John Menadue’s life reads as a Who’s Who entry – in fact, he has a significant entry in both it and the book “1001 Australians You Should Know” where he is referred to as “the trusted administrator”. Since graduating in Economics from the University of Adelaide in 1956 John has served his country as a public servant, diplomat, critical thinker, board director, advisor and public commentator. His service to Australia has been recognised by several awards, namely he was awarded an AO in 1985 for service to the public, and a Centenary Medal 'for service to Australian society through public service leadership' in 2003.
John lived at Lincoln College from 1953-1956 while at the University of Adelaide and made friends with international and Australian students here such as Sam Abraham with whom he remained life-long friends. Wherever he goes, whatever he does, John remembers his roots and the people who influenced him. He is a model University of Adelaide representative who proudly claims his South Australian heritage all over the world. He has also mentored others from Lincoln College as they advanced through the ranks in Canberra and Sydney.
John’s mentoring spirit shone when on the evening before his acceptance of the award from the University of Adelaide he attended formal dinner at Lincoln and afterwards took great pleasure in talking to current residents at length. The residents, in turn, seemed to soak up everything he had to say. John seemed to be at home, not necessarily because he was back at Lincoln but because he was speaking with young adults seeking guidance and about to embark on their own journeys.
It was with great pride that the Principal Bec Pannell attended the graduation ceremony on 4th August of this year where John was presented with a Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Adelaide. The list of John’s achievements is long, and the speaker had to pause often to catch breath; the audience could not resist a chuckle to break the silence while anticipating the presentation of the award.
John is exemplary in all that he does: academic excellence, integrity, the search for truth, constant questioning of systems, processes and people, and as John himself says “What we need is what the ancient Israelites called hochma – the science of the heart – the capacity to see, to feel and then to act as if the future depended on you.”
John Menadue believes that he can make a difference, especially in the areas of health care, policy development and human rights. These qualities give our current and past residents an example of what positive change comes out of: a deep desire for justice, care for others, and positive change through intellectual diligence.
Throughout his long and continuing career Menadue has had significant influence in many areas of public life through his roles in the public service and in business. Australians might not recognise it, but in some way most of them have been affected by his influence, his critical thinking around substantive issues and his attention to detail and care for his country.
He was a trusted advisor to Gough Whitlam and a loyal servant to Fraser despite their differences. But more than this, Menadue has had long lasting influence amongst his peers and colleagues from both Australia and overseas in his concern for others and the society in which they live.
John Menadue has been a true and trusted servant of this country for over 50 years. He has been publicly recognised in both literature and official honours as an important person in the development of the nation.
It was entirely fitting for the University of Adelaide to recognise John as an outstanding representative of their system of education by recognising his achievements with a Distinguished Alumni Award. Lincoln is pleased to have given John a home while he reached for his tertiary qualifications, as well as an opportunity to live with fellow Lincolnites, many of whom came from overseas, and who perhaps helped turn his gaze to the greater impact potential he possessed.
