‘Planting seeds and hoping they grow into pretty big trees’ · of ‘planting seeds and hoping they grow into pretty big trees’. This concept inspired the direction of the Education

THE GEORGE ALEXANDER FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT 2007–2008

‘Planting seeds and hoping they grow into pretty big trees’

Vale George Alexander 02

Chairman’s Report 04

Chief Executive Offi cer’s Report 05

Education 06

Environment and Conservation 19

Honour Roll 25

The George Alexander Foundation is an independent philanthropic foundation which makes grants in the areas of Education and the Environment and Conservation. The Foundation is managed from the Melbourne offi ce of The Ian Potter Foundation, and the two Foundations share the same Board of Governors.

Founder

Mr. George Alexander, AM

Governors

Mr Charles B Goode, AC (Chairman)Professor Geoffrey N Blainey, ACMr Leon Davis, AO The Hon Sir Daryl Dawson, AC, KBE, CVThe Hon Sir James Gobbo, AC, CVO, QCMr John B Gough, AO, OBEProfessor Thomas W Healy, AODr Thomas H Hurley, AO, OBE Mr Allan J Myers, AO, QC Mr Frank L NelsonLady Potter, ACDr P John Rose, AOProfessor Graeme B Ryan, AC

Staff

Chief Executive Offi cerMrs Janet Hirst

FinanceMr John KellawayMs Therese Reidy

Grant ManagementMs Caitriona Fay

Administration ManagerMs Gail Lewry

Assistant to the Chief Executive Offi cerMs Kay RoworthMrs Josephine Berthelemy

‘Your support enables the Queensland Museum to further develop its capacity to discover, teach, captivate and bring enjoyment to all who visit.’

Diana Scott,

Head of Development

‘This scholarship has allowed me to be a year closer to my dreams and allowed me to have many more meaningful experiences than would otherwise have been possible. Thank you.’Amy Stevens, Deakin University

‘Funding from The George Alexander Foundation in 2008 allowed us to expand the In2science Peer Mentoring in Schools Program to help more schools in a broader area. We are extremely grateful to The George Alexander Foundation for their contribution to the program and commitment to the importance of role models and mentoring for young people.’John McDonald, Peer Mentoring Manager

02

‘Mr Alexander’s generous philanthropy and service to the community in higher education, social welfare and the environment over the last four decades has been of great benefi t to the nation. Of course, through the Foundation, George Alexander’s powerful legacy will continue despite his passing.’Professor Ian Young, President and Vice-Chancellor, Swinburne University of Technology

‘We are thankful for the very generous interest and support that George Alexander contributed to Griffi th University and the impact he had on the lives and academic achievements of our students.’Professor Ian O’Connor, President and Vice Chancellor, Griffi th University

‘Mr Alexander’s inspirational life story will continue to be felt by a great many students now and for years to come. Students and staff alike refer to him as an inspiration in their academic and personal endeavours.’Professor Robin Williams, Director, Alumni and Development, RMIT University

‘Even though I did not know George Alexander personally, his life story is a great inspiration to me. Through his generosity with his Foundation he has given me and many others a helping hand.’Allen Boston, 2007 George Alexander Foundation Scholar, Griffi th University

03

A man of vision and generosity

George Alexander’s life story is an

extraordinary tale of achievement in the

face of great odds, and it exemplifi es the

ethos that has helped build Australia. Born in

London in 1910, George endured a childhood

of great hardship in England before coming

to Australia in 1926 under the Big Brother

Movement to make a better life for himself.

Sent to work on soldier settlement farms

in western Victoria, he faced the adversity

of the Depression years with resilience

and resourcefulness, learning many skills,

including ploughing with an eight-horse

team. George had a natural aptitude for

mechanics and qualifi ed as a motor mechanic

before moving to Geelong to work. He

enrolled in evening classes in mechanics

and management at the Gordon Institute

and later became a lecturer. During the

Second World War he worked as a production

engineer in munitions factories in Geelong and

Melbourne. He studied industrial management

and executive training at RMIT, as well as

teaching engineering subjects.

After the war, George set up a factory to

manufacture his inventions: a system of

brass hose fi ttings. He called his hose-fi tting

business ‘Neta’. The business fl ourished and

became well known in the 1960s with its

‘Happy Pappy’ advertising campaign.

Following the sale of the business in the early

1970s he spent the last third of his life giving

back to the community. George Alexander

always had the attitude that ‘you do not really

own money and possessions, you’re just

minding them’. He felt that this belief ‘frees up

your thinking about how you deal with money’,

and it became a philosophy central to the

development of his philanthropy.

George was a private man, who lived

modestly and never sought public recognition.

In 2006 The George Alexander Foundation

commissioned and published a biography of

George Alexander, written by historian Dr Peter

Yule. Dr Yule wrote:

George Alexander is quiet, modest and

self-effacing. He has always been reluctant

to talk about his past … Fortunately he was

persuaded to write the story of his early

life … a self-made man whose experiences

inspired a wish to help others, his life was

an uplifting example of success against

great odds.

In May 2007 George Alexander was named

Gordon Institute of TAFE Outstanding

Alumni of 2007 in recognition of his lifetime

of achievements, his contributions to the

community and his connection to the Gordon

Institute.

George Alexander’s generosity and vision

will continue to make a positive contribution

to our community for many years to come.

George Alexander believed that philanthropy

is something that needs to be encouraged.

He hoped that his example would show others

that it can be enjoyed while you are still

around to see it happen and inspire others

to become actively involved in philanthropy.

In his own words:

It’s not clever to hold onto your wealth until

the last minute and I am sure you cannot take

it with you when you leave.

The Governors of The George

Alexander Foundation

The George Alexander Foundation was

established in 1972. Sir Roger Darvall, a

Governor of The Ian Potter Foundation,

inspired George with the idea of using his

wealth to create a permanent philanthropic

foundation. George Alexander arranged for

the Governors of The Ian Potter Foundation

to become trustees and administrators of his

Foundation.

The initial gift to establish the Foundation

was $30,000. Many further gifts from George

Alexander, together with capital growth,

have seen the corpus of the Foundation

grow accordingly. Annual giving from the

Foundation has since risen to around

$750,000.

In line with George’s great interests, in recent

years the Foundation has focused on assisting

young people to fulfi l their educational

goals and on addressing environmental

problems. George Alexander liked the idea

of ‘planting seeds and hoping they grow

into pretty big trees’. This concept inspired

the direction of the Education Program. The

George Alexander Foundation Scholarship

Program was established in 2002; by the

end of 2007 there was a George Alexander

Foundation Scholarship Program in every

State on mainland Australia. To date there

are approximately 300 George Alexander

Foundation Scholars and Fellows.

The Environment and Conservation objectives

of the Foundation refl ect George Alexander’s

desire to repair the damage done to Australia’s

natural environment since 1788.

In the Australia Day Honours for 2004, George

Alexander’s generous philanthropy was

recognised when he was appointed a member

of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to

the community through philanthropy.

VALE GEORGE HERBERT ALEXANDER, AM9 September 1910 – 6 February 2008

04

It is people like him that give young people

hope that they can achieve their dreams.

Alicia Gill, 2007 George Alexander Foundation

Scholar, Swinburne University of Technology

Everyone at The George Alexander Foundation

was saddened at the death of its founder, Mr

George Alexander, AM, on 6 February 2008

at the age of 97.

George was a man of great vision and

generosity, who believed strongly in the

principles of philanthropy and was keen to use

his Foundation to encourage more people to

give in their lifetime.

Not long after the initial Scholarship Programs

bearing his name began at Griffi th and RMIT

universities in 2004, George wrote to me and

confessed to feeling ‘an inner warm glow at

being able to help real young people’. George

continued to take great pleasure in hearing

about the achievements of the Scholars

supported by his Foundation.

While today over 300 students have benefi ted

from funding from his Foundation, George

insisted, ‘Our future will never be in numbers

but it will be with quality’. We hope each

Scholar has that ‘quality’ of which George

spoke. In truth, that quality is probably a little

bit of the George spirit, a commitment to

reaching their goals in spite of the challenges

life throws at them.

In 2007–2008 the Foundation continued

to grow George Alexander’s scholarship

legacy with the provision of a new Campus

Accommodation Scholarship Program at

Murdoch University in Western Australia,

our fi rst Scholarship Program in that State.

Scholarship Programs continue at the

Australian Catholic University, Charles

Darwin University, Deakin University, Griffi th

University, Gordon Institute, RMIT University

and Swinburne University of Technology.

In the past year, the Foundation also

continued its commitment to George’s other

great interest, the environment. Funding

in the environment included a children’s

tropical marine discovery space at the

Museum of Tropical Queensland, called

Archie’s Shipwreck; scholarships to provide

budding environmental scientists with

fi eld work experience via the Earthwatch

Student Challenge; and a natural heritage

interpretation project with the National

Trust of South Australia via its property at

Wilabalangaloo on the northern banks of the

Murray River, just outside of Berri.

We will miss our contact with George, who

was a man of great humour and compassion.

As you will see from this report we continue

to support projects that meet with George’s

vision of philanthropy.

Charles Goode, AC

Chairman

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

05

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT

This past year has been a year of mixed

emotions for the Foundation. We were

delighted to see our distributions for a

fi nancial year hit an all-time high, with

$2,284,885 in grants approved, distributions

totalling $807,565 made and grants

amounting to $2,172,000 committed but

not yet paid. While the Foundation was

reaching new peaks in giving, the staff of the

Foundation were deeply saddened with the

news of George Alexander’s death earlier

this year.

I had always been impressed by George’s

commitment to philanthropy and his desire

to see the Foundation encourage others to

consider formal giving during their lifetime.

After establishing the Foundation in 1972,

George took great pride in the organisations

and projects the Foundation helped to

support. If projects happened to be taking

place in Queensland, George would take the

time to go out and visit them himself. Such

was his modesty, he would never tell anyone

that it was his Foundation that had helped

support the project from idea to reality.

In 2002 the development of a Scholarship

Program bearing his name gave George a

great amount of pride. He often said that the

students the Foundation helped to support

would become his greatest legacy. On hearing

of George’s death we received many letters

from past and present Scholars, demonstrating

to us that George’s life was an inspiration

to many and his scholarship a catalyst for

many to achieve their educational goals. We

were pleased that George lived to see the

Foundation’s Scholarship Program expand to

every State in Australia, apart from Tasmania.

We hope to include the ‘Apple Isle’ soon.

At the back of this report there is an honour

roll of students who have won George

Alexander Foundation Scholarships since

2002. You will notice the wide range of courses

and growing number of institutes represented.

We are delighted to shine a light on the

achievements of these talented individuals. I

would encourage any former scholars who may

have lost touch with the Foundation or their

university to contact our offi ce as we develop

a formalised alumni program.

The Foundation’s Environment and

Conservation Program has long refl ected

George’s own interests, born from his

years working on farms. In 2007–2008 we

continued to support projects that recognise

the importance of building community

partnerships, involve volunteers and provide

young people with the opportunity to gain

practical experience in conservation and

land management.

The loss of George this year has only served

to further our resolve in promoting the

principles for which his philanthropy stood.

We look forward to a continued strong

relationship with our Scholars and building

on the already impressive list of programs,

people and organisations supported via the

Foundation’s giving to the environment. I

would like to take this opportunity to thank all

our grantees for their work and congratulate

them in helping to build better communities.

My thanks go to Caitriona Fay, our Program

Manager for The George Alexander Foundation,

who plays a pivotal role in the success of

the programs and projects supported by

the Foundation.

Janet Hirst

Chief Executive Offi cer

George Alexander’s idea of ‘planting seeds and hoping they grow into pretty big trees’ has in many ways inspired the direction of the Foundation’s giving in the fi eld of education.

Established in 2002, The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program has become the central focus of the Foundation’s giving in this area. Since the program’s inception nearly 400 students across Australia have benefi ted from either scholarships or bursaries. Six years on, the Foundation has Scholarship Programs at universities and TAFE institutes in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia, making it one of the largest private scholarship programs in the country. In 2008 the Scholarship Program expanded to Western Australia via Murdoch University. The Foundation would like to take this opportunity to welcome the Murdoch Scholars to the Program.

Beyond our commitments to Scholarship Programs, the Foundation was delighted to support La Trobe University in the ongoing development of their In2science Peer Mentoring in Schools Program. That program will see students who study science at university acting as mentors for high school science students in regional areas of Victoria. We hope that this exciting program will lead to better equipped science teachers and scientists.

Funding Objectives

• To help talented young people who have demonstrated academic ability, particularly those from rural and regional communities, for whom scholarships would make a signifi cant contribution to achieving their educational goals

• To assist young people to gain or enhance skills, knowledge and experience in technology, design and the traditional trades, through formal education, mentoring programs and fellowships

• To provide undergraduate scholarships at universities and TAFE institutes across Australia, for students with academic ability, leadership potential and a commitment to their community

• To support mentoring programs in schools, TAFE institutes and universities, particularly those that focus on science, technology, engineering, trades, agriculture and the environment

EDUCATION

06

07

Australian Catholic University, Victoria

$52,000 (part of a commitment of $150,000 over fi ve years) to The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program at the Ballarat Campus (2007–2009)

$20,000 (part of a commitment of $30,000 over three years) to The George Alexander Foundation Bursaries Program at the Ballarat Campus (2007–2009)

Ms Linda Carpenter, State Manager Fundraising and Development – Victoria

www.acu.edu.au

‘The scholarship has not only helped me fi nancially, giving me time to focus on my studies, but being chosen for such an award has given me confi dence and encouraged me to be a better student.’Lauren Marie da Graca Costa, 2007 George Alexander Foundation Scholar

Above: Caitriona Fay (far left) and Janet Hirst (centre)

with the 2008 GAF Scholars at ACU

Recipient Course

Danielle Dykstra Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Paramedicine

Stephanie Hogan Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Paramedicine

Natalie Linke Bachelor of Nursing

Kathryn Lynn Bachelor of Education

Kylie Mitchell Bachelor of Education

Kimberley Schultz Bachelor of Education

The George Alexander Foundation 2008 Scholarship Winners

range of vocational courses, with Nursing,

Paramedicine, Teaching and Theology the

signifi cant programs. The vast majority of

students seeking assistance via the program

require funding to undertake nursing and

teaching placements. The George Alexander

Foundation Bursary Program receives a

signifi cant number of applications each year,

with many students put forward by heads

of faculties.

The fi nancial strain caused by student

placements is apparent in student reporting

to the Foundation. This small bursary can be

used to pay for uniforms and equipment, travel

costs, rent and general living expenses while

on placement. This program demonstrates

the importance of small grant programs for

university students.

The George Alexander Foundation

Scholarship Program

Five scholarships, each valued at $10,000 and

paid over the three years of an undergraduate

degree.

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship

Program at the Australian Catholic University

provides up to fi ve scholarships each year

to assist talented students in reaching

their educational goals. The scholarship

is specifi cally for students from rural and

regional areas who can demonstrate

academic excellence and community

engagement, and who may have some

fi nancial barriers to reaching their educational

potential.

The program is continuing to develop, and in

2008 the Foundation was delighted to be able

to offer an additional scholarship, providing six

scholarships in total. The 2007 Scholars are

progressing well through their studies and all

were on hand to welcome the 2008 cohort at

the Ballarat Campus Awards and Prizes day.


Bursary Program

Ten bursaries each year from 2007–2009,

each valued at $1,000.

The second cohort of bursaries was released

to the Australian Catholic University in April

2008. Ballarat Campus specialises in a small

08

Charles Darwin University, Northern Territory

$21,000 (part of a commitment of $144,000 over three years) to The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program (2007–2009)

$12,000 (part of a commitment of $72,000 over three years) to The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program (2008–2010)

Ms Cara Gordon, Student Services

www.cdu.edu.au/

‘This scholarship has allowed me to fi nish working nights and concentrate my efforts on study … I hope someday to be in a position where I can help someone out just as you have helped me.’Roy Williams, 2007 George Alexander Foundation Accommodation Scholar

In 2007 the Governors of The George

Alexander Foundation agreed to fund a large

scholarship program at Charles Darwin

University. The program aimed to provide

assistance and encouragement to students

from all backgrounds who were looking to

further their study in the Northern Territory.

Included in the program were:

• twenty-four Vocational and Technical

Education Scholarships valued at $1,500

each to assist students in meeting the costs

of their training and placements

• one Accommodation Scholarship valued at

$18,000 over three years to meet the costs

of on-campus living

• two Indigenous Scholarships valued at

$36,000 over three years

• one Higher Education Scholarship valued

at $18,000 over three years.

In 2008 the Foundation has supplemented

the initial program by providing four additional

Higher Education Scholarships to support

talented young people in overcoming fi nancial

barriers to furthering their education. Two

scholarships were offered in the fi rst semester

of 2008 and another two were offered in

second semester.

Recipient Course

David Champion Bachelor of Applied Science and Commerce

Maria Koulianos Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws


Above: Mr Richard Ryan, AO, Chancellor CDU, presenting

2008 GAF Scholar Maria Koulianos with her scholarship

09

Deakin University, Victoria

$50,000 (part of a commitment of $150,000 over fi ve years) to The George Alexander Foundation Access and Equity Scholarships (2006–2008)

Ms Izabela Sulek, Trusts Manager, University Development

www.deakin.edu.au

‘The scholarship has defi nitely impacted upon my success to date and will continue to impact upon my future.’Paul Wallace, 2006 George Alexander Foundation Scholar

‘I hope I am fortunate enough to be able to fi nancially support students in the future as a testimony to this scholarship … I aim to ensure my children understand the power of giving and the importance of assisting others to achieve their goals.’Kim Quilliam, 2007 George Alexander Foundation Scholar

The George Alexander Foundation Access

and Equity Scholarships at Deakin University

were established in 2006 for students

wishing to study at the university’s regional

campuses in Geelong or Warrnambool. Up to

fi ve scholarships each year are offered, each

valued at $10,000 over three years.

The scholarships are awarded to students

who best demonstrate academic ability, a

will to succeed in their chosen fi eld and a

commitment to overcoming fi nancial barriers

to their educational goals. The award can be

used to help meet the costs of living, travel,

study, child care and placement equipment

and uniforms.

The program is currently progressing well, and

the Foundation was delighted to congratulate

its fi rst graduate, Mr Paul Wallace, at the end

of the 2007 academic year. Paul used the

scholarship in part to complete his degree

early by undertaking summer courses.

Recipient Course

Hannah Bedford Bachelor of Education (Primary)

Kate Foster Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Liam Rodger Bachelor of Arts (International Studies)

Laura Schreurs Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communication)

Nick Walters Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/Bachelor

of Construction Management


10

Gordon Institute of TAFE, Victoria

$20,000 (part of a commitment of $175,000 over four years) to The George Alexander Foundation Study Support Scholarship (2008–2010)

Ms Kamila Lucas, Alumni Offi cer

www.gordontafe.edu.au

‘This scholarship has been a huge relief for myself and my family. I cried when I received the letter, my mum cried when I called her at work to tell her and my dad couldn’t have been happier. I entered the fi nal months of my course knowing that I could dedicate my time to learning as much as possible from my teachers.’Eirlie Chisholm, 2007 George Alexander Foundation Scholar

The George Alexander Foundation Study

Support Scholarship was established at

Gordon Institute of TAFE in 2006, with the fi rst

fi ve one-year scholarships, valued at $3,000

each, awarded in 2007. The 2007 program

proved successful with one Scholar, Holly

Munday, going on to be awarded Gordon’s

President’s Medal for the Certifi cate Student

of the Year. Discussions with staff and

students at Gordon Institute at the end of

2007 encouraged the Foundation to make

a greater commitment to the TAFE in 2008.

It was agreed that two-year scholarships

valued at $10,000 would best assist students

undertaking Diploma-level courses. Three

$10,000 scholarships were awarded in 2008

and an additional three will be offered in both

2009 and 2010. Further to the scholarship,

the Foundation recognised that small

bursaries remain an important funding source

for students and as such has committed to

providing fi ve bursaries, valued at $1,000

each, for each of the next three years

(2008–2010).

Recipient Course

Jade Gregory Double Diploma in Laboratory Technology

Elisa Parker Diploma and Advanced Diploma in

Information Technology

Megan Somers Diploma of Building Design and Technology


The 2008–2010 scholarships continue to

focus on students who have demonstrated a

commitment to or skill in a trade, leadership

and community involvement. The Scholar must

be able to demonstrate that the award would

assist them in reaching their educational

goals. Each Scholar must also be undertaking

at least two years of study. This program at

Gordon joins RMIT as the only current George

Alexander Foundation Scholarship open to

TAFE students. The Foundation is extremely

keen to both promote and celebrate the skills

and achievements of TAFE students.

Left: 2008 winner Megan Somers with Dr Neil Everist, OAM,

at the Outstanding Student Awards receiving her Study

Support Scholarship medal and certifi cate

Right: L to R: Amanda Poke, Dr Neil Everist, OAM, Holly

Munday and Dale Palmer

11

Holly Munday

2007 George Alexander Foundation Scholar at Gordon Institute of TAFE

Above: Holly Munday receiving the President’s Medal

for Certifi cate Student of the Year from Brian Williamson,

Gordon Board President, in May 2008 at the Gordon

Institute of TAFE’s Outstanding Achievement Awards

‘I cannot speak highly enough of all those involved in creating an opportunity that allows someone like myself to simply complete their studies. I see the greatest achievement [of 2007] as becoming a recipient of [The George Alexander Foundation] Scholarship.’

Since beginning her study at the Gordon

Institute of TAFE, Holly Munday has enjoyed

considerable success in both her education

and employment. In 2007, while undertaking

a Certifi cate II in Horticulture, Holly was

awarded a $3,000 George Alexander

Foundation Scholarship. The extra fi nancial

assistance provided Holly, a resident of Apollo

Bay, with petrol for her commute to Geelong

and the tools and equipment required to

undertake the course and further her career

ambitions.

The extra time to concentrate on her studies

has certainly paid off for Holly. In early 2008

Holly was awarded the President’s Medal

for the Certifi cate Student of the Year. The

award is an outstanding achievement and

recognition of Holly’s commitment to her

chosen fi eld of study.

[The] scholarship has seen me both able to

enjoy and completely immerse myself in my

studies without the stress and worries about

how we could sustain my studies and time

away from home fi nancially.

In addition to her studies, Holly has

established Hollyhock Design, a small

business that provides a consultation service

for people wanting to create a new garden or

improve their existing one. She has her sights

on expanding this business to accommodate

her small home-based organic nursery.

Despite her ongoing work within her fl edgling

business and her studies, Holly also fi nds

time to work at the Great Ocean Ecolodge

at Cape Otway, where she has established a

kitchen garden. An active community member

in Apollo Bay, Holly is both a designer and

Board Member for the Apollo Bay Community

Garden, a wonderful initiative that allows

shared family activities and an excellent

avenue for children to learn about sustainable

gardening.

While the [past] year has been rather chaotic

with all that I have undertaken, as well as

keeping my most important role as a mother

to my wonderful daughter paramount …

I would not have had it any other way. The

satisfaction I have gained from my access to

learning has surpassed all expectations I had

held prior to returning to study.

In 2008 Holly is continuing to juggle her

ongoing studies with her work and family

commitments. The Foundation is proud

to count Holly among its impressive list

of Foundation Alumni.

12

Griffi th University, Queensland

$75,000 (part of a commitment of $330,000 over fi ve years) to The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program (2005–2007)

$60,000 (part of a commitment of $900,000 over seven years) to The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program (2008–2012)

Ms Nicola Collier-Jackson, Director Campus Life

www.griffi th.edu.au

‘[The scholarship] encourages me to achieve more, simply because I know that someone, external from my group of friends and family, values me and believes in me.’Monica McGhie, 2006 George Alexander Foundation Scholar

‘For the past three years I have had the fi nancial support of The George Alexander Foundation. This contribution has been sincerely appreciated by both myself and my family … I thank you for all your support and I am truly honoured to have been a George Alexander Foundation Scholar.’Claire McGovern, 2005 George Alexander Foundation Scholar

Recipient Course

Shinead Ashe Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science

Kaela Clifford Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Psychology

Jessica Cook Bachelor of Medical Science

Bantu Dierk Bachelor of Aviation

Laura Drummond Bachelor of Screen and Media Production

Sherinda Murray Bachelor of Biomedical Science

Shanna Muston Bachelor of Fine Art

Aja Pymble-Ward Bachelor of Engineering

(Advanced with Honours)


Griffi th University continues to provide

outstanding Foundation Scholars. The

program was established in 2002 and since

that time nearly twenty Scholars have

successfully completed their courses and

graduated. Successful Scholars demonstrate

academic merit and show the potential to be

strong community leaders.

Until 2008 fi ve scholarships each year,

valued at $22,500 over three years, were

provided to students studying at Griffi th’s Mt

Gravatt campus in Brisbane. The scholarship

is specifi cally designed to cover the

accommodation costs involved with students

moving from home to complete their degree.

With the rapid growth of Griffi th’s Gold Coast

Campus, the Foundation recognised the need

to expand its support to students outside

Brisbane. In 2008 an additional three

scholarships were offered, bringing the total

scholarships on offer to eight. The Scholarship

Program was opened up to students

undertaking their degree at Griffi th’s Gold

Coast Campus, and in 2008 fi ve Scholars

were studying at Mt Gravatt and three at the

Gold Coast. The Foundation’s new agreement

with Griffi th brings its total scholarship

commitment with the university to

approximately $1.5 million since 2002.

For the fi fteen students holding George

Alexander Foundation Scholarships, 2007

proved to be another successful academic

year, with many of them meeting personal

academic and leadership goals. In 2008

scholarship winners will be given further

academic and leadership support via the

Vice-Chancellor’s Honours College Program.

Above: William Owen-Jones with 2008 Scholar

Laura Drummond

13

Murdoch University, Western Australia

$27,500 (part of a commitment of $247,500 over fi ve years) to The George Alexander Foundation Campus Accommodation Rural Scholarship Program (2008–2010)

Ms Jennifer Randell, Development Project Offi cer

www.murdoch.edu.au

Above: L to R: Asha Duggan, Jacilyn Davies

and Samuel Baldock

‘As a rural student it is a huge step to come to Perth to do my studies, not only in terms of leaving my home town and friends but also the great costs involved. [The Foundation’s] help with my accommodation cost is a major contribution that eases the fi nancial burden by a large amount.’Samuel Baldock, 2008 George Alexander Foundation Scholar

The George Alexander Foundation Campus

Accommodation Rural Support Scholarship

was established in 2007 and the fi rst

scholarships awarded in early 2008. The

program was specifi cally designed to assist

students from rural areas to meet the

costs of accommodation in Perth. Each

Scholar must demonstrate academic ability,

leadership potential and a commitment to

their community. Five scholarships, valued at

$16,500 over three years, were awarded in

2008 and an additional fi ve are planned for

2009 and 2010.

The new program at Murdoch University is

the Foundation’s fi rst and only Scholarship

Program in Western Australia. Given the

sheer size of Western Australia and the

rapidly increasing cost of living in Perth, the

Foundation was keen to reduce the fi nancial

barriers that face students from rural regions

in participating in higher education in the

city. George Alexander always felt strongly

about providing students from rural regions

with all the opportunities afforded to students

living in the city. The Scholarship Program at

Murdoch University joins programs at Charles

Darwin University, Gordon Institute of TAFE,

Deakin University and Swinburne University

of Technology in its focus on rural and regional

students.

Recipient Course

Samuel Baldock Bachelor of Chiropractic Science

Elise Bowen Bachelor of Animal Science

Jacilyn Davies Bachelor of Education (Primary)/

Bachelor of Science (Environment)

Asha Duggan Bachelor of Veterinary Science

Amber Munns Bachelor of Veterinary Science


14

RMIT University, Victoria

$39,000 (part of a commitment of $76,500 over three years) to The George Alexander Foundation Small Grants Program (2005–2007)

Mr Cameron Ingram, Manager, Scholarships and Finance

www.rmit.edu.au

‘The George Alexander Foundation Scholarships are not just fundamental student support mechanisms within the university, they also act as a model of good citizenship.’Professor Robin Williams, Director, External Relations RMIT

Recipient Course

Daryl Bruce Bachelor of Applied Science (Mathematics)

Catherine Keady Bachelor of Social Science (Environment)

John Konybai Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine

Johanna Lane-Maza Bachelor of Social Work

Tanya Ngerengere Bachelor of Fine Arts

Thomas Stephens Bachelor of Applied Science (Valuation)



Small Grants Program (2005–2007)

The Foundation’s Small Grants Program at

RMIT was established in 2002 as a partner

program to the Foundation’s Scholarship

Program. Initially set as grants of $1,000,

the fi gure was increased to $1,500 in

2006. The Small Grants Program was

developed to provide students with access

to emergency funds to assist with living

expenses, study materials and uniforms and

equipment required for student placements.

Approximately 150 students have benefi ted

from the program since its inception. The

last of the grants were provided in 2007 as

the Foundation continues to concentrate on

providing students with greater long-term

fi nancial support.


TAFE and Higher Education Scholarship

Program (2008–2010)

Since 2002 RMIT has been offering one-year

scholarships and bursaries to assist talented

students who may have been disadvantaged

by social, economic, health or geographical

circumstances. After a consultation process

involving current students and past Scholars,

RMIT and the Foundation agreed that a longer

scholarship period would be benefi cial for

students.

In late 2007 the Foundation agreed to support,

over the next three years, eight two-year

scholarships valued at $15,000 each. The

program is specifi cally aimed at supporting

students in the second and third years of their

courses, or students directly articulating from

TAFE into Higher Education. In a fi rst for the

Foundation, an additional $5,000 a year for

three years will be provided to RMIT to assist

Scholars with a Mentoring and Leadership

Program aimed at helping students reach

their academic potential.

Demand for The George Alexander Foundation

Scholarship continues to outstrip supply, with

over 300 students applying for the award each

year. The number of students applying for the

scholarships serves to highlight the current

high study and living costs facing students

today.

Above: L to R: Janet Hirst, CEO of The George Alexander

Foundation, with scholar Megan Carroll, her grandmother

and mother, and Professor Margaret Gardner AO,

Vice-Chancellor and President of RMIT

15

Swinburne University of Technology, Victoria

$60,000 (part of a commitment of $180,000 over four years) to The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship For Living Support (2007–2008)

Ms Joy Candish, Manager, Higher Education

www.swin.edu.au

‘Being a recipient of The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship has truly been an honour. The benefi ts I have received through fi nancial help and the formation of The George Alexander Foundation Network have proven a great support and helped me with current goals and to set out my future ambitions.’Alicia Gill, 2007 George Alexander Scholar

Above Left: Katie Jarvis receives her scholarship from

Janet Hirst, CEO of The George Alexander Foundation

Above Right: In 2008 scholarships were awarded to

Trent Wardle, Katie Jarvis, Nathan Bickerdike, Sara Kirby

and Troy Henderson

Recipient Course

Nathan Bickerdike Bachelor of Science

(Professional Software Development)

Troy Henderson Bachelor of Engineering

Katie Jarvis Bachelor of Social Science

Sarah Kirby Bachelor of Arts

Trent Wardle Bachelor of Science

(Professional Software Development)


In late 2007 the Governors of The George

Alexander Foundation agreed to extend the

Foundation’s Living Support Scholarship

Program at Swinburne into 2008. The

extended program has seen an additional

fi ve students receive a three-year scholarship

valued at $18,000. The program is specifi cally

aimed at students who must live away from

home in order to study at Swinburne. The

scholarship supports commencing students

who have demonstrated a strong academic

background along with leadership skills and

good community involvement.

The George Alexander Scholars at Swinburne

have begun their own scholarship network

and engage in community work as a group.

The group decided on an environmental focus

in 2007 and participated in conservation work

with the Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek.

The network is continuing in 2008 with the

new Scholars welcomed by the 2007 cohort.

The group will continue to participate in

community work and support each other

in settling into Melbourne and the university

environment.

16

The Education Foundation Inc, Victoria

$10,000 (part of a commitment of $20,000 over two years) towards Opportunity Scholarships

Ms Louisa Ellum, National Program Manager

www.educationfoundation.org.au

‘Across the board, students were delighted to receive scholarships as most, if not all, of these young people have never received accolades for their gifts and talents. This was very clear at the two award ceremonies we held, when we saw the delight and pride of both students and parents.’Marion Drummond, chaplain of a Victorian rural secondary college

Opportunity Scholarships allow talented

young people to unlock their potential. The

main goal of the program is to assist young

people in their pursuit of a great idea or

ambition that could be life-changing. Each

scholarship is valued at up to $1,000 and

provides assistance to students with a talent

in arts, mathematics and science, sport,

English, humanities, languages or information

technology. Scholarships are awarded to

talented students who may face disadvantage

or barriers to achieving their educational goals.

17

La Trobe University, Victoria

$50,000 (part of a commitment of $100,000 over two years) to the In2science Peer Mentoring in Schools Program in science and mathematics

Mr John McDonald, Peer Mentoring Coordinator

www.latrobe.edu.au

‘The peer mentors have acted as positive role models to the science students, encouraging and inspiring them to achieve their potential as well as promoting the value and rewards of science as a positive career choice … I must say that it has also been great to hear some of the peer mentors are now taking up teaching as a career choice after participating in the program.’Principal, participating school

In2science is an exciting and innovative

program that gets to the heart of science and

mathematics by utilising university students

as peer role models to engage with high

school students and teachers. The program,

led by La Trobe University, is based on the

STAR peer mentoring program in Western

Australia and is funded by The George

Alexander Foundation.

Above Left & Right: University science and

mathematics students work with secondary school

students in regional Victoria

The program aims to generate enthusiasm for

science, especially chemistry, mathematics

and physics, among students in the middle

years of their secondary education. This is

achieved by providing schools with peer

mentor university science students who

have undergone training to prepare them

for their role in the classroom. Peer mentors

can support activities in the classroom or

engage on a one-to-one basis with students,

encouraging them to reach their potential.

The presence of positive young science role

models has been shown to have signifi cant

impact on young people participating and

achieving in science at high school.

In2science, with participating science

and mathematics students from La Trobe,

Melbourne and Monash universities, is

focusing on schools in regional Victoria.

The program will initially run for two years

and is supported by The George Alexander

Foundation in partnership with the

participating universities and the Victorian

Government.

18

Australian Catholic University

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarships Program

at ACU’s Ballarat Campus – study and living support

scholarships for students.

$52,000

(part of a commitment of $150,000 over fi ve years)

George Alexander Foundation Bursaries Program at

ACU’s Ballarat Campus – to assist students undertaking

placements as part of their undergraduate degrees.

$20,000

(part of a commitment of $30,000 over three years)

Charles Darwin University

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program

– ongoing support for the 2007 Indigenous, Higher

Education, VTE and Accommodation Scholars.

$21,000



– a higher education scholarship program for talented

young people.

$12,000


Deakin University

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program –

fi nancial support for students at Deakin’s Geelong and

Warrnambool campuses.

$50,000


Gordon Institute of TAFE

The George Alexander Foundation Study Support

Scholarship Program – Study Support Scholarships for

students who have demonstrated a commitment to their

fi eld of work or trade and are continuing their education

at Gordon Institute.

$20,000

(part of a commitment of $175,000 over four years)

Griffi th University


(2005–2007 inclusive) – ongoing support for the 2005,

2006 and 2007 Accommodation Scholars.

$75,000


The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program –

Accommodation Scholarships at Griffi th’s Mt Gravatt and

Gold Coast campuses.

$60,000

(part of a commitment of $900,000 over seven years)

International Specialised Skills Institute

To further develop The George Alexander Foundation

Fellowship Program – an annual fellowship to provide

outstanding individuals in their chosen trade with an

opportunity to travel overseas for further professional

development and research.

$20,000


Murdoch University

The George Alexander Foundation Campus

Accommodation Rural Scholarship Program – available

to talented young people moving from regional or rural

areas to Perth in order to study at Murdoch University.

$27,500


Queensland University of Technology Centre of

Philanthropy and Non-Profi t Studies

Scholarships to Develop Non-Profi t Leaders – two

half scholarships and four travel grants to encourage

non-profi t leaders to undertake postgraduate education

in the fi eld of social investment.

$8,680

RMIT University

The George Alexander Foundation Small Grants Program –

to support young people studying at RMIT University.$39,000


Swinburne University of Technology

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarships – Living

Support Scholarships for students moving from rural or

regional areas to study at Swinburne University (2008).

$30,000


Swinburne University of Technology

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarships – Living

Support Scholarships for students moving from rural or

regional areas to study at Swinburne University (2007).

$30,000


University of Technology Sydney

Indigenous Student Bursary Program – to support

Indigenous students who may need emergency fi nancial

assistance.

$10,000

Total Scholarship $475,180

Education Grants Paid 2007–2008

Education Foundation Inc

Opportunity Scholarship – to assist young people in

funding a great idea or dream that could be life-changing.$10,000

(part of a commitment of $20,000 over two years)

Gold Coast Arts Centre

Education Resource Kit for Schools: Stories of the

Queensland Landscape – the creation of a kit that

provides students with a view of the environment through

the eyes of some of Queensland’s great artists.

$15,000

La Trobe University: Science, Technology and

Engineering

In2science Peer Mentoring in Schools Program – a

science and mathematics mentoring program which

gives high school students an opportunity to learn

directly from their student counterparts at university.

$50,000


Total Education $75,000

Scholarship Grants Paid 2007–2008

19

Funding Objectives

• To develop partnerships with rural and regional communities, private landholders and governments that encourage good environmental practices and the maintenance of biodiversity

• To support programs that enable students to gain practical experience in conservation and land management

• To support hands-on local community environmental projects where there is a strong volunteer component

Exclusions

The George Alexander Foundation will not make grants to support:

• academic research

• recurrent expenditure for which no future provision is in sight

• capital or endowment funds

• retrospective expenditure.

ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION

From his own experiences of working on farms, coupled with his personal business involvement in water supply, George Alexander developed a lifelong concern for the state of the environment. The Environment and Conservation objectives of the Foundation very much refl ect George’s own desire to repair much of the damage done to our natural environment since 1788.

Involvement is the key to the Foundation’s Environment and Conservation objectives, and funding in the past twelve months very much refl ects this theme. Projects from the Museum of Tropical Queensland and the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne have focused on providing school-age children with an opportunity to be inspired by and learn about the environment. The National Trust of South Australia received funding to improve access and interpretation at one of their more spectacular sites in the Riverland, while the Nature Conservation Council of NSW will spend the next twelve months trying to engage private business and corporate workers in on-ground species recovery projects.

Projects that develop partnerships between community, government and private landholders are welcomed, as the Foundation is keen to promote and encourage good environmental practices in all forms.

20

The Earthwatch Institute, Victoria

$20,000 to the Student Challenge

Ms Alice Molan, Partnerships Manager

www.earthwatch.org.au

‘All in all it was an amazing experience that has helped us both to decide our careers in Environmental Science. If we had not been sponsored we never could have made the trip ... we hope that other young environmentalists are given the chance to attend.’Student Challengers, Sarah Douglass and Ann-Marie Plasto

Right: Student Challenger measuring out a survey

transect in the Watagan Mountains, NSW

The Earthwatch Student Challenge places

16–18 year old high school students on

one-week, student-oriented, scientifi c fi eld

research projects. All participants in the

program live and work as volunteer fi eld

assistants for leading research scientists

and their staff. Apart from the experience of

living and working in the fi eld, all students are

taught and develop skills that encourage their

continued involvement in the fi eld of science

and conservation.

The George Alexander Foundation provided

scholarships to nineteen students from

South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales

and Queensland. The students participated

in an echidna and goanna research program

on Kangaroo Island and an investigation and

survey of Australian frogs and their habitats

to fi nd clues to the amphibians’ worldwide

decline. Scholarship winners demonstrated

academic ability, leadership potential and a

commitment to their communities.

The Earthwatch Student Challenge aims to

provide students with a new perspective on

science learning while also exposing students

to role models and potential careers within

the science and environment sectors.

21

Nature Conservation Council of New South Wales

$15,000 towards Engaging Private Enterprises in Recovering Threatened Species

Ms Cate Faehrmann, Director

www.nccnsw.org.au

‘I understand more about what is involved in fi eld work and I learnt new skills that will help me in my future career path.’Mitchell Warner, 2008 participant

With assistance from The George Alexander

Foundation, the Nature Conservation

Council (NCC) of NSW is aiming to enlist a

large and enthusiastic group of corporate

workers who do not traditionally participate

in environmental conservation activities.

This project is about more than just planting

trees, it is about education and increasing the

number of volunteers assisting in on-ground

threatened species recovery activities.

With over 1,000 native plants, animals and

ecological communities in New South Wales

threatened or facing extinction, it is important

that communities fi nd different ways to work

together to save them.

The NCC corporate programs include

presentations from NCC staff, fi eld days

with experts and a follow-up program

which includes updates, newsletters and

photographs detailing the ongoing progress

of programs of interest.

Above: Taronga Red Eyed Tree Frog.

Photograph © Graham Howard

Left: Mountain Lowry

22

Museum of Tropical Queensland, Queensland

$50,000 to the Archie’s Shipwreck Adventure Exhibition

Ms Diana Scott, Director

www.qm.qld.gov.au

The Archie’s Shipwreck Adventure Exhibition

has been inspired by the SS Yongala shipwreck

near Townsville. With a stable community

of over 122 species of marine life, the

Yongala wreck site is recognised as one of

the top ten dive sites in the world. Archie’s

Shipwreck Adventure Exhibition will be a

tropical discovery space designed especially

for younger audiences, and will focus on the

theme of marine archaeology. Children will

be able to experience the wonder of marine

artefacts, fl ora and fauna, as well as learn

about the importance of protecting our

underwater cultural heritage.

The exhibition will be an important

environment and cultural heritage tool

for teaching children about the history

and biodiversity of the Townsville region.

Archie’s Shipwreck Adventure Exhibition

is currently being developed and is due to

open at the Museum of Tropical Queensland

in mid 2009.

Above: Visitors to the Museum of Tropical Queensland can

load and fi re a cannon just as was done in the 1700s

Right: Visitors at the Museum of Tropical Queensland enjoy

the TROPPO exhibition, which showcases the cultural

heritage and natural history of Townsville and Thuringowa

23

National Trust of South Australia, South Australia

$30,950 to Wilabalangaloo, You and Our Riverland Environment

Mr Ian Stephenson, Chief Executive Offi cer

www.nationaltrustsa.org.au

Wilabalangaloo is located on the northern

banks of the Murray River on the outskirts of

Berri in the South Australian Riverland. The

site has a natural high heritage value, with

imposing ochre limestone cliffs, spectacular

scenery and diverse vegetation. Until recently

the site had been used as a local history

museum and nature reserve. The site forms

part of the Riverland Regional Strategy, which

aims to promote the unique stories of the

Riverland. The National Trust, with support

from The George Alexander Foundation, has

created a new vision for Wilabalangaloo within

the context of the Regional Strategy. Funding

from the Foundation will allow the site to

be used to interpret both the pre-European

Above: The Rainbow Bee-eater is found throughout

mainland Australia. Photograph Dean Lines

Left: The ochre cliffs of Wilabalangaloo bottom left – looking

upstream along the banks of the Murray at the southern

edge of Wilabalangaloo. Photograph Glenn Williams

heritage and post-settlement infl uences on

the environment. Utilising a heritage trail

and actively conserving the natural heritage

of the site, the project will provide public

interpretation and access to the unique

landscapes, geology, vegetation and fauna

of the area.

The project has a strong volunteer component

with the creation of a local volunteer

partnership to assist with the management

and conservation of the site. The National

Trust is also determined to increase

educational opportunities for local young

people and build on regional tourism.

24

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Victoria

$48,775 to the Rare and Threatened Species Collection

Dr Philip Moors, Director

www.rbg.vic.gov.au

The Rare and Threatened Species Collection

at the Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG) in South

Yarra, Melbourne, is a high profi le landscape

development that highlights the importance

of the conservation of plant biodiversity

and the roles played by botanic gardens

in conservation. Once completed, the

collection will display a selection of rare and

threatened plant species from the fi ve main

vegetation areas of south-eastern Australia.

A grant from the Foundation is giving

one school from each of the fi ve major

vegetation zones the opportunity to engage

in a hands-on propagation and planting

program around the Rare and Threatened

Species display. Each school will visit the

RBG in South Yarra and will also be visited

by RBG Education Services staff, who will

help them implement their own threatened

species program at their school.

This project provides a wonderful

opportunity for students to learn fi rst

hand about the role of botanic gardens

in not only displaying but protecting our

native fl ora. Students will also learn about

the importance of their local community

landscape and how to protect it from harm.

Equally the project provides an exciting

opportunity for teachers to learn fi rst hand

from RBG staff about the delivery and

implementation of school-based gardens

and environmental programs.

Environment and Conservation Grants Paid 2007–2008

Bush Heritage Australia Fund

Kosciusko to Coast Project – a community partnership

project to connect high conservation value land between

Bungendore and Bredbo in NSW.

$50,000


Conservation Volunteers Australia

Celebrating 2008 International Year of Planet Earth

at the Townsville Town Common – funding to support

community events to help celebrate 2008 International

Year of Planet Earth.

$3,860

Karkana Support Services

Finalising the Market Garden Overhaul – a project to help

further enhance the productivity of the Karkana Garden

Market.

$3,800

National Trust of South Australia

Wilabalangaloo, You and Our Riverland Environment – the

provision of safer visitor facilities and interpretation

to allow greater access to this spectacular area of the

Riverland in South Australia.

$30,950

Nature Conservation Council of NSW Inc

Engaging Private Enterprises in Recovering Threatened

Species – a program to encourage private business and

corporate staff to engage in conservation work.

$15,000

Oz Green

MYRiver Murray – a program to engage young people and

their communities across the Murray–Darling basin to

build pathways to sustainable river futures.

$35,000

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

Rare and Threatened Species Collection – a new display

at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne of a selection

of the rare and threatened plant species of south-eastern

Australia. The program also has an educational focus that

provides schools with the opportunity to develop their

own ‘at school’ displays.

$48,775

The Earthwatch Institute

Student Challenge Program – a program that allows

young high school students from across Australia to work

directly with environmental scientists and researchers in

the fi eld.

$20,000

Museum of Tropical Queensland

Archie’s Shipwreck Adventure Exhibition – an educational

play space for children which provides an introduction to

the marine heritage of northern Queensland.

$50,000

Total Environment and Conservation $257,385

Above: The Rare and Threatened Species Bed will be located within the Central Lawn at the Royal Botanic Gardens

in Melbourne. Photograph Janusz Molinski. Reproduced courtesy of Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

25

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Winners Honour Roll

2008 SCHOLARS

Mr Michael Dal Zotto (The George Alexander Foundation Fellow)

Prosecco Winemaking in Italy ISS Institute

Mr David Champion Bachelor of Applied Science and Commerce Charles Darwin University

Ms Maria Koulianos Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws Charles Darwin University

Ms Jade Gregory Double Diploma in Laboratory Technology Gordon Institute of TAFE

Ms Elisa Parker Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Information Technology Gordon Institute of TAFE

Ms Megan Somers Diploma of Building Design and Technology Gordon Institute of TAFE

Mr Daryl Bruce Bachelor of Applied Science (Mathematics) RMIT University

Ms Catherine Keady Bachelor of Social Science (Environment) RMIT University

Mr John Konybai Bachelor of Laboratory Medicine RMIT University

Ms Johanna Lane-Maza Bachelor of Social Work RMIT University

Ms Tanya Ngerengere Bachelor of Fine Arts RMIT University

Mr Thomas Stephens Bachelor of Applied Science (Valuation) RMIT University

Ms Danielle Dykstra Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Paramedicine Australian Catholic University

Ms Stephanie Hogan Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Paramedicine Australian Catholic University

Ms Kylie Mitchell Bachelor of Education Australian Catholic University

Ms Natalie Linke Bachelor of Nursing Australian Catholic University

Ms Kathryn Lynn Bachelor of Education Australian Catholic University

Ms Kimberley Schultz Bachelor of Education Australian Catholic University

Ms Katie Jarvis Bachelor of Social Science Swinburne University of Technology

Mr Troy Henderson Bachelor of Engineering Swinburne University of Technology

Mr Trent Wardle Bachelor of Science (Professional Software Development) Swinburne University of Technology

Ms Sarah Kirby Bachelor of Arts Swinburne University of Technology

Mr Nathan Bickerdike Bachelor of Science (Professional Software Development) Swinburne University of Technology

Ms Amber Munns Bachelor of Veterinary Science Murdoch University

Ms Asha Duggan Bachelor of Veterinary Science Murdoch University

Ms Elise Bowen Bachelor of Animal Science Murdoch University

Ms Jacilyn Davies Bachelor of Education (Primary) and Bachelor

of Science (Environment)

Murdoch University

Mr Samuel Baldock Bachelor of Chiropractic Science Murdoch University

Ms Laura Drummond Bachelor of Screen and Media Production Griffi th University

Ms Sherinda Murray Bachelor of Biomedical Science Griffi th University

Mr Bantu Dierk Bachelor of Aviation Griffi th University

Ms Aja Pymble-Ward Bachelor of Engineering (Advanced with Honours) Griffi th University

Ms Shanna Muston Bachelor of Fine Art Griffi th University

Ms Shinead Ashe Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science Griffi th University

Ms Jessica Cook Bachelor of Medical Science Griffi th University

Ms Caitlyn Eales Bachelor of Arts (International Relations) Griffi th University

Ms Kaela Clifford Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Psychology Griffi th University

Ms Michelle Barrow Bachelor of Nursing Deakin University

Ms Hannah Bedford Bachelor of Education (Primary) Deakin University

Ms Kate Foster Bachelor of Occupational Therapy Deakin University

Mr Liam Rodger Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) Deakin University

26

Ms Laura Schreurs Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communication) Deakin University

Mr Nick Walters Bachelor of Design (Architecture)/Bachelor

of Construction Management

Deakin University

2007 SCHOLARS

Ms Lauren Marie da Graca Costa Bachelor of Education Australian Catholic University

Ms Christie Hoy Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Arts Australian Catholic University

Ms Amy Louise McCann Bachelor of Nursing Australian Catholic University

Ms Amelia Rasmussem Bachelor of Education Australian Catholic University

Ms Samantha Kappl Bachelor of Environmental Science Deakin University

Ms Melissa Van Doeselaar Bachelor of Education Deakin University

Mr Kirby Mathieson Bachelor of Arts/Commerce Deakin University

Ms Melanie McClure Bachelor of Nursing/Psychology Deakin University

Ms Kymberley McCurdy Bachelor of Nursing Deakin University

Ms Sue Campbell Certifi cate IV in Arts (Interior Decoration) Gordon Institute of TAFE

Ms Eirlie Chisholm Advanced Diploma of Fashion, Design, Merchandising

and Marketing

Gordon Institute of TAFE

Ms Holly Munday Certifi cate II in Horticulture Gordon Institute of TAFE

Ms Dale Palmer Diploma of Outdoor Recreation Gordon Institute of TAFE

Ms Amanda Poke Diploma of Textiles, Clothing and Footwear Gordon Institute of TAFE

Ms Danielle Oldfi eld Bachelor of Applied Science RMIT University

Mr James Douglas Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) RMIT University

Mr Daniel Griffi n Bachelor of Architecture RMIT University

Mr Matthew Roberts Bachelor of Fine Art Printmaking RMIT University

Ms Tamara Mills Bachelor of Communication (Journalism) RMIT University

Mr Grant Goodwin Bachelor of Communication (Public Relations) RMIT University

Mr Dan Thomas Bachelor of Applied International Studies RMIT University

Ms Meagan Carroll Bachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiation) RMIT University

Ms Natashia Schoo Bachelor of Applied Science (Chiropractic) RMIT University

Ms Lavinia Buzgau Bachelor of Applied International Studies RMIT University

Mr Brett Webber Bachelor of Science (Physics/Applied Language) RMIT University

Ms Rebecca Cray Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) RMIT University

Ms Emma Brelsford Bachelor of Social Science RMIT University

Mr Warwick Johnson (The George Alexander Foundation Fellow)

Solar Air-conditioning ISS Institute

Ms Alicia Gill Bachelor of Science (Psychology) Swinburne University of Technology

Mr Nathan Moore Bachelor of Business Swinburne University of Technology

Ms Jessica Stephens Bachelor of Film and Television Swinburne University of Technology

Mr Nathan Beavis Bachelor of Design (Multimedia) Swinburne University of Technology

Ms Lani Kingston Bachelor of Film and Television Swinburne University of Technology

Mr James Hicks Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)/Bachelor of Business Swinburne University of Technology

Mr Allen Boston Bachelor of Photonics and Nanoscience Griffi th University

Ms Keira Grundy Bachelor of Environmental Planning/Bachelor of Science Griffi th University

Mr Scott Collins Bachelor of Biomedical Science Griffi th University

Ms Stephanie Jackson Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of International Business Griffi th University

Mr Benjamin Holmes Bachelor of Film and Screen Media Production Griffi th University

Ms Juanita Thorpe Certifi cate III in Beef Production Charles Darwin University

Ms Alittia Marsh Certifi cate IV in Youth Work Charles Darwin University

Ms Holly Angeles Certifi cate IV in Visual Arts Charles Darwin University

Ms Rochel McKerlie Certifi cate III in Beef Production Charles Darwin University

27

Mr Damien Roebuck Certifi cate III in Agriculture Charles Darwin University

Ms Holly Braithwaite Certifi cate III in Pathology Collection Charles Darwin University

Ms Shan Husseinipour Bachelor of Pharmacy Charles Darwin University

Mr Roy Williams Bachelor of Science/Business Charles Darwin University

Ms Emma Collinson Bachelor Teaching/Science Charles Darwin University

Ms Amber Munkara-Sweet Bachelor of Law/Indigenous Culture and Natural

Resource Management

Charles Darwin University

2006 SCHOLARS

Ms Caley Quinn Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Business Griffi th University

Ms Eloise Williams Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Arts Griffi th University

Ms Monica McGhie Bachelor of Information Technology Griffi th University

Ms Samantha Mallet Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Arts Griffi th University

Ms Clair Candy Bachelor of Music Griffi th University

Mr Peter Augustin Bachelor of Applied Science/Physical Education RMIT University

Ms Lavinia Buzgau Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) RMIT University

Ms Helen Coutts Bachelor of Applied Science (Complementary Medicine) RMIT University

Mr David Fidler Bachelor of Business (Entrepreneurship) RMIT University

Ms Alicia Oliver Diploma of Textiles, Clothing and Footwear RMIT University

Ms Emma Lenehan Bachelor of Nursing RMIT University

Mr Lee Neale Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) RMIT University

Mr Nicholas Penna Bachelor of Business (International Business) RMIT University

Mr Ashley Perry Bachelor of Communication (Media) RMIT University

Ms Erin Young Bachelor of Arts (International Studies) RMIT University

Mr Andrew Halligan Bachelor of Commerce Deakin University

Ms Kim Quilliam Bachelor of Commerce Deakin University

Ms Lisa Hutchings Bachelor of Education Deakin University

Ms Amy Stevens Bachelor of Education Deakin University

Mr Paul Wallace Bachelor of Commerce Deakin University

2005 SCHOLARS

Ms Cassie Causton Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Behavioural Science Griffi th University

Ms Clare Gilliland Bachelor of Biomedical Science Griffi th University

Ms Claire McGovern Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Arts – Law, Politics

and Public Policy


Ms Shonagh Valentine Bachelor of Psychology Griffi th University

Mr David Miani Bachelor of Engineering in Microelectronic Engineering/

Bachelor of Information Technology


Mr Jerimy Tucker Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of International Relations Griffi th University

Mr Timothy Barnard Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace) RMIT University

Ms Melanie Bloomer Bachelor of Applied Science (Information Technology) RMIT University

Mr Daniel Cook Advanced Diploma of Remedial Massage (Myotherapy) RMIT University

Ms Laura Faulkner Bachelor of Business (Information and Knowledge

Management)

RMIT University

Ms Kate Freeburn Bachelor of Business (Accountancy) RMIT University

Mr Tim Hammond Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)/Bachelor

of Business (Administration)

RMIT University

Ms Neelma Narayan Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences RMIT University

Ms Emma Richardson Bachelor of Social Work RMIT University

Mr Soh Boonseng Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering RMIT University

Mr Andrew Macleod Bachelor of Applied Science/Bachelor of Engineering RMIT University

28

2004 SCHOLARS

Mr Dean Jones Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Public Policy Griffi th University

Ms Fredrika Peckett Bachelor of Arts in Languages and Applied Linguistics Griffi th University

Mr Jacob Robertson Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of International Business Griffi th University

Mr Bradley St Clair Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of International Business Griffi th University

Ms Sanne Voogt Bachelor of Environmental Science Griffi th University

Mr Thomas Nightingale Bachelor of Communication/Journalism RMIT University

Mr Andrew MacLeod Bachelor of Communication Engineering and

Computer Science

RMIT University

Ms Erin Fisher Bachelor of Arts (Criminal Justice Administration) RMIT University

Ms Blake Fox Bachelor of Fine Arts RMIT University

Ms Hayley Blacker Bachelor of Biotechnology/Biomedical Science RMIT University

Ms Carly Lambert Bachelor of Applied Science RMIT University

Ms Silvana Medos Bachelor of Applied Science RMIT University

Mr Geoffrey Pearson Bachelor of Applied Languages RMIT University

Mr Logan Shield Bachelor of Building Design and Technology RMIT University

Mr Paul Shub Bachelor of Engineering Technology RMIT University

2003 SCHOLARS

Mr Jamie Etwell Bachelor of Film and Television Production Griffi th University

Ms Aimee-Lyn Davis Bachelor of International Relations Griffi th University

Ms Sandra Diminic Bachelor of Psychology Griffi th University

Ms Jolie Hannah Bachelor of Psychology Griffi th University

Ms Melanie Loader Bachelor of Commerce Griffi th University

Mr Tony Vaughan Bachelor of Aviation Griffi th University

Ms Meaghan Dooley Diploma of Chinese Medicine and Human Biology RMIT University

Ms Nahla Huzejrovic Bachelor of Fashion RMIT University

Ms Mariola Kilgariff Bachelor of Nursing RMIT University

Ms Rhiannon Mondav Bachelor of Applied Science RMIT University

Ms Chloe Patton Bachelor of Social Science RMIT University

Mr Kevin te Wierik Bachelor of Biotechnology/Biomedical Science RMIT University

Mr Luke Webb Bachelor of Engineering RMIT University

Mr Ben Willey Bachelor of Human Movement RMIT University

2002 SCHOLARS

Mr Timothy Allwood Bachelor of Aviation Griffi th University

Mr Sean Hasselback Bachelor of Multimedia Griffi th University

Mr Peter Nicholls Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of International Business Griffi th University

Ms Letitia Cruickshank Bachelor of Multimedia Griffi th University

Ms Janet Pogorelc Bachelor of Design Griffi th University

Mr Nurra Ali Khelil Bachelor of Chemistry RMIT University

Mr Youssry Bassilios Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering RMIT University

Ms Cassandra Collins Bachelor of Nursing RMIT University

Ms Emma Lawless Bachelor of Arts (Youth Affairs) RMIT University

Mr Matthew Synnes Postgraduate Study in Arts (Photography) RMIT University

Mr David Tam Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science RMIT University

Mr Kevin te Wierik Bachelor of Biotechnical/Biomedical Science RMIT University

Ms Fay Wilde Bachelor of Social Work RMIT University

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‘Mr Alexander, I would like to thank you for giving me a year that was so full of learning, friendships, heartache and fun. The fi nance behind the scholarship is benefi cial but the security and hope it places in the recipients is worth much, much more.’Monica McGhie, Griffi th University

‘Mr Alexander, your generosity in granting this scholarship has been a huge relief for myself and my family.’Eirlie Chisholm, Gordon Institute of TAFE

‘The scholarship has not only helped me fi nancially, giving me time to focus on my studies, but being chosen for such an award has given me confi dence and encouraged me to be a better student.’Lauren da Graca Costa, Australian Catholic University

The George Alexander FoundationABN 58 451 731 162Level 3, 111 Collins StreetMelbourne Vic 3000

Telephone 03 9650 3188Facsimile 03 9650 [email protected]

Documents

‘Planting seeds and hoping they grow into pretty big trees’ · of ‘planting seeds and hoping they grow into pretty big trees’. This concept inspired the direction of the Education