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SGS student scholarship supports social justice

Posted July 14, 2020

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SGS Economics and Planning generic student photo

Lara Brown is the ideal recipient for the SGS Graham Larcombe Scholarship 2020. An immigrant and single mother of a disabled child, Lara is studying a Masters in Urban Planning at the University of Melbourne in the hope that she can improve the lives of disadvantaged people in the future.

Lara Brown BW

I feel honoured to receive the award for my interest in social justice and equity through urban planning, which are causes that come naturally to me. It is my hope to improve the lives of disadvantaged people through my future work. I am also grateful for the financial award as it will reduce the stress of paying tuition. As a mature age student and an immigrant single mother to a disabled child, I am deeply grateful for the support and encouragement I have received while pursuing my degree.

— Lara Brown

SGS named the scholarship after the late Graham Larcombe. Graham was a co-consultant, teacher and honorary adviser at SGS. Graham was the Principal and Director of Strategic Economics Group and was actively involved in industry policy development in Victoria in the 1990s. During this time he became one of Australia's leading exponents of spatial economics. His insights into the geography of investment and job creation proved very influential at the time and continue to be cited today.

Graham Larcolme BW
Graham Larcombe

Graham was also a well respected Australian contributor to international organisations such as the OECD and Asian Development Bank. He assisted Australian governments at all levels to develop economic strategies and plans to achieve the best future for cities, industries and local economies.

Graham was passionate about equality of opportunity, environmental sustainability and the proper, inclusive governance of our cities, towns and regions - for him, these were integral elements of a truly prosperous society.

The annual scholarship is a wonderful way to honour his memory and support emerging professionals with similar interests said SGS Principal & Partner Patrick Fensham.

Patrick Fensham BW

Graham was a champion of the people. He appreciated the capacity of communities to take control of their destiny and transform their environment. He participated in their struggles and cherished their triumphs. He loathed corruption and campaigned fearlessly against it in his own community. And he lived his beliefs in his everyday life. Graham's values provide a continuing and constant point of reference for SGS's work. The scholarship is a way for us to reward, motivate and provide opportunities for students who share Graham's areas of interest. We are pleased to see the scholarship go to Lara this year.

— Patrick Fensham
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