ABOUT US
The Mannkal Economic Education Foundation was formally established in 1997, yet its origin dates back to 1987 when, in a dusty Kalgoorlie shed, a then-UWA honours student was researching Ron Manners’ archives detailing the beginning of Australia’s libertarian movement.
Four decades later, our mission to develop future free market leaders remains the same. We promote free enterprise, limited government and individual initiative for the benefit of all Australians.
WHO WE ARE
The name Mannkal is an amalgamation of the names of our founder, Ron Manners AO, and the entrepreneurial gold mining city of Kalgoorlie. Furthermore, our modus operandi draws on the economic insights from the Foundation for Economic Education and the practical, immersive learning methods of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Commonwealth Study Conference.
As enthusiasts of the economist F. A. Hayek, we believe that insights from classical liberal thinkers and their application to local conditions are important for understanding why Australia has enjoyed high living standards and prosperity. Mannkal has published a detailed history of the Australian experience in The Libertarian Primer which serves as the definitive introduction to students and scholars on this vital topic.
WHAT WE DO
Our flagship activity is the Mannkal Scholarship Program, which provides scholarships to Western Australian tertiary students to attend conferences, undertake internships and connect with industry both domestically and internationally. These opportunities allow students to appreciate the role of property rights, common law, free markets and limited government in fostering economic growth and human dignity.
Our greatest satisfaction is seeing our current Scholars apply these ideas during the Program and after their graduation. Since its founding, Mannkal has awarded more than 2,000 scholarships. Our Mannkal Alumni have built successful careers, both in the private and public sectors and are now entering decision-making leadership roles.