Irish Famine Memorial Prize
In 2005 we established the Irish Famine Memorial Prize in the Department of Modern History, Macquarie University.
It is awarded for a 'Honours work on an Irish or Irish Australian topic or on a global problem in the modern world which might include famine, poverty, mass emigration, refugees or political upheaval.'
The first recipient was Lauren Wilson. The prize was presented at the Irish Famine Memorial, Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney in March 2006 by visiting Irish Government Minister, Mr Brian Cowan, T.D.
2006
In 2006 the first Irish Famine Memorial Prize was awarded to Modern History Honours student Lauren Wilson. An outstanding student, Lauren gained a first class Honours degree and a university medal.
The prize was presented on two occasions, first at the Irish Famine Memorial, Hyde Park Barracks, Sydney in March 2006 by visiting Irish Government Minister, Mr Brian Cowan, T.D. and secondly, at a Macquarie University prize giving ceremony.
Irish Minister Brian Cowan and Lauren
Dr Trevor McClaughlin, Lauren and Dr Michelle Arrow
Lauren and Dr Michelle Arrow
2007
Julia Kensey was the winner of our prize in 2007. In her research for her Honours thesis, Julia explored the ways in which governments have historically tried to find solutions to the 'Aboriginal problem', and were limited by notions of 'Aboriginality'. Using the abolition of ATSIC as a case study, she argued that policy decisions must be seen against a wider, shifting backdrop of understandings of Australian history and Indigenous and Non-Indigenous experiences and relations.
Julia is currently working as an Energy Analyst.
Julia and family
Professor Woollacott and Julia
Julia and her mum
2008
Eleanor Cameron was the winner of our prize in 2008. Eleanor's Modern History Honours thesis was on the demise of Australia's White immigration policy between the 1950s and 1970s. In examining the demise of the White Australia policy, Eleanor showed, for example, how groups such as the Returned Servicemen's League (RSL) and the Australian Natives Association gradually came to accept and at times, even embrace, the slow dismantlement of the policy.
The prize was presented during 'Irish week' by a visiting Minister in the Irish Government, Mr Noel Dempsey TD, Minister for Transport. A beautiful wreath was laid by Mr Patrick Scullion, Irish Consul General in Sydney. The Irish Ambassador, Mr Martin O'Fainin, and representatives from Macquarie University, Hyde Park Barracks and the Sydney IFM committee were in attendance.
Brad, Mary and Eleanor
Tom Power, Eleanor, Noel Dempsey TD, Patrick Scullion
Minister Dempsey and Eleanor
