General who sadly lost his life in 2014.

“Mr Cranstoun’s colleagues recognised that offering opportunities to young people in his name would be a fitting tribute for someone who was a gifted problem solver in his own right,” Minister Fentiman said.

“They are no doubt proud of the talent the program has attracted.”

Applicants for the scholarship are assessed for merit and interviewed by a panel regarding relevant criteria as well as their passion for mediation.

Scholarship recipients receive training to sharpen their mediation and dispute resolution skills.

Minister Fentiman said the scholarship recipients would be trained by experienced mediators from Queensland’s Dispute Resolution Branch and would have the opportunity to be assessed for National Mediator Accreditation.

“Mediators provide an invaluable service to the community, helping people resolve their differences without the need to go to court,” she said.

“With a high rate of success, mediators save time, legal fees and court costs for the people involved – and the community at large – and help to free up the court system.”

Further information about mediation training and the Dispute Resolution Branch can be found at www.qld.gov.au/mediation.

About the 2022 scholarship recipients:

Amanda Martin - First Nation People’s category

As a young student struggling with nerves associated with public speaking, Amanda embraced opportunities to overcome her fear, including participating – and placing second ­– in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Moot competition. Amanda is a proud Gadigal woman who is driven and passionate about community service and embodies the spirit of giving back through her extensive volunteer commitments. Amanda lives in Morningside, Brisbane.

Letticia Gooroovadoo – regional category

From lifesaving to volunteering at Red Cross and numerous other charities, Letticia devotes her time to help people in times of need. Her passions extend to seeking opportunities to utilise her mediation skills in conflict management and peacekeeping settings in both war and international conflict zones. Letticia lives on the Gold Coast.

Nana Makatema - Culturally and Linguistically Diverse category

After arriving in Australia with her family under refugee status, Nana is using her education to unlock opportunities now and into the future. With extensive volunteer experience and a deep desire to help her community resolve disputes before they reach court, Nana utilises her innate skills and philosophical approach to empower people to be heard. Nana lives in Berrinba, Logan City region.

Nadia Saeed - Culturally and Linguistically Diverse category

From being on the international stage to offering grass roots support, Nadia embodies the true essence of the scholarship. Her dream that young people in her community and beyond have the capacity, skills, and support to lead their people in times of need is inspiring. Nadia was once called upon to help with Queensland Police negotiations after a shooting in her community. Nadia lives in Shailer Park, Logan City region.

Gemma Sampson - general category

From a young age, Gemma aspired to become a world leader, a rock star and even an astronaut. The passion to dream continued and before long she was heavily involved in the Tournament of Minds, an international competition whereby students work together to solve an “unsolvable” problem by utilising critical thinking, empathy, and any academic strategies. She has a passion for learning and advocating for communities. Gemma lives in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.

ENDS

Media contact: Phoenix Campbell 0439 949 719