C.A.S. Hawker Scholars

2007

Ms Gemma Nourse

Hawker Scholar: 2007 – 2010
Degree: Bachelor of Arts Bachelor of Laws
Institution: ANU
In Residence: Burgmann College
Career Goal: A UN diplomat, a position in Foreign Affairs with DFAT or a music store owner.

Ms Gemma Nourse graduated from the Darwin High School in 2006. She is a vibrant, capable, hardworking, self-motivated, and studious person with outstanding social and leadership skills. Gemma loves debating, writing, and making music.

Gemma studied English, Maths, Politics, Economics and Modern History in her senior year. She enjoys science subjects but has a passion for the humanities. She has a thirst for knowledge about politics and world events, believing that no matter how much she learns, there is still much more she wants to know.

Gemma represented the Northern Territory at the National School Debating Championships in 2006 and she was heavily involved in her local and school communities.

She was secretary of the Darwin High Round Table. She organised and participated in events ranging from book launches to the 40 Hour Famine and World Vision’s Global Leadership Convention in 2006.

She was one of the founding members of Darwin High School’s Youth Justice Group which raises funds for groups such as TEAR Australia, the Oaktree Foundation and World Vision. The group raised awareness within the school community of the problems dealt with by these organisations.

Gemma is involved in the United Nations Youth Association. She was selected to represent the Northern Territory at the national United Nations Youth Conference held in Sydney in 2006. Gemma was then selected to be part of the 17 member Australian delegation to the Hague International Model UN Conference held in the Netherlands in January.

Gemma is passionate about making music and is the bassist and vocalist in a band with her friends. The group has played various shows in Darwin and has performed at school events including the Lunch Aid Concert for the Make Poverty History campaign.

Gemma’s other interests include writing. This has resulted in her joining a youth newspaper run by the Darwin City Council called GRIND as a journalist.

Gemma also enjoys drama and has acted in a number of school and community productions as well as in a WW2 ABC mini drama in locations around the Darwin High School.

She would enjoy getting involved in economic development in third world countries. Although the international stage is appealing, she would initially prefer working on issues within Australia. She would like to encourage debate in this country about human rights and environmental issues including global warming.

Gemma is only the second Hawker Scholar to come from the Northern Territory. She’ll make waves, great music and brighten the lives of many.