2024 Albert Coates Oration
Winner of the Albert Coates Memorial Scholarship: Biomedical Science, William Gilbert talking to guests after the oration. Image courtesy of Elizabeth Trugeon.
On November 20, W&D Finance directors Bob Whitcher, Neale Gribble and Andrew Baird attended the 2024 Coates Oration and dinner at Federation University. W&D Finance sponsor the Albert Coates Memorial Scholarship: Biomedical Science which was presented on the night. This year it was awarded to William Gilbert, a second year student studying at Federation University, Mount Helen Campus.
William said, “I chose this area of study as I’ve always been interested in all fields of science and health since I was a child, and how it plays a part in all aspects of our lives. My goals involve working in the field of health science for my career, revolving around research into disease and the human body’s interaction with disease.”
Neale Gribble, who attended the evening said, “W&D Finance is honoured to sponsor the Albert Coates Scholarship for Biomedical Science. We recognise the importance of supporting an initiative that invests in future health professionals who understand the unique needs of our regional and rural communities. Our congratulations go to William, his dedication and passion for the field of health science make him a deserving recipient of this year’s prize.”
Albert Coates Memorial Trust was formed in 1998 as a memorial to Ballarat-born Sir Albert Coates. Albert Coates (1895-1977) was a distinguished Australian surgeon and soldier. In World War I, Coates enlisted and worked as a medical orderly, serving in Egypt, Gallipoli and Flanders. Upon returning he undertook a medical course and became a leading surgeon, contributing significantly to neurosurgery in Australia.
He volunteered again in WWII, serving as a senior surgeon in Malaya. He was captured by the Japanese forces in Sumatra and taken to Burma. It was there that he worked in the Prisoner of War (POW) camps along the Thai-Burma Railway where he saved hundreds of lives.
In recognition of his service, Coates was awarded with an Order of the British Empire in 1946 and knighted in 1955. You can visit the Sir Albert Coates statue on Sturt Street, Ballarat. It was commissioned in 2000 and depicts Coates during his time working as a doctor at the POW camps on the Thai-Burma railway.
W&D Finance is incredibly proud to have a 15 year association with the Albert Coates Memorial Trust and in that time has supported over 25 Federation University students. We look forward to continuing to support the program in the years ahead.
To learn more about the Albert Coates Memorial Trust and its work, head to the website https://www.albertcoates.com.au/index.php/the-trust.