Another Tuckwell Selection Weekend has come to a close, and it would not have been possible without the time, energy and dedication of our Scholar volunteers, staff and Selection Panel members.
Scholars across multiple cohorts volunteered their time to help deliver activities and support scholarship candidates throughout the weekend. Their enthusiasm, guidance and leadership made a lasting impression on candidates and played an important role in creating a warm, welcoming and memorable experience on campus.
The weekend commenced on Friday with an official welcome from Tuckwell Program Director, Lois Carlton. Candidates then took part in the Tuckwell Challenge, a series of clues and team-based activities held across locations around ANU campus. Led by Scholar volunteers, the challenge encouraged teamwork, friendly competition, connection, and creativity among candidates, providing the perfect icebreaker before the formal interview process began.
With winter sunshine and plenty of energy on display, the Tuckwell Challenge once again proved to be a highlight of the weekend in its second year as a Selection Weekend tradition. Congratulations to the winning team, group number 7, led by Finn Currie (2023) and Anneke Corry (2024).
Saturday and Sunday were dedicated to interviews, Canberra bus tours and ANU residential college tours, giving candidates the opportunity to experience some of the capital’s iconic landmarks. Visits included a trip up Capital Hill to Australian Parliament House and Mount Ainslie, offering candidates a glimpse into what life in Canberra could look like as a future Tuckwell Scholar.
Pictured above in Scholars House at the conclusion of the weekend are our Scholar volunteers alongside Dr Graham and Dr Louise Tuckwell, Selection Panel Chair Emeritus Professor Royston Gustavson, and Selection Panel members including Mr Stephen Minns and Tuckwell Alumni from the 2014 and 2015 cohorts: Elena Pleass, Anthony Ricci, Mary Parker and Joseph Dean.
We also extend a special thank you to Scholar volunteer Josh Walraven (2026), our photographer throughout the weekend, Josh captured some of the memorable moments featured above.
With Selection Panel deliberations now complete, we look forward to welcoming the 2027 Tuckwell Scholarship cohort to our community very soon.
