General Sir John Monash GCMG KCB VD is widely acknowledged as one of the great Australians. He was one of Australia’s most outstanding military and civilian leaders, as well as an impactful contributor to Australian life. The Foundation is named in his honour, and our scholarships and selection criteria are based on his qualities: Leadership, Impact, Community, Excellence and Service.

Early life

Born to German Jewish parents in 1865 in West Melbourne, Monash lived in Richmond, Melbourne and later, Jerilderie, New South Wales where he attended school. His family later moved back to Melbourne in 1877 to enrol Monash in a senior education school.

A love of learning is born

Monash enrols at Scotch College, and at the age of 16 he graduates from Scotch as (equal) Dux of the school, as well as Dux of mathematics and modern languages. After graduating, he enrols at the University of Melbourne to study arts and engineering. By 1895 he has been awarded a Master of Engineering (1893) and a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law (1895). Later in his life, he would return to study and become a Doctor of Engineering (University of Melbourne, 1921), being the first to receive that degree at any Australian university, as well as a Doctor of Laws (University of Melbourne), Doctor of Civil Law (University of Oxford) and Doctor of Laws (University of Cambridge). 

Military career

When the First World War breaks out in 1914,  Colonel Monash leaves Australia for Gallipoli in command of the 4th Infantry Brigade. His exceptional leadership during that battle, and subsequent battles across the front line and throughout the war results in a series of promotions up to the rank of Lieutenant-General in 1918, and he is given command of the entire Australian Corps. His orders and battle plans contribute to a number of major victories that are credited with having shortened the course of the Great War. In late 1918 he is knighted on the battlefield at Hamel Hill by King George V as recognition for his efforts during the war.

Post-war civilian life

Before the Great War, Sir John Monash worked as an engineer in Melbourne where he was recognised as an innovator in the use of reinforced concrete and became one of Australia's foremost experts in its use for bridges, railways and large scale engineering projects. Post-war, upon his return to Australia to an enthusiastic reception from the Australian public, Sir John Monash becomes the first General Manager of the State Electricity Commission of Victoria. A few years later he becomes the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Melbourne.

As well as being a founding member of the Rotary Club of Melbourne, Australia’s first Rotary Club, he was also the founding president of the Zionist Federation of Australia and New Zealand. As a recognised military leader he assumes the role of spokesperson for Australia's returned soldiers, becoming one of the principal organisers of the annual observance of ANZAC Day as well as leading the ANZAC Day parade for several years from 1925. In his final years he oversees the construction of the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne.

His lasting legacy

Sir John Monash died in 1931, aged 66. He was honoured with a state funeral which was attended by an estimated 300,000 mourners, who came to pay their respects to a great Australian. His name lives on through various eponyms such as Monash University, Monash Freeway, the Sir John Monash Centre in France. His legacy as a scholar, intellectual, serviceman and engineering pioneer is commemorated through a life sized statue of John Monash at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. 

General Sir John Monash felt that the goal of education is to "befit persons for the high duties of citizenship and for roles of leadership in all fields to make Australia great."