THE HON. WARREN SNOWDON MP
Minister for Defence Science and Personnel
Thursday, 4 December 2008
190/2008
ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE PILOT WINS
PRESTIGIOUS RHODES SCHOLARSHIP
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.
Media contacts:
Kate Sieper (Warren Snowdon):
02 6277 7620 or 0488 484 689
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
