GAF Annual Report 2006-07

THE GEORGE ALEXANDER FOUNDATION Report 06|07

ABOUT THE FOUNDER page one CHAIRMAN’S REPORT page two CEO’S REPORT page three THE FOUNDATION page four WEBSITE AND APPLICATION FORM page five EDUCATION page six ENVIRONMENT page sixteen GRANTS PAID page twenty HONOUR ROLL page twenty-two

The George Alexander Foundation (GAF) 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 office of The Ian Potter Foundation (IPF), 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, AC

Mr Neil Clark, AO (to 30 June 2007)

Mr Leon Davis, AO (from 22 March 2007)

The Hon Sir Daryl Dawson, AC KBE CB

The Hon Sir James Gobbo, AC CVO

Mr John B Gough, AO OBE

Professor Thomas W Healy, AO

Dr Thomas H Hurley, AO OBE

Mr Allan J Myers, AO QC

Mr Frank L Nelson

Lady Potter, AC

Dr P John Rose, AO

Professor Graeme B Ryan, AC

Staff

Chief Executive Offi cer

Mrs Janet Hirst

Finance

Mr John Kellaway

Ms Therese Reidy

Grants Management

Ms Caitriona Fay

Administration Manager

Ms Gail Lewry

Assistant to the Chief Executive Offi cer

Ms Kay Roworth

Mrs Josephine Berthelemy

Mr George Alexander, AM was born in London in 1910. From the age of two he was raised by his grandparents, who lived near Farnborough in Hampshire. He was a bright student with an ambition to become a motor mechanic, but his family could not afford the cost of an apprenticeship. At the age of thirteen he left school to work in a bicycle shop for one shilling and sixpence a week. In 1924 he returned to London to work on river pleasure boats as a deckhand.

In 1926 George Alexander migrated to Australia under the Big Brother Movement, an organisation which brought British boys to Australia to work on the land. He worked on several dairy and wheat farms in western Victoria, but times were tough on the land in the depression years and in 1930 he was out of work for several months.

After moving to Koroit in Victoria’s Western District, George Alexander got a job in the local garage and became an A grade mechanic. In 1937 he married and moved to Geelong, where he worked for an engineering firm. He enrolled in evening classes in mechanics and management at the Gordon Institute of Technology (now Gordon Institute of TAFE), and was soon asked to become a part-time lecturer. During the Second World War he became manager of a munitions factory in Melbourne and also studied and taught Industrial Management at Melbourne Technical College (now RMIT University).

After the war George patented numerous inventions for hose fi ttings and related products and he used all his savings to set up a company he called ‘Neta’ to manufacture them. Years of hard work made the business a success and George became a wealthy man. In the early 1970s he sold his business and retired to Queensland, where he has had a successful second career as a property developer.

In 1972 he established The George Alexander Foundation as a way of sharing his wealth. He has always held the view that you do not really own the possessions you have, “you’re just minding them” and this belief has been central to the development of his philanthropy. In 2004 George Alexander was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for community service.

The George Alexander Foundation was established in June 1972, with an initial gift from George Alexander of $30,000. Grants totalling over $5 million have been made since the Foundation was established. The corpus of the Foundation has grown to $20 million through further gifts from George Alexander and the appreciation of its investments.

George Alexander believes that “philanthropy is something that needs to be encouraged” and he hopes that his example will show others that it can be enjoyed while you are still around to see it happen.

In October 2006, a biography of George Alexander, written by historian Dr Peter Yule and commissioned by The George Alexander Foundation, was published. Dr Yule says, “George Alexander is quiet, modest and self-effacing. He has always been reluctant to talk about his past because he cannot believe anyone would find it of interest. 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 is an uplifting example of success against great odds.”

The Foundation makes grants in two areas, Education and Environment & Conservation. The George Alexander Scholarship Program, which was established in 2002, is now the major program of the Foundation. This year has seen the Scholarship Program extended to the Australian Catholic University in Ballarat, Swinburne University of TAFE in Melbourne, Charles Darwin University in the Northern Territory and the Gordon Institute of TAFE in Geelong. By the end of 2007 there will be a George Alexander Scholarship Program in every state on mainland Australia.

George Alexander was a student and later a teacher at the Gordon Institute, and in May 2007, George was named Outstanding Alumni of 2007 in recognition of his lifetime of achievements, his contributions to the community and his connection to the Gordon Institute.

During the year the grants made in the area of Environment & Conservation were for diverse projects, which included conserving and reinvigorating the frog population in the Wimmera Mallee region, removing fishing wires and lines around areas in the Great Barrier Reef and assisting in the creation of a sustainable farming community partnership.

At 97, George is still very active and in accordance with his great interest in the environment is taking steps to promote the future development of his property along environmentally sustainable development principles.

Mr Neil Clark retired as a Governor of the Foundation at the end of June 2007. Mr Clark joined the Board of Governors in 1993 and made a major contribution to the Foundation. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Clark and to welcome Mr Leon Davis on his appointment to the Board of Governors.

My fellow Governors join me in thanking George Alexander for both his vision and his generosity of spirit.

Charles Goode, AC Chairman

during the year was $378,173.

Philanthropy has an important role to play in making higher education accessible to as many people as possible. From the philanthropic sector’s viewpoint, education is vitally important to Australia’s economic and social development. The George Alexander Foundation through its Scholarship Program supports tertiary students and helps them make the most of their abilities. Since the Scholarship Program started in 2002, $1,060,500 has been paid in scholarships, grants and fellowships to 275 recipients. By the end of 2007 the investment in the Scholarship Program will be over $2 million.

The Foundation is working with universities to develop an alumni association of George Alexander Scholars, which will give the diverse group of students the opportunity to network with each other, across disciplines and across years, and to share their knowledge.

Each year the Scholars write to George Alexander, giving him feedback on just how much the scholarship means to them and the difference it makes to their lives. George Alexander personally takes an interest in the progress of all the scholarship winners. He believes that the bright young GAF Scholars will in later years be leaders and future contributors to our community, and is hopeful that their leadership in years to come will be one of the most lasting of his legacies.

The grants made this year in the area of the Environment & Conservation reflect the founder’s belief that much needs to be done to repair the damage to the environment.

In May 2007, a new George Alexander Foundation website www.gafoundation.org.au was launched. At the same time, the Foundation moved to an application form process to help organisations applying to the Foundation to more easily demonstrate the need for their project and the difference it will make to our society.

On reading the biography of George Alexander, which was written by the historian Dr Peter Yule and issued in October 2006, one of the George Alexander Scholars from Griffi th University wrote to the Foundation.

“I’ve really enjoyed reading about George Alexander’s life. He has obviously led an amazing and full life. It would be nice if one day I could examine my life and know that I’ve lived half such a life. I’ve also really enjoyed reading about the

Foundation, its principles and who else benefi ts from the Foundation. I am now more able to appreciate why I, and my fellow GA Scholarship recipients received our scholarships.” Clare Gilliland, GAF Scholar, Griffi th University

George Alexander’s view is that the needs of society will change over the years. Accordingly, the Foundation will need to be flexible to follow the changes in society’s needs and chart a course accordingly. “We cannot change the direction of the wind but we can manage how we trim the sails.” – George Alexander

George Alexander’s generosity and vision will continue to make a positive contribution to our community for many years to come.

Janet Hirst Chief Executive Officer

In the early 1970s Sir Roger Darvall, a Governor of The Ian Potter Foundation, inspired George Alexander with the idea of using his wealth to create a permanent philanthropic foundation rather than frittering it away with small gifts or giving it all away with one grand, but short-lived, gesture.

Sir Roger made the further suggestion that the Governors of The Ian Potter Foundation could become trustees and administrators of The George Alexander Foundation. George Alexander did not want to decide who should receive gifts from his Foundation, so long as he was satisfied that the money was given wisely. The arrangement he made with The Ian Potter Foundation assured him that his money was used to make a difference while minimising administration costs.

The initial gift to establish The George Alexander Foundation was $30,000. Many further gifts, together with capital growth, have seen the corpus of the Foundation grow to $20 million.

The George Alexander Foundation began with a broad philanthropic charter, but since 2001 it has focused on assisting young people fulfil their educational goals and addressing environmental problems.

GUIDELINES

Education

■ To help talented young people, particularly those from rural and regional communities, who have demonstrated academic ability, to overcome financial disadvantage and achieve 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, but who lack the financial capacity to achieve their potential

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

Environment & Conservation

■ To develop partnerships with rural and regional communities, private landholders and Governments which encourage good environmental practices and the maintenance of biodiversity

■ To support programs which 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:

1. Academic research

2. Recurrent expenditure for which no future provision is in sight

3. Capital or endowment funds

4. Retrospective expenditure.

THE LAUNCH OF www.gafoundation.org.au AND APPLICATION FORM

May 2007 saw the Foundation launch its much anticipated new website and application form. While the website address is still the same, www.gafoundation.org.au, the content, look and feel of the site has changed dramatically.

The website should be the first port of call for any organisation wishing to apply for funding to the Foundation. Apart from the latest news and events, the website also provides case studies of recently funded and completed projects, details on what areas we fund, our objectives and some history and background on George Alexander.

The biggest change to our website, an d indeed our Foundation, in recent times comes with the creation of an application form. We hope the form will provide all our applicants with an equal opportunity to demonstrate the quality, need and the demand for their project. To download the application form go to the How to Apply section of our website and complete the checklist. The application form can be completed as a Word document, saved and printed. The form must be sent to the Foundation via both hard and electronic mail.

If your organisation does not have access to either the internet or a computer, we would be pleased to post you a hard copy of the form.

Feedback on the website and application form so far has been great, but we are constantly looking to improve the content and usefulness of both. We would be delighted to hear any comments you may have and improvements you can suggest. Send your views to admin@gafoundation.org.au or call us on (03) 9650 3188

George Alexander has always said he likes the idea of “planting seeds and hoping they grow into pretty big trees”. This concept has not only helped to shape many of the gifts made by the Foundation, but in respect to the Education Program, it has inspired its direction.

The establishment of The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program in 2002 marked the beginning of what has been a significant investment by the Foundation in the lives of students across Australia. By the end of 2007, the Foundation will have approximately 300 George Alexander Foundation Scholars and Fellows across the country at an investment of over $2 million.

The current scholarship programs at RMIT University and Griffi th University end in 2007. The Foundation is in discussions with both Universities to build upon their experiences and the scholarship needs of their students. The Foundation has also begun conversations with universities in Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales, as we look to expand the Program across the country.

The past twelve months have seen The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program expand into the Northern Territory, with one of our biggest programs established to date. The Foundation has also strengthened its links with George’s past by establishing a pilot Scholarship Program at The Gordon Institute of TAFE, a facility where George was both student and teacher.

Continuing our commitment to assist young people as they gain or enhance their trade skills, the Foundation has supported Worldskills Australia in sending a competitor to the International Worldskills Competition in Japan in 2007. The competition provides opportunities for the best apprentices and trade students in the world to compete at the highest level against one another.

The George Alexander Foundation welcomes the opportunity to discuss potential partnerships that will continue to build upon the skills and educational outcomes of students across Australia.

Australian Catholic University, VIC

$150,000 to The George Alexander Foundation Scholarships (2007–2009) at ACU Ballarat

Ms Bea Brickhill, National Fundraising Manager www.acu.edu.au

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarships at the Australian Catholic University’s Ballarat Campus were established in 2006 and the first scholarships were awarded in early 2007.

The program provides for five scholarships in each of 2007, 2008 and 2009. Each scholarship is valued at $10,000 and is provided to the scholar over the three years of their undergraduate degree. The funding is to be used towards

the costs of living and study expenses. Each scholar will have demonstrated strong academic achievement coupled with a demonstrated commitment to their community and their chosen field of study.

In 2007 five scholarships were awarded. This figure was reduced to four after the deferral of a scholarship winner from study. The four George Alexander Foundation scholars for 2007 at ACU are:

The George Alexander Foundation 2007 Scholarship Winners

RecipientCourse

Lauren Marie da Graca CostaBachelor of Education

Christie HoyBachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Arts

Amy Louise McCannBachelor of Nursing

Amelia RasmussenBachelor of Education

“In 10 years time I want to own my own station… I believe that having the opportunity to get The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship has helped me on my way to achieving my childhood goals.”

— Juanita Thorpe, 2007 George Alexander Foundation Scholar

Charles Darwin University, NT

$48,000 (part of a commitment of $144,000 over three years) to The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program (2006–2009) Ms Claire Baxter, Executive Director, Business Development www.cdu.edu.au

In 2007 the Governors of The George Alexander Foundation agreed to fund a scholarship program at Charles Darwin University that would provide assistance and encouragement to students from all backgrounds studying in all areas. The following programs were developed in an attempt to reach the widest cross-section of students while still ensuring that all scholars showed a commitment to their study, their community and had the potential to be leaders.

The George Alexander Foundation Vocational and Technical Education (VTE) Scholarships

This program supports and encourages talented young people from remote areas and/or disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve their employment and educational goals within their chosen vocational and technical fields. Eight scholarships each year for the next three years valued at $1,500 will be provided to assist students in meeting the costs of their VTE training and placements.

The George Alexander Foundation Higher Education Scholarship

The George Alexander Foundation Vocational and Technical Education Scholarship

Juanita ThorpeCert III in Beef Production

Alittia MarshCert IV in Youth Work

Holly AngelesCert IV in Visual Arts

Rochel McKerlieCert III in Beef Production

Damien RoebuckCert III in Agriculture

Holly BraithwaiteCert III in Pathology Collection

The George Alexander Foundation Higher Education Scholarship

Shan HusseinipourBachelor of Pharmacy

The George Alexander Foundation Accommodation Scholarship

Roy WilliamsBachelor of Science/Business

The George Alexander Foundation Indigenous Scholarship

Emma CollinsonBachelor Teaching/Science

Amber Munkara-SweetBachelor of Law/Indigenous Culture and Natural Resource Management

This scholarship supports and encourages talented young people struggling against disadvantage to reach their educational goals through the provision of educational and living support funding valued at $18,000 over three years.

The George Alexander Foundation Accommodation Scholarship

The Accommodation Scholarship offers three years of accommodation at North Flinders House in Darwin to one student per year for the next three years. The winning scholar must demonstrate a commitment to their study, community and overcoming disadvantage to achieve their educational goals. The Scholarship is valued at $18,000.

The George Alexander Foundation Indigenous Scholarship

This program offers two scholarships for three years, each valued at $12,000 per year for Indigenous applicants who show leadership potential and are economically disadvantaged by their circumstances. The scholarship will assist with the costs of accommodation and living expenses.

The George Alexander Foundation 2007 Scholarship Winners RecipientCourse

IMAGE ABOVE Dr Brian Heim presents Juanita Thorpe with her GAF Scholarship medal and certificate.

Deakin University, VIC

$35,000 (part of a commitment of $150,000 over three years) to The George Alexander Foundation Access and Equity Scholarships (2006–2008)

Ms Diane Walker, Manager, Fees and Scholarships www.deakin.edu.au

The George Alexander Foundation Access and Equity Scholarships were established at Deakin in 2006 for students wishing to study at the University’s regional campuses in Geelong or Warrnambool.

Fifteen scholarships will be awarded over the length of the program with each valued at $10,000 to support the scholars through their three year undergraduate program. The scholarships are awarded to students who best demonstrate academic ability and a will to succeed in their chosen fields of study, while also being disadvantaged by economic, social or geographical circumstances.

“Because of the scholarship I live with less financial pressure and I can focus on participating in activities that will enhance my career prospects not just working to make enough money in the short term.”

Paul Wallace, 2006 George Alexander Foundation Scholar

“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.”

Amy Stevens, 2006 George Alexander Foundation Scholar Scholars may use their award to pay for living expenses, travel costs, study costs, child care, placement uniforms and equipment.

RecipientCourse

Samantha KapplBachelor of Environmental Science

Melissa Van DoeselaarBachelor of Education

Kirby MathiesonBachelor of Arts/Commerce

Melanie McClureBachelor of Nursing/Psychology

Kymberley McCurdyBachelor of Nursing

The George Alexander Foundation 2007 Scholarship Winners

Griffi th University, QLD

$112,500 (part of a commitment of $330,000 over three years) to The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program (2005–2007)

Ms Nicola Collier-Jackson, Director, Campus Life www.griffi th.edu.au/campuslife

“The finance behind the scholarship is beneficial but the security and hope it places in the recipients is worth much more.”

Monica McGhie, 2006 George Alexander Foundation Scholar

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program at Griffi th University was established in 2002, and is offered to five students each year for a period of three years to help with accommodation fees at the Bellenden Ker or Mt Gravatt Colleges. Scholarships are provided to students who can demonstrate academic merit and show the potential to be strong community leaders. Students are provided with a wonderful opportunity, and recipients are encouraged to participate actively in College life and promote the Colleges within and outside the university.

RecipientsCourse

Allen BostonBachelor of Photonics and Nanoscience

The standard of applicants and scholarship winners within the program at Griffi th continues to impress, with the 2007 George Alexander Foundation Scholars no exception. The 2007 scholars are studying in fields as diverse as ‘Photonics and Nanoscience’ and ‘Film and Screen Media Production’.

“The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship has made settling into university and college a great deal easier.”

Scott Collins, 2007 George Alexander Foundation Scholar

“It gives me great pride that I can say ‘I did it! (with the help of George Alexander)’. I am determined to uphold the values of this man.”

Allen Boston, 2007 George Alexander Foundation Scholar

Keira GrundyBachelor of Environmental Planning/ Bachelor of Science

Scott CollinsBachelor of Biomedical Science

Stephanie JacksonBachelor of Business/Bachelor of International Business

Benjamin HolmesBachelor of Film and Screen Media Production

The George Alexander Foundation 2007 Scholarship Winners

IMAGES ABOVE William Owen-Jones (second from left) with 2007 George Alexander Foundation Scholars at Griffi th University’s Awards Ceremony; William Owen-Jones with 2007 Scholar, Allen Boston at Griffi th University’s Awards Ceremony.

Gordon Institute of TAFE, VIC

$15,000 to The George Alexander Foundation Study Support Program (2007)

Bronwyn Davie, Alumni Officer www.gordontafe.edu.au

The George Alexander Foundation Study Support Program at Gordon Institute was established in 2006 and commenced as a pilot program at the beginning of 2007. The aim of the Scholarship is to assist with course and associated study and living costs for students continuing their studies at Gordon Institute of TAFE. Scholars successfully demonstrate the ability and will to succeed in higher education but may be disadvantaged by their economic, social or geographical circumstances. Five scholarships were awarded in 2007 each valued at $3,000.

Recipient Course

Sue Campbell Cert IV in Interior Design

Eirlie Chisholm Advanced Diploma of Fashion, Design, Merchandising and Marketing

Holly Munday Cert II in Horticulture

Dale Palmer Diploma of Outdoor Recreation

Amanda Poke Diploma Clothing, Textile and Footwear

GORDON INSTITUTE OF TAFE 2007 OUTSTANDING ALUMNI

In May of this year George Alexander was named Gordon Institute of TAFE Outstanding Alumni of 2007. George’s good friend and former Acting Chief Executive of The George Alexander Foundation, Mr John Kellaway, accepted the award on his behalf at a ceremony in Geelong.

George’s connection with Gordon began in 1939, when he attended the Institute (then known as Gordon Institute of Technology) first as a student and then as a teacher.

In his teens, George had developed a love for all things mechanical after first purchasing a motor bike and then a dilapidated Citroen car. It is no surprise to learn that George’s first course at Gordon was his ‘A’ grade mechanics exam. After seeing George’s impressive exam results the Institute immediately offered him a position teaching aspiring motor mechanics at evening classes. George reflects that he greatly enjoyed this time at Gordon, and thought seriously of pursuing a teaching career.

Sixty eight years later George once again has a connection with Gordon, this time through his Foundation. The George Alexander Foundation Study Support Scholarships were launched as a pilot at Gordon in early 2007. Five students at Gordon Institute of TAFE now hold scholarships that bear George’s name.

To request a monograph of George’s life, please contact the Foundation on (03) 9650 3188 or email admin@gafoundation.org.au

The George Alexander Foundation 2007 Scholarship Winners

IMAGES RIGHT George Alexander still hard at work; John Kellaway (left) presents George Alexander with his Gordon Institute Outstanding Alumni of 2007 Award.

RMIT University, VIC

$97,500 (part of a commitment of $225,000 over three years) to The George Alexander Foundation Scholarships and Grants Program 2005–2007

Professor Robin Williams, Director, Development and Alumni

www.rmit.edu.au

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarships and Grants Program has been offered at RMIT since 2002. In that time over 50 scholarships and 150 grants have been awarded by the Foundation to talented students who may have been disadvantaged by social, economic, health or geographical circumstances.

Each scholarship is valued at $7,500 for one year and provides students with financial assistance which can be used towards the cost of living, books, equipment and travel to and from University or TAFE.

“In simply having my efforts rewarded by receiving the Scholarship… I feel it has motivated and inspired me to achieve more, not just academically but also within the community.”

— Helen Coutts, 2006 George Alexander Foundation Scholar

RecipientCourse

Each grant is valued at $1,500 for one year and provides students with financial support to be used towards the cost of study, including the purchase of a computer, books, training equipment and uniforms to be used within placements.

“I have really appreciated reading the biography on the life of George Alexander. The attitude that he shows is truly admirable.”

Peter Augustin, 2006 George Alexander Foundation Scholar

In 2007 the University received over 400 applications for scholarships. Due to the provision of some extra funding by the Foundation in 2006, the selection panel was able to award thirteen scholarships for 2007.

In 2007 the Foundation had an opportunity to award one additional grant at RMIT. This brought the total number of grants awarded in 2007 to 26.

The George Alexander Foundation is currently working with RMIT to develop a program for 2008 and beyond.

Danielle OldfieldBachelor of Applied Science

James DouglasBachelor of Communication (Public Relations)

Daniel GriffinBachelor of Architecture

Matthew RobertsBachelor of Fine Art Printmaking

Tamara MillsBachelor of Communication (Journalism)

Grant GoodwinBachelor of Communication (Public Relations)

Dan ThomasBachelor of Applied International Studies

Meagan CarrollBachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiation)

Natashia SchooBachelor Applied Science (Chiro)

Lavinia BuzgauBachelor of Applied International Studies

Brett WebberBachelor of Science (Physics/Applied Language)

Rebecca CrayBachelor of Social Science (Psychology)

Emma BrelsfordBachelor of Social Science

IMAGE RMIT 2006 Scholar, Vanessa Giordana

The George Alexander Foundation 2007 Scholarship Winners

Swinburne University of Technology, VIC

$30,000 (part of a commitment of $90,000 over three years) to The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship for Living Support (2007–2009)

Professor Dale Murphy, Deputy Vice Chancellor www.swinburne.edu.au

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarships for Living Support were established at Swinburne University in 2006, with the first scholarships awarded in early 2007.

The program provides five scholarships per year for one year in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Each scholarship is valued at $6,000 and is awarded to students who are living away from home in order to study. Each scholar must demonstrate strong academic achievement, good community involvement and leadership skills.

RecipientCourse

Alicia GillBachelor of Science (Psychology)

Jessica StephensBachelor of Film and Television

Nathan BeavisBachelor of Design (Multimedia)

Lani KingstonBachelor of Film and Television

James HicksBachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering)/ Bachelor of Business

IMAGE ABOVE Swinburne scholars

From left: Professor Ian Young, Vice Chancellor & President; Alicia Gill; Lani Kingston; Nathan Moore; James Hicks; and Nathan Beavis with Mrs Janet Hirst

The George Alexander Foundation 2007 Scholarship Winners

World Skills Australia

$14,425 to send a competitor to Japan

Mark Callaghan, Chief Executive Officer

www.worldskils.com.au

Worldskills Australia is a non-profi t organisation which conducts trade and skill competitions to challenge young people to achieve work skill excellence. Every two years Worldskills hosts national finals, and from that competition it draws together a national representative team to compete at the International Championships.

In November 2007 the 39th Worldskills International Competition will be held in Numazu City, Japan. Australia is taking a team of 28 dynamic young skill champions to compete on this international stage. Each representative has competed at national Worldskills level, with most being winners in their categories. A grant from The George Alexander Foundation provided the required funding for Joel Drew to represent Australia in the Jewellery Category at the International Competition.

With over 900 young people competing from over 46 different countries, the International competition will provide Australian representatives with an opportunity to test their skills against tough international competitors and standards. The ultimate prize will be gold, silver and bronze medals and the satisfaction of knowing that within their chosen fields, young Australians can compete with the very best in the world.

The Worldskills competitions regionally, nationally and internationally help to showcase the vocational education and training opportunities available to young people, while also increasing the level of skill and trade excellence across Australia.

“Competing is a great way to develop skills and confidence. The Worldskills Australia competitions are well recognised amongst the industry and will help boost any career. The trade that I do allows so much creativity and provides a great sense of satisfaction. I think most trades are like that –when you get to build or create something with your hands, it’s truly your own work.”

Joel Drew, George Alexander Foundation World Skills Competitor

IMAGE ABOVE Joel Drew will compete in the Worldskills International event in Japan in 2007 thanks to a grant from the Foundation

Anglican Community Care, SA

$36,000 to The Out Door Classroom Project

Graham Holloway, Programme Coordinator

www.accinc.org.au

A grant from The George Alexander Foundation is helping to deliver an ‘Out Door Classroom’ project that recognises traditional methods of education do not suit all young people. The project, delivered by Anglican Community Care, is providing nine young people from Tenison Woods High School in Mount Gambier with an opportunity to engage in local environment and conservation work. The hands-on learning opportunities provide the participants with the opportunity to achieve units of their South Australian Certificate in Education. Participants include students who may not be getting the most out of the traditional education system, are disenfranchised and those who would benefi t from skills based learning.

“Students benefi t from encouraging their further education, renewed motivation and increased self-esteem.”

Graham Holloway, Programme Coordinator, Anglican Community Care.

IMAGES ABOVE Tenison Woods High School’s Out Door Classroom participants

From his own experiences of working on farms, coupled with his personal business involvement in water supply, George Alexander is acutely aware of the problems facing rural Australia. The Environment & Conservation objectives of the Foundation very much reflect George’s own desire to repair much of the damage done to our natural environment since 1788.

The Foundation is particularly interested in funding projects which have a local partnership focus and involve private landholders, local community groups and where possible government. A wonderful example of this type of local partnership initiative can be seen in Bush Heritage Australia’s Kosciusko to Coast Project, which received funding from the Foundation. The project looks to engage local land owners, volunteers and local environmental community groups to work collaboratively to protect high conservation value land between Bungendore and Bredbo, in NSW.

The Foundation has a continued commitment to supporting programs which enable students the opportunity to gain practical experience in conservation and land management. Funding from the Foundation is assisting Anglican Community Care in the delivery of an Out Door Classroom project which provides environmental management learning opportunities to young people at Tenison Woods High School in Mount Gambier.

Involvement is the key to the Foundation’s Environment & Conservation objectives, and the Governors welcome applications from organisations delivering projects with a strong focus on volunteer, student and wider community participation in the protection and maintenance of our natural environment.

Birchip Cropping Group, VIC

$38,000 to Frogs on Farms

Jonathon Starks, Coordinator www.bcg.org.au

Frogs are an important natural measurement as to the impact of land management practices on properties. With that in mind, Birchip Cropping Group has developed Frogs on Farms, a two year project which examines opportunities for conserving and protecting frog populations in the Wimmera Mallee region once the channel system is de-commissioned. The project will also provide strategies for individual farmers to maintain the biodiversity values of their farm in ways that are efficient in terms of farming resources, cost and water usage.

A George Alexander Foundation grant of $38,000 will help test an innovative approach to maintaining frog populations within the regional landscape. The project will help determine frog use of wildlife ponds and their ability to disperse from current water sources into wildlife ponds. This research will help the group examine opportunities for re-establishing frogs within their former regions and numbers.

This project builds upon the already successful Diversity in a Piped System project that examined the benefi ts of a wildlife water point in a farm woodland. While the original project assisted in monitoring and building a resurgence of bird populations, different sites needed to be considered in order to re-establish frog populations.

Given the last decade of below average rainfalls and the devastating effects of the drought in 2006, the Frogs on Farms project provides local farming communities with a water conservation and biodiversity project that can be easily implemented and will assist in providing a more enjoyable environment in which to live. This project helps to build on the Foundation’s commitment to providing opportunities for communities to engage in practical conservation and land management projects.

IMAGES ABOVE An old style concrete pond planted with aquatic vegetables, not entirely suitable for frogs and small reptiles; Spotted Marsh Frog by a farm dam near Birchip; Galahs at a stock water trough

Bush Heritage Australia, NSW

$100,000 to the Kosciusko to Coast Project

Lea-Anne Bradley, Coordinator www.bushheritage.org

The goal of the Kosciusko to Coast Project is to work collaboratively to protect high conservation value land between Bungendore and Bredbo, in NSW. The identified areas of high conservation value in this region are under extreme threat from weeds and feral animals, over-grazing, intensification of land use, frequent high-intensity fires and fragmentation by expanding rural sub-divisions. By engaging conservation organisations, community volunteers, local farmers, researchers and specialist naturalists, Bush Heritage hopes to improve the ecological outcomes for the region and restore and enhance key ecosystems.

Bush Heritage’s newly acquired Scottsdale Reserve is a 1300 hectare property on the Murrumbidgee River, in the south-west corner of the project area. The property contains three of the five important ecosystems focused upon in this project and is home to over 32 individual plant, animal, bird and reptile species with rare or threatened status. The George Alexander Foundation has provided $100,000 in funding to assist Bush Heritage and its partners in utilising the Scottsdale property as an important first conservation step in engaging local landowners and demonstrating legitimate conservation management of the property.

This project is very much in line with the Foundation’s aims to support partnerships between private landholders, government and community organisations in developing projects that prevent damage to the environment and encourage the maintenance of biodiversity.

IMAGES ABOVE Sugar Glider. Photo by Jiri Lochman courtesy of Bush Heritage Australia; The Murrumbidgee River and Bush Heritage’s Scottsdale Reserve. Photo by Nicole Pyne courtesy of Bush Heritage Australia; Water dragon on the Murrumbidgee River edge at Bush Heritage’s Scottsdale Reserve. Photo by Jiri Lochman courtesy of Bush Heritage Australia.

NSW Wildlife Information and Rescue Service (WIRES), NSW

$5,000 to the Development of training materials and specialised training teams in wildlife care

Carol MacDougall, Chief Executive Officer www.wires.org.au

Comprising 2000 volunteers and 29 branches, WIRES aims to rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured or orphaned native wildlife for release back into the environment. Funding from The George Alexander Foundation is helping the organisation to extend training materials and develop specialised training teams in wildlife care. WIRES specialised training teams will assist in the creation of manuals, courses and information for WIRES carers and other wildlife organisations.

Reef Check Ltd, QLD

$4,718 to a Community Participation and Public Awareness Project – to clean and protect areas of the Great Barrier Reef

Jos Hill, Executive Director wwww.reefcheck.org

Reef Check is the United Nations community coral reef monitoring group that relies primarily on the support of volunteers. This project will allow six community volunteers to be trained and take part in a fishing wire report and clean up around Orpheus and Pelorus Islands.

The project strongly meets the Foundation’s Environment & Conservation objectives of supporting hands-on local community environmental projects with excellent volunteer components.

IMAGE ABOVE Reef Check Volunteer clearing fishing line.

IMAGES RIGHT, top, left to right A WIRES volunteer hard at work; WIRES volunteer Chris gets ready to release Pete; A WIRES volunteer releases a Koala back into the wild.

EDUCATION GRANTS PAID 2006-2007

Name of Organisation/Institution

Anglican Community Care Incorporated

Out Door Classroom - an opportunity for disadvantaged young people to participate in a hands-on environmental education program that counts towards their high school certificate.$36,000

Global Education Centre (SA) Inc.

Urban Sustainability Program for Secondary Schools in Australia – to encourage secondary school students to make their lifestyles more environmentally sustainable and to show students a positive case study of urban sustainability in practice in South Australia.$6,350

Charles Darwin University

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program – the establishment of four Scholarship Programs for Vocational Training, Higher Education, Accommodation and Indigenous students.$48,000

Deakin University

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program – Access and Equity Scholarships. $35,000

The Education Foundation Inc. Opportunity Scholarships Program – to assist young people in the pursuit of a goal.$10,000

Gordon Institute of TAFE

The George Alexander Scholarship Program – One year pilot of Study Support Scholarships. $15,000

Griffi th University

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program – Accommodation Scholarships.$112,500

International Specialised Skills Institute

The George Alexander Foundation Fellowship Program – the fellowship program seeks to build a resource from which young people in the trades, technical and artisan fields can draw upon for skills, information and inspiration. $20,000

RMIT University

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program – Living Support Scholarships.$60,000

RMIT University

The George Alexander Foundation Grants Program – Living Support Grants.$37,500

Swinburne University of Technology

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship – Living Support Scholarships. $30,000

Worldskills Australia

To send a competitor to the 39th Worldskills International Competition, Japan 2007 – to support the competition and travel costs for one competitor.$14,425

Total Education $424,775

ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION GRANTS PAID 2006–2007

Name of Organisation/InstitutionPaid

Bush Heritage Australia

Kosciusko to Coast Project – a community partnership project to connect high conservation value land between Bungendore and Bredbo in NSW.$50,000

Birchip Cropping Group

Frogs on Farms – a project to conserve and reinvigorate frog populations in the Wimmera Mallee region.

Reef Check Foundation Ltd

$38,000

Community Participation and Public Awareness Project – a volunteer project to remove fishing wires and lines around areas in the Great Barrier Reef.$4,718

Royal Zoological Society of South Australia Inc

The Indaba Bush Camp – the creation of sheltered accommodation for use by visitors and school groups at Monarto Zoo.

The NSW Wildlife Information and Rescue Service (WIRES)

$27,000

Animal Standards Team Project – animal specific training for WIRES volunteers in NSW.$5,000

World Wide Fund for Nature Australia (WWF)

Invasive species – a campaign to save Australia’s Islands and the species that inhabit them.$5,000

THE GEORGE ALEXANDER FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS HONOUR ROLL

2002 Scholars

Mr Timothy AllwoodBachelor of AviationGriffi th University

Mr Sean HasselbackBachelor of MultimediaGriffi th University

Mr Peter NichollsBachelor of Law/Bachelor of International BusinessGriffi th University

Ms Letitia CruickshankBachelor of Multimedia Griffi th University

Ms Janet PogorelcBachelor of Design Griffi th University

Mr Nurra Ali KhelilBachelor of ChemistryRMIT University

Mr Youssry BassiliosBachelor of Mechanical EngineeringRMIT University

Ms Cassandra CollinsBachelor of NursingRMIT University

Ms Emma LawlessBachelor of Arts (Youth Affairs)RMIT University

Mr Matthew SynnesHons PhotographyRMIT University

Mr David TamBachelor of Medical Laboratory ScienceRMIT University

Mr Kevin te WierikBachelor of Biotechnical/Biomedical ScienceRMIT University

Ms Fay WildeBachelor of Social WorkRMIT University

2003 Scholars

Mr Jamie EtwellBachelor of Film and Television ProductionGriffi th University

Ms Aimee-Lyn DavisBachelor of International RelationsGriffi th University

Ms Sandra DiminicBachelor of PsychologyGriffi th University

Ms Jolie HannahBachelor of PsychologyGriffi th University

Ms Melanie LoaderBachelor of CommerceGriffi th University

Mr Tony VaughanBachelor of AviationGriffi th University

Ms Meaghan DooleyDiploma Chinese Medicine and Human BiologyRMIT University

Ms Nahla HuzejrovicBachelor of FashionRMIT University

Ms Mariola Kilgariff Bachelor of NursingRMIT University

Ms Rhiannon MondavBachelor of Applied ScienceRMIT University

Ms Chloe PattonBachelor of Social ScienceRMIT University

Mr Kevin TeWeirikBachelor of Biotechnology/Biomedical ScienceRMIT University

Mr Luke WebbBachelor of EngineeringRMIT University

Mr Ben WilleyBachelor of Human MovementRMIT University

2004 Scholars

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

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

Mr Jacob RobertsonBachelor of Law/Bachelor of International BusinessGriffi th University

Mr Bradley St ClairBachelor of Law/Bachelor of International BusinessGriffi th University

Ms Sanne VoogtBachelor of Environmental ScienceGriffi th University

Mr Thomas NightingaleBachelor of Communication/JournalismRMIT University

Mr Andrew MacLeod Bachelor of Communication Engineering & Computer Science RMIT University

Ms Erin FisherBachelor Arts (Criminal Justice Administration)RMIT University

Ms Blake FoxBachelor of Fine ArtsRMIT University

Ms Hayley BlackerBachelor of Biotechnology/Biomedical Science, RMIT University

Ms Carly LambertBachelor of Applied Science RMIT University

Ms Silvana MedosBachelor of Applied Science RMIT University

Mr Geoffrey PearsonBachelor of Applied Languages RMIT University

Mr Logan ShieldBachelor of Building Design & Technology, RMIT University

Mr Paul ShubBachelor of Engineering TechnologyRMIT University

2005 Scholars

Ms Cassie CaustonBachelor of Law/Bachelor of Behaviour ScienceGriffi th University

Ms Clare GillilandBachelor of Biomedical ScienceGriffi th University

Ms Claire McGovernBachelor of Law/Bachelor of Arts – Law, Politics & Public Policy Griffi th University

Ms Shonagh ValentineBachelor of PsychologyGriffi th University

Mr David MianiBachelor of Engineering in Microelectronic Engineering/ Bachelor of Information Technology Griffi th University

Mr Jerimy TuckerBachelor of Law/Bachelor of International RelationsGriffi th University

Mr Timothy BarnardBachelor of Engineering (Aerospace)RMIT University

Ms Melanie BloomerBachelor of Applied Science (Information Technology)RMIT University

Mr Daniel CookAdvanced Diploma of Remedial Massage (Myotherapy)RMIT University

Ms Laura FaulknerBachelor of Business (Information and Knowledge Management) RMIT University

Ms Kate FreeburnBachelor of Business (Accountancy)RMIT University

Mr Tim HammondBachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) and Bachelor of Business (Administration) RMIT University

Ms Neelma NarayanBachelor of Pharmaceutical SciencesRMIT University

Ms Emma RichardsonBachelor of Social WorkRMIT University

page twenty four

Mr Soh BoonsengBachelor of Aerospace EngineeringRMIT University

Mr Andrew Macleod Bachelor of Applied Science/Bachelor of EngineeringRMIT University

2006 Scholars

Ms Caley QuinnBachelor of Arts/Bachelor of BusinessGriffi th University

Ms Eloise WilliamsBachelor of Law/Bachelor of ArtsGriffi th University

Ms Monica McGhieBachelor of Information TechnologyGriffi th University

Ms Samantha MalletBachelor of Law/Bachelor of ArtsGriffi th University

Ms Clair CandyBachelor of MusicGriffi th University

Mr Peter AugustinBachelor of Applied Science/Physical EducationRMIT 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 FootwearRMIT University

Ms Emma Lenehan Bachelor of NursingRMIT University

Mr Lee Nealeq 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

2007 Scholars

Ms Lauren Marie da Graca Costa

Bachelor of EducationAustralian Catholic University

Ms Christie HoyBachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of ArtsAustralian Catholic University

Ms Amy Louise McCannBachelor of NursingAustralian Catholic University

Ms Amelia RasmussemBachelor of EducationAustralian Catholic University

Ms Samantha KapplBachelor of Environmental ScienceDeakin University

Ms Melissa Van Doeselaar

Bachelor of EducationDeakin University

Mr Kirby MathiesonBachelor of Arts/CommerceDeakin University

Ms Melanie McClureBachelor of Nursing/PsychologyDeakin University

Ms Kymberley McCurdyBachelor of NursingDeakin University

Ms Sue CampbellCert IV in Interior DesignGordon Institute of TAFE

Ms Eirlie ChisholmAdvanced Diploma of Fashion, Design, Merchandising and Marketing Gordon Institute of TAFE

Ms Holly MundayCert II in HorticultureGordon Institute of TAFE

Ms Dale PalmerDiploma of Outdoor RecreationGordon Institute of TAFE

Ms Amanda PokeDiploma Clothing, Textiles and FootwearGordon Institute of TAFE

Ms Danielle OldfieldBachelor of Applied ScienceRMIT University

Mr James DouglasBachelor of Communication (Public Relations)RMIT University

Mr Daniel GriffinBachelor of ArchitectureRMIT University

Mr Matthew RobertsBachelor of Fine Art PrintmakingRMIT University

Ms Tamara MillsBachelor of Communication (Journalism)RMIT University

Mr Grant GoodwinBachelor of Communication (Public Relations)RMIT University

Mr Dan ThomasBachelor of Applied International StudiesRMIT University

Ms Meagan CarrollBachelor of Applied Science (Medical Radiation)RMIT University

Ms Natashia SchooBachelor Applied Science (Chiropractic)RMIT University

Ms Lavinia BuzgauBachelor of Applied International StudiesRMIT University

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

Ms Rebecca CrayBachelor of Social Science (Psychology)RMIT University

Ms Emma BrelsfordBachelor of Social ScienceRMIT University

Mr Warwick Johnson (GAF Fellow) Solar Air-conditioningISS Institute

Ms Alicia GillBachelor of Science (Psych)Swinburne University

Ms Jessica StephensBachelor of Film and TelevisionSwinburne University

Mr Nathan BeavisBachelor of Design (Multimedia)Swinburne University

Ms Lani KingstonBachelor of Film and TelevisionSwinburne University

Mr James HicksBachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)/Bachelor of BusinessSwinburne University

Mr Allen BostonBachelor of Photonics and NanoscienceGriffi th University

Ms Keira GrundyBachelor of Environmental Planning/ Bachelor of ScienceGriffi th University

Mr Scott CollinsBachelor of Biomedical ScienceGriffi th University

Ms Stephanie JacksonBachelor of Business/Bachelor of International BusinessGriffi th University

Mr Benjamin HolmesBachelor of Film and Screen Media ProductionGriffi th University

Ms Juanita ThorpeCert III in Beef ProductionCharles Darwin University

Ms Alittia MarshCert IV in Youth WorkCharles Darwin University

Ms Holly AngelesCert IV in Visual ArtsCharles Darwin University

Ms Rochel McKerlieCert III in Beef ProductionCharles Darwin University

Mr Damien RoebuckCert III in AgricultureCharles Darwin University

Ms Holly BraithwaiteCert III in Pathology CollectionCharles Darwin University

Ms Shan HusseinipourBachelor of Pharmacy

Charles Darwin University

Mr Roy WilliamsBachelor of Science/BusinessCharles Darwin University

Ms Emma CollinsonBachelor Teaching/ScienceCharles Darwin University

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

Charles Darwin University