Media Statement - 4th December 2008
The Minister for
Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, has congratulated
Flying Officer Matthew Brown, a pilot in the Royal Australian Air Force, on
receiving the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship to attend Oxford University.
The Australia-at-Large Rhodes Scholarship was conferred at a ceremony in Canberra this week and will see Flying Officer Brown travel to Oxford in October 2009 where he will study Politics and Economics specialising in International Relations.
“Flying Officer Brown has an outstanding record of academic achievement. In 2004 he graduated from the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) with a number of awards, including ADFA’s highest military award, the Commander in Chief Medal,” Mr Snowdon said.
“The Medal is awarded to the Midshipman or Officer Cadet who demonstrates the most outstanding military and academic achievement, leadership, personal example and performance of duty during three years at ADFA.
“In 2005 Flying Officer Brown completed his First Class Honours Degree of Engineering in Aeronautical Engineering through the University of New South Wales (UNSW) at ADFA, and was also awarded the prestigious UNSW University Medal.
“Flying Officer Brown was also presented with the AH Corbett Prize for the most outstanding graduate in Engineering and the Air Vice Marshal Noble Prize for distinguished performance in the fourth year of his Aeronautical Engineering degree.
“Adding balance to his academic career, Matthew is a keen sportsman enjoying swimming, athletics and cross country events, as well as AFL and martial arts.
“I have no doubt he will make an outstanding Rhodes Scholar, and I extend my congratulations to him on his achievements.”
Matthew is currently at the Central Flying School at RAAF East Sale in Victoria flying Pilatus PC-9s. When he returns from two years studying at Oxford he intends to continue a flying career in the Air Force.
“Matthew, from Forresters Beach on the NSW Central Coast, joined the Air Force in January 2002, and admirably represents the calibre of our Australian Defence Force personnel,” Mr Snowdon said.