The George Alexander Foundation Annual Report 2007-2008

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

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 office 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, AC

Mr Leon Davis, AO

The Hon Sir Daryl Dawson, AC, KBE, CV

The Hon Sir James Gobbo, AC, CVO, QC

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 Officer

Mrs Janet Hirst

Finance

Mr John Kellaway

Ms Therese Reidy

Grant Management

Ms Caitriona Fay

Administration Manager

Ms Gail Lewry

Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer

Ms Kay Roworth

Mrs 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.’

‘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

Amy Stevens, Deakin University

‘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 benefit 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 Griffith University and the impact he had on the lives and academic achievements of our students.’

‘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.’

‘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.’

Professor Ian O’Connor, President and Vice Chancellor, Griffith University

Professor Robin Williams, Director, Alumni and Development, RMIT University

Allen Boston, 2007 George Alexander Foundation Scholar, Griffith University

George Alexander’s life story is an extraordinary tale of achievement in the face of great odds, and it exemplifies 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 qualified 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 fittings. He called his hose-fitting business ‘Neta’. The business flourished 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.

VALE GEORGE HERBERT ALEXANDER, AM

9 September 1910 – 6 February 2008

A man of vision and generosity

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 fulfil 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 reflect 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.

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

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

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 Griffith 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 benefited 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 first Scholarship Program in that State.

Scholarship Programs continue at the Australian Catholic University, Charles Darwin University, Deakin University, Griffith 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 field 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

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 financial 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 office as we develop a formalised alumni program.

The Foundation’s Environment and Conservation Program has long reflected 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 Officer

EDUCATION

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 field 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 benefited 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 significant 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

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 five scholarships each year to assist talented students in reaching their educational goals. The scholarship is specifically for students from rural and regional areas who can demonstrate academic excellence and community engagement, and who may have some financial 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.

The George Alexander Foundation 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

Australian Catholic University, Victoria

$52,000 (part of a commitment of $150,000 over five 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

range of vocational courses, with Nursing, Paramedicine, Teaching and Theology the significant 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 significant number of applications each year, with many students put forward by heads of faculties.

The financial 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 2008 Scholarship Winners

RecipientCourse

Danielle DykstraBachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Paramedicine

Stephanie HoganBachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Paramedicine

Natalie LinkeBachelor of Nursing

Kathryn LynnBachelor of Education

Kylie MitchellBachelor of Education

Kimberley SchultzBachelor of Education

‘The scholarship has not only helped me financially, giving me time to focus on my studies, but being chosen for such an award has given me confidence and encouraged me to be a better student.’

Lauren Marie da Graca Costa, 2007 George Alexander Foundation 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 financial barriers to furthering their education. Two scholarships were offered in the first semester of 2008 and another two were offered in second semester.

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/

RecipientCourse

‘This scholarship has allowed me to finish 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

David ChampionBachelor of Applied Science and Commerce

Maria KoulianosBachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Laws

The George Alexander Foundation 2008 Scholarship Winners

Above: Mr Richard Ryan, AO, Chancellor CDU, presenting 2008 GAF Scholar Maria Koulianos with her scholarship

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 five 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 field and a commitment to overcoming financial 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 first 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.

Deakin University, Victoria

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

www.deakin.edu.au

RecipientCourse

Hannah BedfordBachelor of Education (Primary)

Kate FosterBachelor of Occupational Therapy

Liam RodgerBachelor of Arts (International Studies)

Laura SchreursBachelor of Arts (Media and Communication)

Nick WaltersBachelor of Design (Architecture)/Bachelor of Construction Management

Ms Izabela Sulek, Trusts Manager, University Development

‘The scholarship has definitely 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 financially 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 2008 Scholarship Winners

The George Alexander Foundation Study Support Scholarship was established at Gordon Institute of TAFE in 2006, with the first five 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 Certificate 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

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 Officer www.gordontafe.edu.au

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 five bursaries, valued at $1,000 each, for each of the next three years (2008–2010).

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.

The George Alexander Foundation 2008 Scholarship Winners

RecipientCourse

Jade GregoryDouble Diploma in Laboratory Technology

Elisa ParkerDiploma and Advanced Diploma in Information Technology

Technology

‘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 final 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

Left: 2008 winner Megan Somers with Dr Neil Everist, OAM, at the Outstanding Student Awards receiving her Study Support Scholarship medal and certificate

Right: L to R: Amanda Poke, Dr Neil Everist, OAM, Holly Munday and Dale Palmer

Holly Munday

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 Certificate II in Horticulture, Holly was awarded a $3,000 George Alexander Foundation Scholarship. The extra financial 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 Certificate Student of the Year. The award is an outstanding achievement and recognition of Holly’s commitment to her chosen field 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 financially.

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 fledgling business and her studies, Holly also finds 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.

2007 George Alexander Foundation Scholar at Gordon Institute of TAFE

Above: Holly Munday receiving the President’s Medal for Certificate 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.’

Griffith University, Queensland

$75,000 (part of a commitment of $330,000 over five 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.griffith.edu.au

Griffith 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 five scholarships each year, valued at $22,500 over three years, were provided to students studying at Griffith’s Mt Gravatt campus in Brisbane. The scholarship is specifically designed to cover the accommodation costs involved with students moving from home to complete their degree.

With the rapid growth of Griffith’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 Griffith’s Gold Coast Campus, and in 2008 five Scholars were studying at Mt Gravatt and three at the Gold Coast. The Foundation’s new agreement with Griffith brings its total scholarship commitment with the university to approximately $1.5 million since 2002.

For the fifteen 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.

The George Alexander Foundation 2008 Scholarship Winners

RecipientCourse

Shinead AsheBachelor of Pharmaceutical Science

Kaela CliffordBachelor of Law/Bachelor of Psychology

Jessica CookBachelor of Medical Science

Bantu DierkBachelor of Aviation

Laura DrummondBachelor of Screen and Media Production

Sherinda MurrayBachelor of Biomedical Science

Shanna MustonBachelor of Fine Art

Aja Pymble-WardBachelor of Engineering

(Advanced with Honours)

‘[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 financial 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

Above: William Owen-Jones with 2008 Scholar Laura Drummond

The George Alexander Foundation Campus Accommodation Rural Support Scholarship was established in 2007 and the first scholarships awarded in early 2008. The program was specifically 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 five are planned for 2009 and 2010.

The new program at Murdoch University is the Foundation’s first 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 financial 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.

Murdoch University, Western Australia

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

Ms Jennifer Randell, Development Project Officer www.murdoch.edu.au

RecipientCourse

Samuel BaldockBachelor of Chiropractic Science

Elise BowenBachelor of Animal Science

Jacilyn DaviesBachelor of Education (Primary)/ Bachelor of Science (Environment)

Asha DugganBachelor of Veterinary Science

Amber MunnsBachelor of Veterinary Science

‘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 financial burden by a large amount.’

Samuel Baldock, 2008 George Alexander Foundation Scholar

The George Alexander Foundation 2008 Scholarship Winners

The George Alexander Foundation 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 figure 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 benefited 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 financial support.

The George Alexander Foundation 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 beneficial for students.

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

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 specifically aimed at supporting students in the second and third years of their courses, or students directly articulating from TAFE into Higher Education. In a first 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.

The George Alexander Foundation 2008 Scholarship Winners

RecipientCourse

Daryl BruceBachelor of Applied Science (Mathematics)

Catherine KeadyBachelor of Social Science (Environment)

John KonybaiBachelor of Laboratory Medicine

Johanna Lane-Maza

Bachelor of Social Work

Tanya NgerengereBachelor of Fine Arts

Thomas StephensBachelor of Applied Science (Valuation)

‘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

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

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

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 five students receive a three-year scholarship valued at $18,000. The program is specifically 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.

The George Alexander Foundation 2008 Scholarship Winners

RecipientCourse

Nathan BickerdikeBachelor of Science

(Professional Software Development)

Troy HendersonBachelor of Engineering

Katie JarvisBachelor of Social Science

Sarah KirbyBachelor of Arts

Trent WardleBachelor of Science

(Professional Software Development)

‘Being a recipient of The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship has truly been an honour. The benefits I have received through financial 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

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.

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

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.

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 significant 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.

‘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

Above Left & Right: University science and mathematics students work with secondary school students in regional Victoria

Scholarship Grants Paid 2007–2008

Australian Catholic University

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarships Program at ACU’s Ballarat Campus – study and living support scholarships for students.

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

George Alexander Foundation Bursaries Program at ACU’s Ballarat Campus – to assist students undertaking placements as part of their undergraduate degrees.

(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.

(part of a commitment of $144,000 over three years)

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program – a higher education scholarship program for talented young people.

(part of a commitment of $72,000 over three years)

Deakin University

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program –financial support for students at Deakin’s Geelong and Warrnambool campuses.

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

Gordon Institute of TAFE

The George Alexander Foundation Study Support Scholarship Program – Study Support Scholarships for students who have demonstrated a commitment to their field of work or trade and are continuing their education at Gordon Institute.

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

Griffith University

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program (2005–2007 inclusive) – ongoing support for the 2005, 2006 and 2007 Accommodation Scholars.

(part of a commitment of $330,000 over five years)

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program –Accommodation Scholarships at Griffith’s Mt Gravatt and Gold Coast campuses.

(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.

(part of a commitment of $60,000 over three years)

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.

(part of a commitment of $247,500 over five years)

$27,500

Queensland University of Technology Centre of Philanthropy and Non-Profit Studies

Scholarships to Develop Non-Profit Leaders – two half scholarships and four travel grants to encourage non-profit leaders to undertake postgraduate education in the field of social investment.

RMIT University

$8,680

The George Alexander Foundation Small Grants Program –to support young people studying at RMIT University. $39,000

(part of a commitment of $76,500 over three years)

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).

(part of a commitment of $90,000 over four years)

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).

(part of a commitment of $90,000 over four years)

University of Technology Sydney

Indigenous Student Bursary Program – to support Indigenous students who may need emergency financial assistance.

$30,000

$30,000

$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.

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.

(part of a commitment of $100,000 over two years)

$15,000

$50,000

Total Education$75,000

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 reflect 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 reflects 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.

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.

The Earthwatch Student Challenge places 16–18 year old high school students on one-week, student-oriented, scientific field research projects. All participants in the program live and work as volunteer field assistants for leading research scientists and their staff. Apart from the experience of living and working in the field, all students are taught and develop skills that encourage their continued involvement in the field 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 find 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.

The Earthwatch Institute, Victoria

$20,000 to the Student Challenge

Alice Molan, Partnerships Manager www.earthwatch.org.au

Challengers

Ms

‘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

, Sarah Douglass and Ann-Marie Plasto

Right: Student Challenger measuring out a survey transect in the Watagan Mountains, NSW

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

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 find different ways to work together to save them.

The NCC corporate programs include presentations from NCC staff, field days with experts and a follow-up program which includes updates, newsletters and photographs detailing the ongoing progress of programs of interest.

‘I understand more about what is involved in field work and I learnt new skills that will help me in my future career path.’

Mitchell Warner, 2008 participant

Above: Taronga Red Eyed Tree Frog.

Photograph © Graham Howard Left: Mountain Lowry

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, flora 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 fire 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

National Trust of South Australia, South Australia

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

Mr Ian Stephenson, Chief Executive Officer 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

heritage and post-settlement influences 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.

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

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 profile 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 five main vegetation areas of south-eastern Australia. A grant from the Foundation is giving one school from each of the five 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 first hand about the role of botanic gardens in not only displaying but protecting our native flora. 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 first hand from RBG staff about the delivery and implementation of school-based gardens and environmental programs.

Environment and Conservation Grants Paid

Bush Heritage Australia Fund

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

(part of a commitment of $100,000 over two years)

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.

Karkana Support Services

Finalising the Market Garden Overhaul – a project to help further enhance the productivity of the Karkana Garden Market.

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.

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.

$3,800

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.

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.

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 field.

$35,000

$48,775

$20,000

$30,950

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.

$15,000

$50,000

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

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Winners Honour Roll

2008 SCHOLARS

Mr Michael Dal Zotto (The George Alexander Foundation Fellow) Prosecco Winemaking in ItalyISS Institute

Mr David ChampionBachelor of Applied Science and CommerceCharles Darwin University

Ms Maria Koulianos Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of LawsCharles Darwin University

Ms Jade GregoryDouble Diploma in Laboratory TechnologyGordon Institute of TAFE

Ms Elisa ParkerDiploma and Advanced Diploma in Information TechnologyGordon Institute of TAFE

Ms Megan SomersDiploma of Building Design and TechnologyGordon Institute of TAFE

Mr Daryl BruceBachelor of Applied Science (Mathematics)RMIT University

Ms Catherine KeadyBachelor of Social Science (Environment)RMIT University

Mr John KonybaiBachelor of Laboratory MedicineRMIT University

Ms Johanna Lane-Maza Bachelor of Social WorkRMIT University

Ms Tanya NgerengereBachelor of Fine ArtsRMIT University

Mr Thomas StephensBachelor of Applied Science (Valuation)RMIT University

Ms Danielle DykstraBachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of ParamedicineAustralian Catholic University

Ms Stephanie HoganBachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of ParamedicineAustralian Catholic University

Ms Kylie MitchellBachelor of EducationAustralian Catholic University

Ms Natalie LinkeBachelor of NursingAustralian Catholic University

Ms Kathryn LynnBachelor of EducationAustralian Catholic University

Ms Kimberley SchultzBachelor of EducationAustralian Catholic University

Ms Katie JarvisBachelor of Social ScienceSwinburne University of Technology

Mr Troy HendersonBachelor of EngineeringSwinburne University of Technology

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

Ms Sarah KirbyBachelor of ArtsSwinburne University of Technology

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

Ms Amber MunnsBachelor of Veterinary ScienceMurdoch University

Ms Asha DugganBachelor of Veterinary ScienceMurdoch University

Ms Elise BowenBachelor of Animal ScienceMurdoch University

Ms Jacilyn DaviesBachelor of Education (Primary) and Bachelor of Science (Environment) Murdoch University

Mr Samuel BaldockBachelor of Chiropractic ScienceMurdoch University

Ms Laura DrummondBachelor of Screen and Media ProductionGriffith University

Ms Sherinda MurrayBachelor of Biomedical ScienceGriffith University

Mr Bantu DierkBachelor of AviationGriffith University

Ms Aja Pymble-WardBachelor of Engineering (Advanced with Honours)Griffith University

Ms Shanna MustonBachelor of Fine ArtGriffith University

Ms Shinead AsheBachelor of Pharmaceutical ScienceGriffith University

Ms Jessica CookBachelor of Medical ScienceGriffith University

Ms Caitlyn EalesBachelor of Arts (International Relations)Griffith University

Ms Kaela CliffordBachelor of Law/Bachelor of PsychologyGriffith University

Ms Michelle BarrowBachelor of NursingDeakin University

Ms Hannah BedfordBachelor of Education (Primary)Deakin University

Ms Kate FosterBachelor of Occupational TherapyDeakin University

Mr Liam RodgerBachelor of Arts (International Studies)Deakin University

Ms Laura SchreursBachelor of Arts (Media and Communication)Deakin University

Mr Nick WaltersBachelor of Design (Architecture)/Bachelor of Construction Management Deakin University

2007 SCHOLARS

Ms Lauren Marie da Graca CostaBachelor 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 DoeselaarBachelor 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 CampbellCertificate IV in Arts (Interior Decoration)Gordon Institute of TAFE

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

Ms Holly MundayCertificate II in HorticultureGordon Institute of TAFE

Ms Dale PalmerDiploma of Outdoor RecreationGordon Institute of TAFE

Ms Amanda PokeDiploma of Textiles, Clothing 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 of 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 (The George Alexander Foundation Fellow) Solar Air-conditioningISS Institute

Ms Alicia GillBachelor of Science (Psychology)Swinburne University of Technology

Mr Nathan MooreBachelor of BusinessSwinburne University of Technology

Ms Jessica StephensBachelor of Film and TelevisionSwinburne University of Technology

Mr Nathan BeavisBachelor of Design (Multimedia)Swinburne University of Technology

Ms Lani KingstonBachelor of Film and TelevisionSwinburne University of Technology

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

Mr Allen BostonBachelor of Photonics and NanoscienceGriffith University

Ms Keira GrundyBachelor of Environmental Planning/Bachelor of ScienceGriffith University

Mr Scott CollinsBachelor of Biomedical ScienceGriffith University

Ms Stephanie JacksonBachelor of Business/Bachelor of International BusinessGriffith University

Mr Benjamin HolmesBachelor of Film and Screen Media ProductionGriffith University

Ms Juanita ThorpeCertificate III in Beef ProductionCharles Darwin University

Ms Alittia MarshCertificate IV in Youth WorkCharles Darwin University

Ms Holly AngelesCertificate IV in Visual ArtsCharles Darwin University

Ms Rochel McKerlieCertificate III in Beef ProductionCharles Darwin University

Mr Damien RoebuckCertificate III in AgricultureCharles Darwin University

Ms Holly BraithwaiteCertificate 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-SweetBachelor of Law/Indigenous Culture and Natural Resource Management Charles Darwin University

2006 SCHOLARS

Ms Caley QuinnBachelor of Arts/Bachelor of BusinessGriffith University

Ms Eloise WilliamsBachelor of Law/Bachelor of ArtsGriffith University

Ms Monica McGhieBachelor of Information TechnologyGriffith University

Ms Samantha MalletBachelor of Law/Bachelor of ArtsGriffith University

Ms Clair CandyBachelor of MusicGriffith 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 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 HalliganBachelor of CommerceDeakin University

Ms Kim QuilliamBachelor of CommerceDeakin University

Ms Lisa HutchingsBachelor of EducationDeakin University

Ms Amy StevensBachelor of EducationDeakin University

Mr Paul WallaceBachelor of CommerceDeakin University

2005 SCHOLARS

Ms Cassie CaustonBachelor of Law/Bachelor of Behavioural ScienceGriffith University

Ms Clare GillilandBachelor of Biomedical ScienceGriffith University

Ms Claire McGovernBachelor of Law/Bachelor of Arts – Law, Politics and Public Policy

Griffith University

Ms Shonagh ValentineBachelor of PsychologyGriffith University

Mr David MianiBachelor of Engineering in Microelectronic Engineering/ Bachelor of Information Technology

Griffith University

Mr Jerimy TuckerBachelor of Law/Bachelor of International RelationsGriffith 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)/Bachelor of Business (Administration)

RMIT University

Ms Neelma NarayanBachelor of Pharmaceutical SciencesRMIT University

Ms Emma RichardsonBachelor of Social WorkRMIT University

Mr Soh BoonsengBachelor of Aerospace EngineeringRMIT University

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

2004 SCHOLARS

Mr Dean JonesBachelor of Law/Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Public PolicyGriffith University

Ms Fredrika Peckett Bachelor of Arts in Languages and Applied LinguisticsGriffith University

Mr Jacob RobertsonBachelor of Law/Bachelor of International BusinessGriffith University

Mr Bradley St ClairBachelor of Law/Bachelor of International BusinessGriffith University

Ms Sanne VoogtBachelor of Environmental ScienceGriffith University

Mr Thomas NightingaleBachelor of Communication/JournalismRMIT University

Mr Andrew MacLeodBachelor of Communication Engineering and Computer Science

RMIT University

Ms Erin FisherBachelor of Arts (Criminal Justice Administration)RMIT University

Ms Blake FoxBachelor of Fine ArtsRMIT University

Ms Hayley BlackerBachelor of Biotechnology/Biomedical Science

Ms Carly LambertBachelor of Applied Science

Ms Silvana MedosBachelor of Applied Science

Mr Geoffrey PearsonBachelor of Applied Languages

Mr Logan ShieldBachelor of Building Design and Technology

RMIT University

RMIT University

RMIT University

RMIT University

RMIT University

Mr Paul ShubBachelor of Engineering TechnologyRMIT University

2003 SCHOLARS

Mr Jamie EtwellBachelor of Film and Television ProductionGriffith University

Ms Aimee-Lyn DavisBachelor of International RelationsGriffith University

Ms Sandra DiminicBachelor of PsychologyGriffith University

Ms Jolie HannahBachelor of PsychologyGriffith University

Ms Melanie LoaderBachelor of CommerceGriffith University

Mr Tony VaughanBachelor of AviationGriffith University

Ms Meaghan DooleyDiploma of 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 te WierikBachelor of Biotechnology/Biomedical ScienceRMIT University

Mr Luke WebbBachelor of EngineeringRMIT University

Mr Ben WilleyBachelor of Human MovementRMIT University

2002 SCHOLARS

Mr Timothy AllwoodBachelor of AviationGriffith University

Mr Sean HasselbackBachelor of MultimediaGriffith University

Mr Peter NichollsBachelor of Law/Bachelor of International BusinessGriffith University

Ms Letitia CruickshankBachelor of Multimedia Griffith University

Ms Janet PogorelcBachelor of Design Griffith 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 SynnesPostgraduate Study in Arts (Photography)RMIT 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

‘Mr Alexander, I would like to thank you for giving me a year that was so full of learning, friendships, heartache and fun. The finance behind the scholarship is beneficial but the security and hope it places in the recipients is worth much, much more.’

‘Mr Alexander, your generosity in granting this scholarship has been a huge relief for myself and my family.’

Monica McGhie, Griffith University

Eirlie Chisholm, Gordon Institute of TAFE

‘The scholarship has not only helped me financially, giving me time to focus on my studies, but being chosen for such an award has given me confidence and encouraged me to be a better student.’

Lauren da Graca Costa, Australian Catholic University

The George Alexander Foundation

ABN 58 451 731 162

Level 3, 111 Collins Street

Melbourne Vic 3000

Telephone 03 9650 3188

Facsimile 03 9650 7986

admin@gafoundation.org.au www.gafoundation.org.au