GAF Annual Report 2008-09

“Evolve and become what you have always imagined. Life is about growth and change and development – about realising your dreams.”

CONTENTS

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

Governors

Mr Charles Goode AC – Chairman

Professor Geoffrey Blainey AC

Mr Leon Davis AO

Sir Daryl Dawson AC KBE CB

Sir James Gobbo AC CVO

Mr John Gough AO OBE

Professor Thomas Healy AO

Dr Thomas H. Hurley AO OBE

Mr Allan Myers AO QC

Mr Frank Nelson

Lady Primrose Potter AC

Dr John Rose AO

Professor Graeme Ryan AC

Staff

Chief Executive Officer

Mrs Janet Hirst

Finance

Mr John Kellaway

Ms Therese Reidy

Grant Management

Ms Caitriona Fay

Communications

Mrs Avalee Weir

Administration

Ms Gail Lewry

Ms Rebecca Clark

Assistant to the CEO

Ms Sarah MacNeill

Cover Image: Kathryn Lynn and Emily Burchell, George Alexander Foundation Scholars, Australian Catholic University, Ballarat Campus

The George Alexander Foundation

George Alexander (1910–2008) was a man of vision and generosity. His life story is a tale of achievement in the face of great odds and it exemplifies the ethos that has helped build modern Australia.

A teenage English immigrant, a farm worker, a mechanic, a lecturer and a businessman, George was, in many ways, a lifelong student and teacher. In the words of his biographer Dr Peter Yule, George Alexander was “a self-made man whose life experiences inspired a wish to help others.” His story provides inspiration for anyone who believes that determination and perseverance can overcome adversity.

While his business success brought him considerable wealth, when it came to money and possessions, George Alexander’s attitude was that you do not really own them, ‘you’re just minding them’. He felt that this belief ‘frees up your thinking about how you deal with money’, and it was central to the development of his philanthropy.

George established The George Alexander Foundation in 1972 as a way of sharing his wealth, or as he put it ‘planting seeds and hoping they grow into pretty big trees’. In keeping with George’s great interests, the Foundation’s main focus is supporting access to education for all young people, especially those from rural and regional areas, coupled with investment in environment and conservation issues.

These interests continue to guide the Foundation’s giving to this day.

Chairman’s Report

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program is now one of the largest of its kind in Australia with 101 scholars currently in the program and others receiving assistance through the Bursary Program.

Opportunities, possibilities, dreams these themes come through time and time again in the stories of the young people whose lives have been changed by George Alexander Foundation scholarships.

George Alexander was a businessman, humanitarian and philanthropist. In establishing his Foundation, one of George’s main aims was to invest in young people of ‘quality’ in the hope that giving them the means to study would ultimately help them to make meaningful contributions to the community, and perhaps, give back to society in some way themselves. The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program is now one of the largest of its kind in Australia with 101 scholars currently in the program and others receiving assistance through the Bursary Program. We take great pride in watching the Scholarship Honour Roll expand as years go by and in observing the progress of 111 alumni.

It is fascinating to read the personal journeys each student takes through their education and into their chosen career. The challenges of transition, firstly from secondary to tertiary and then from tertiary education into the workforce are highlighted in the Starting Out and Down The Track features in this report.

This year’s report also shines a light on another inspirational young person, Larissa Brown. Larissa is a young woman of extraordinary energy and talent, who seems destined to play an important role in shaping leadership and future responses on key environmental issues. Through the establishment of The Centre of Sustainability Leadership, Larissa is now surrounded by other promising young people who share her passion for creating a sustainable future, some of whom are supported by The George Alexander Foundation Fellowships. I am confident they will make a significant impact in this area.

It is through young people like these, that George’s legacy and spirit lives on and we at the Foundation watch with interest as they grow, learn, develop and begin to forge their own legacies for the community and the future.

Charles Goode AC Chairman

Chief Executive Officer’s Report

Although each of the Scholarship Programs is tailored to the needs of the respective university and students, there is a common theme to each program, and that is a student’s academic ability, leadership skills and commitment to community involvement.

Facts & Figures

26 Grants paid FY 2008-09

$755,122 Total grants paid FY 2008-09 $2,008,180

Future commitments

Number of current scholars: 101

Number of universities/colleges: 10

$570,500

Total scholarships paid FY 2008-09

In the past year, the Foundation has been concentrating its efforts on our Scholarship Program. The education of talented young people was uppermost in George Alexander’s thinking, perhaps reflecting the struggle that he faced to educate himself.

Since its inception in 2002, the Scholarship Program has gone from strength to strength, with $2,130,980 invested so far and a further $2 million already committed over the next few years. Our scholars undertake a wide range of courses including Engineering, Arts, Photonics and Nanoscience, Music, Nursing and Paramedicine, Film and Television and Exercise Science.

Although each of the Scholarship Programs is tailored to the needs of the respective university and students, there is a common theme to each Program, and that is a student’s academic ability, leadership skills and their commitment to community involvement. The programs are evaluated and developed to ensure that the changing needs of students are met. Since 2008, all George Alexander Foundation (GAF) scholars at Griffith University become members of the Griffith Honours College, which provides these outstanding students with a network of academic and social support as well as providing travel, further education and ambassadorial opportunities. At RMIT, additional funding is now provided to assist with a Mentoring and Leadership Program aimed at helping students reach their academic potential.

The Foundation recognises the importance of supporting our rural and remote communities. Education and training play a vital role in improving the viability of these communities which are facing increasing difficulties attracting and retaining teachers. Research shows that graduates may be more likely to take up rural appointments if they have

completed a rural placement during their studies. In acknowledgement of this, a new program has been established to assist teacher education students at Charles Sturt University with their rural and remote placement costs.

I am privileged to attend many of the Scholarship Award Ceremonies and when I speak to the recipients of the scholarships and their families, I am always impressed by the scholarship holders, their commitment, their passion and their faith in the future. George Alexander took great pride in the GAF Scholarship Program, and hoped that the GAF scholars would go on to become leaders and contributors in their communities. For this year’s report, we interviewed some of the students about their personal circumstances and experiences as GAF Scholars. They are each at different stages of their studies and their stories really bring to life what we mean when we talk about the GAF spirit. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I have.

Finally, I would like to extend particular thanks to GAF Program Manager, Caitriona Fay, for her most valuable contribution to the ongoing success and development of the program.

Janet Hirst Chief Executive Officer

GAF Scholarship Universities around Australia

LOCATIONS

08/09

Glossary of terms as used in this report

Grant

VIC Deakin University (Geelong & Warrnambool)

Australian Catholic University (Ballarat)

RMIT University & TAFE (Melbourne)

Swinburne University (Melbourne)

Gordon Institute of TAFE (Geelong)

NSW

Charles Sturt University (Albury-Wodonga, Wagga Wagga, Bathurst, Dubbo)

QLD Griffith University (Gold Coast & Brisbane)

WA

Murdoch University (Perth)

NT

Charles Darwin University (Darwin)

SA

University of South Australia (Adelaide)

The sum of money paid to a University or TAFE to fund the scholarship and/or bursary program

Scholarship Funds paid to individual students over multiple years to assist their studies

Bursary

One-off payments to individual students to assist with study expenses in a single year

Gordon Institute of TAFE, Victoria

The George Alexander Foundation Study Support Scholarship

$35,000 (part of a commitment of $175,000 over six years)

Rewarding commitment, leadership and community involvement is at the heart of this scholarship program – one of few available to TAFE students. The Program offers three Scholarships each year as well as five bursaries of $1,000 to assist students with additional expenses of their studies. www.gordontafe.edu.au

As a mature-aged student, Elisa finds that achieving the balance between the day-to-day demands of maintaining a household and her desire to realise her full potential in the IT field is quite a juggling act.

and certificate is one I will always remember. The pride Nan radiated as she paraded them in front of anyone she could find, helped to reinforce my own accomplishments.

Student Profile

Elisa Parker, GAF Scholar 2008

Second-year student, Diploma Information Technology/Advanced Diploma Information Technology (Network Security) (two-year diploma course)

What challenges did the transition to tertiary education present for you?

Returning to study after 17 years away from the books was daunting. Would I fit in? Could we survive financially?

How would I cope with the study load? So many challenges ran through my mind that enrolling in my course at Gordon almost didn’t happen.

How did the GAF scholarship help address these challenges?

Of the challenges I mentioned, the most inhibiting is surviving financially.

My drive to achieve the best result that I am capable of can easily be hampered by the need to keep our roof over our heads. The financial assistance provided by The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship has relieved much of the burden and concern relating to making ‘ends meet’.

Has the scholarship brought other benefits? Any benefits you did not really expect or anticipate?

The evening I showed my Nana The George Alexander Foundation medallion

Recipient Course

Claire Eats

David Graham

Nathan Hobbs

Sadly, Nan passed away the night before my first final exam. The memory of that evening was the motivator that made me still sit that exam (with very red puffy eyes) and pass with a very pleasing mark of 92%.

I believe that Mr George Alexander’s selflessness is a trait that has almost disappeared in society. The real benefit of being a recipient of this scholarship is not the dollar amount but knowing that there is good in the world and that I have the ability to pass it on.

Why did you choose the course you are studying?

My genuine interest in the Information Technology (IT) industry reaches back to 1990 when I purchased my first computer and I continue to love the challenges they offer. I knew that to gain the knowledge and confidence to be employed in the IT field, I had to undertake formal training. My passion and skills needed to be complemented with tertiary qualifications. I can now look forward to a career doing what I love and assisting others with my knowledge.

Advanced Diploma of Tourism Management (Event Management)

Certificate III Plumbing

Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)

Pictured: Elisa Parker revels in the challenges offered by I.T.

“The real benefit of being a recipient of this scholarship is not the dollar amount but knowing that there is good in the world and that I have the ability to pass it on.”

The George Alexander Foundation 2009 Scholarship Winners Scholarships each valued at $10,000 paid over two years

Australian Catholic University, Ballarat Campus, Victoria

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program

$47,000 (part of a commitment of $150,000 over five years)

Recognising students who have shown talent and dedication to attaining their educational goals is the focus of the ACU Scholarship Program, with an emphasis on helping those who face significant financial barriers. This scholarship is particularly for students from regional and rural areas who must move away from home in order to undertake further study.

www.acu.edu.au

Self-belief and a passion for education gave Kylie Mitchell the impetus to return to study as a mature-age student and use the lessons of her own experience to help others.

I worried about not fitting in with younger peers, the financial strain of university, and whether I was making the right career decision.

Student Profile

Kylie Mitchell, GAF Scholar 2008

Second-year student, Bachelor of Education (Primary) (four-year degree course)

What challenges did the transition to tertiary education present for you? High school was a difficult time for me. My dad was very sick, so I didn’t want to move too far away. Instead, I remained in Ballarat to support my family. I worked for seven years, and in this time I learnt much about myself, however I often wondered if I would ever have the courage to return to study.

The decision to return was the right one and I enjoyed it immensely, even though the path has not always been smooth. I feel supported by the university community, and am excited by the career opportunities that have opened up.

How did the GAF scholarship help address these challenges?

When I received this scholarship, I got the internet connected and upgraded my computer memory. Internet access became a lifeline to university, as I was able to research and study from home. I knew that making ends meet would be difficult, but the financial strain of full-time study is often underestimated. At times it is an adventure, going into the supermarket, knowing that I have exactly $5.85 cents to my name, at other times it is a stress, but receiving the scholarship has helped me to keep myself afloat. Has the scholarship brought other benefits?

As I sat in the audience of the Scholarship Awards ceremony this year, I was reminded of how far I have come, and where I am headed. I felt an enormous sense of pride in what I had achieved, and wanted to lead by

Recipient Course

Emily Burchell

Emma Dickson

Sophie Graham

Kyla Margetts

Nicole Strachan

Bachelor of Nursing/Paramedicine

Bachelor of Nursing/Paramedicine

Bachelor of Nursing/Paramedicine

Bachelor of Nursing

Bachelor of Nursing/Paramedicine

Pictured: Kylie Mitchell engages her young audience

“I felt an enormous sense of pride in what I had achieved, and wanted to lead by example; I want to teach children what is possible if you set your mind to it and believe in yourself.”

The George Alexander Foundation Bursary Program $10,000 (part of a commitment of $30,000 over three years).

The Bursary Program provides a helping hand to deserving students needing assistance to pay for teaching and nursing placement related expenses such as uniforms, travel and equipment. The Program offers ten bursaries of $1,000 each year.

The George Alexander Foundation 2009 Scholarship Winners Scholarships each valued at $10,000 paid over two years

example; I want to teach children what is possible if you set your mind to it and believe in yourself. I felt supported, inspired to make a difference and confident in my capabilities.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years and what will you be doing?

In 10 years time I will have been teaching for almost eight years. I hope that I never stop learning, or questioning the way I teach. I hope to experiment with the arts and their links to literacy, numeracy and engaging children in the curriculum. I am also very interested in the therapeutic nature of music and art. I hope to empower children; to help them to be confident of their own capabilities and to reinforce the importance of believing in oneself.

on my studies.”

Student Profile

Emma Dickson, GAF Scholar 2009 First-year student, Bachelor of Nursing/ Paramedicine (four-year degree course)

A dream of working as a paramedic in a developing country helped keep firstyear student Emma Dickson focused as she faced the transition to a new chapter in her education.

What challenges did the transition to tertiary education present for you?

The first challenge was financial, moving away from home; getting established in a new location; and financing all course requirements. Secondly, moving away meant I had to start new friendships from scratch. The final challenge has been adjusting to needing to work much more independently than at secondary school.

How did the GAF scholarship help address these challenges?

The GAF scholarship has been a relief to me and my parents – reducing the financial burden and allowing me to concentrate more fully on my studies.

Why did you choose the course you are studying?

I was inspired by my work experience at St Vincent’s Hospital and the investigations into paramedicine I made during my final years at secondary school. ACU’s combined course in Nursing and Paramedicine offered a wonderful opportunity to develop both these interests in tandem.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years and what will you be doing?

I hope I will still be working in Paramedicine having achieved some experience working in a developing country. I am sure it will be very rewarding to see first-hand the improvements in health made possible by qualified health staff.

Pictured: Emma Dickson discovers a rewarding vocation

“The GAF scholarship has been a relief to me and my parents –reducing the financial burden and allowing me to concentrate more fully

Griffith University, Queensland

The George Alexander Foundation Accommodation Scholarship

$157,500 (part of a commitment of $1,230,000 over ten years)

GAF’s partnership with Griffith is now in its eighth year. Griffith GAF scholars are characterised by academic merit and the potential to be strong community leaders, as illustrated in this student profile. www.griffith.edu.au

Sharp intellect and boundless energy shine through in this profile of a young woman who seems destined to make a big impact on the world of Engineering. What challenges did the transition to tertiary education present for you?

Student Profile

Aja Pymble-Ward, GAF Scholar 2008

Second-year student, Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Advanced with Honours) (four-year degree course)

I initially found it a big challenge that all of a sudden my studies were limited to the one area: science. I’d always been used to having a bit of a release in classes like English Literature and French to give the other side of the brain a bit of a workout. So when I started studying engineering, I had to get used to the fact that maths and physics would be my all day, every day activities.

How did the GAF scholarship help address these challenges?

The GAF scholarship allowed me to move on campus and live with other students who were going through similar transitions. Within my first week, I managed to locate all the engineering students in my building and it was fantastic to pick up all the tips needed to really enjoy my studies.

Has the scholarship brought other benefits? Any benefits you did not really expect or anticipate?

The biggest, and most obvious benefit, would be the financial help. This scholarship covers the majority of my living costs each year.

The George Alexander Foundation 2009 Scholarship Winners Scholarships each valued at $22,500 paid over three years

Recipient Course

Alethea Combe

Elly Greene

Samantha Gustavson

Benjamin Harris

Marcus Raty

Kyle Richardson

Roslyn Rowen

Morgan Weston

Bachelor of Music

Bachelor of Engineering (Advanced with Honours)

Bachelor of Education (Secondary)

Bachelor of Exercise Science (Pre Physiotherapy)

Bachelor of Engineering (Advanced with Honours)

Bachelor of Exercise Science (Pre Physiotherapy)

I come home and attend meal times with all the other students on campus and it’s like having a big extended family dinner. I hope that one day I’ll be in a stable financial situation to give back to The George Alexander Foundation in return for what they have given me.

Unexpected benefits are the networking side of things that being a GAF scholarship recipient brings. Breakfasts and various meet-and-greet opportunities mean that I can meet other like-minded students.

Why did you choose the course you are studying?

I’ve always loved the stimulating challenge of a difficult maths problem. It’s so rewarding to finally crack something you’ve been working on for hours. It works the brain in a way that other things in life can’t.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years and what will you be doing?

In ten years time I plan to be working for a big private engineering firm in the south of France – ideally Bordeaux! By then, being a civil engineer will mean I’ll be needed in pretty much all sectors of the engineering world. I’ll be very lucky to be able to move from transport engineering to petroleum engineering and so on. It’s all very exciting!

Bachelor of Arts in Language and Applied Linguistics

Bachelor of Photonic and Nanoscience

“I hope that one day I’ll be in a stable financial situation to give back to The George Alexander Foundation in return for what they have given me.”

Pictured: Aja Pymble Ward takes the microphone at the Asia Pacific Model United Nations, where the Australian team represented Canada

Murdoch University, Western Australia

$55,000 (part of a commitment of $247,500 over five years)

Leadership potential, community involvement and academic ability are the hallmarks of the Murdoch GAF scholars who have been recognised in a scholarship program specifically designed to assist students from rural areas who needed to move to Perth to fulfil their education goals. www.murdoch.edu.au

“Also

Student Profile

Krystal Hartig, GAF Scholar 2009

First-year student, Asian Studies, Politics and International Studies (five-year course)

Speaking in tongues comes naturally to Krystal, a talented linguist who combines this skill with a political fascination that means we will almost certainly hear her voice in the future - one way or another.

What challenges did the transition to tertiary education present for you?

Coming from a boarding school, I had to relocate from my actual home in rural Western Australia. I had to learn to live independently from my parents, entirely self-funded and adjust to the different study approaches needed in a tertiary setting.

How did the GAF scholarship help address these challenges?

The GAF scholarship provided me with the ability to live in the Murdoch Village, maintaining a steady home which is vital for study as well as assisting with the financial burden of having to meet rent payments. The scholarship is the core reason why I am at university.

Has the scholarship brought other benefits? Any benefits you did not really expect or anticipate?

The scholarship has brought many benefits, particularly being able to focus completely on my studies. With less worry about rent payments and a helping hand putting food on the table, I can focus on the most important goal, my career.

Are you still active in your community and has this changed since you received your GAF scholarship?

Since secondary education, I still remain active in my community and am now able to do more, on a more regular basis. I am on the taskforce of the Youth Parliament 2009, acting as the Sergeant of Arms as well as heading three committees. I have also been able to express my interest in a number of active pressure groups and am presently looking to work for a local MP.

Why did you choose the course you are studying?

I chose to study Asian Studies and Politics and International Studies because as far back as Primary School I have had a passion for languages, particularly Japanese. Also I am very interested in politics and dream of one day interpreting for the world leaders and my ultimate goal: interpreting for the United Nations. Where do you see yourself in 10 years and what will you be doing?

In 10 years I may be living in Japan and working as an interpreter or perhaps working for a government organisation in Australia such as the National Accreditation Association for Translators and Interpreters. I see myself continuing to be active in my community and possibly picking up more languages to expand my career prospects.

Recipient Course

Carianne Blyth

Emily Hanson

Krystal Hartig

Michelle Stanley

Abby Strange

Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Mass Communication

Bachelor of Laws

Bachelor of Politics and International Studies

Bachelor of Commerce

Bachelor of Conservation and Wildlife Biology

Pictured: Krystal Hartig, a passion for language

The George Alexander Foundation 2009 Scholarship Winners Scholarships each valued at $16,500 paid over three years.

I am very interested in politics and dream of one day interpreting for the world leaders and my ultimate goal: interpreting for the United Nations.”

Swinburne University, Victoria

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarships for Living Support $78,000 (part of a commitment of $450,000 over seven years) Scholarships provide funding for living support and help to alleviate some of the financial burden of studying away from home. The GAF scholars are selected for their academic background, leadership skills, aspirations and commitment to community involvement. www.swin.edu.au

Student Profile

James Hicks, GAF Scholar 2007 Third-year student, Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)/Bachelor of Business (Management) (five-year degree course)

James left the comfort of life in his hometown to pursue his passion for Engineering and Business. His story tells how GAF has helped him develop new networks and illustrates why this young man from Terang is a stand-out GAF scholar.

What challenges did the transition to tertiary education present for you? Moving away from home and a strong social network was one of the first challenges, which then merged with the need to form new networks, build my

life in a new community and integrate into the world of tertiary education. All this combined with the need to finance everyday living while studying, created a multiplicity of challenges at first.

How did the GAF scholarship help address these challenges?

As well as obvious financial assistance, the GAF connection created an instant network of friends with similar interests and goals. This has been vital in the process of integrating into the tertiary setting.

The

Scholarships each valued at $18,000 over three years

Recipient Course

Laura Baker

Samuel Chandra

Melissa Mackenzie

Mujtaba Maqsudi

Fraser McDonald

Bethany Milkins

Katherine Parker

Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Arts (Japanese)

Bachelor of Aviation

Bachelor of Engineering (Product Design Engineering)

Bachelor of Engineering (Telecommunication & Network Engineering)/ Bachelor of Science (Computer Science & Software Engineering)

Bachelor of Aviation/Bachelor of Business

Bachelor of Film and Television

Bachelor of Design (Multi-media Design)

George Alexander Foundation 2009 Scholarship Winners

“One key benefit has been the opportunity to develop leadership skills through various activities that our GAF network has been involved in.”

Pictured: James Hicks (centre right) and fellow GAF scholars dig in for Conservation Volunteers

For me and the other GAF scholars, the financial assistance has allowed us to work less, so spend more time studying and being involved in our communities. Has the scholarship brought other benefits? Any benefits you did not really expect or anticipate?

One key benefit has been the opportunity to develop leadership skills through various activities that our GAF network has been involved in. The emphasis on community involvement has led to us all volunteering with Conservation Volunteers Australia and encouraged us to become involved in other charitable causes.

The scholarship has led to me personally being recognised by other people who would have never known me if it weren’t for my involvement with The George Alexander Foundation. This has led to other opportunities such as the ‘Order of Australia Foundation Scholarship.’

Potential employers have been very interested in my involvement with The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship.

We have been able to form such a supportive/tight-knit network of GAF scholarship recipients, that we have regularly had social meetings just to catch up and spend time together.

Has your community involvement changed since you received your GAF scholarship?

The GAF scholarship has led to my involvement in the community in ways I hadn’t been before, for example working with Conservation Volunteers Australia. With the pressures of heavy study commitments and work commitments, many university students are forced to reduce their involvement in their community. The financial assistance from the Foundation has allowed me to achieve a much better balance of study/work and community involvement than most other students are able to.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years and what will you be doing?

I see myself working as an engineer, who has had experience working internationally and who is edging towards becoming a leader in my field.

“The scholarship has led to me personally being recognised by other people who would have never known me if it weren’t for my involvement with The George Alexander Foundation.”

Pictured: Swinburne’s George Alexander Foundation Scholarship winners 2009.

Deakin University, Victoria

The George Alexander Foundation Access and Equity Scholarships

$35,000 (part of a commitment of $375,000 over eight years)

The scholarship scheme at Deakin aims to assist students who show commitment to overcoming financial barriers to realise their education goals and demonstrate strong academic ability.

www.deakin.edu.au

“GAF recognises that students come from all socio-economic backgrounds and enables us to make the most of what the education system has to

Student Profile

Nick James Walters, GAF Scholar 2008

Second-year student, Bachelor of Architecture/ Bachelor of Construction Management (five-year degree course)

A passion for design and a love of learning add up to a promising future for Nick Walters, a young man whose life challenges have given him the drive to succeed.

What challenges did the transition to tertiary education present for you?

Fortunately, my secondary school’s approach to learning meant I had a relatively smooth transition to the independent study needed at university. The workload however, is significantly greater. Coming from a low income family, I have often worked part-time to help my family and fund my education. This has greatly impacted the time available to me to study, so productive study time is an utmost priority. Attaining higher education, particularly in a course requiring construction of costly model and presentation production, is an added financial strain.

Other than financial help, has the scholarship brought other benefits? Being just the second member of my extended family to continue to higher education, I feel a pressure to succeed and make my family proud. What The George Alexander Foundation has given me, is a basis to grow into a successful professional and a means to ensure that my future is one of financial comfort.

Recipient Course

Kayla Southern Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Laws

GAF recognises that students come from all socio-economic backgrounds and enables us to make the most of what the education system has to offer. I feel extremely privileged to be a GAF scholar and hope to one day be able to help other students in my situation, the same way in which The George Alexander Foundation has helped me and my family. Why did you choose the course you are studying?

As an avid designer, I have always found enjoyment in drawing and creating. Having always been encouraged to strive for academic success and rise to the challenges that education provided, it seemed fitting for me to pursue a career that would engage me academically and creatively. By Year 10, I realised that the built environment would allow me to achieve academically and provide creative and practical challenges to engage my problem-solving skills. As an active leader and avid contributor to the community, architecture is a way to personal success and to allow me to get involved with the community.

Pictured: Architecture gave Nick Walters a focus for his love of design

The George Alexander Foundation 2009 Scholarship Winner Scholarships each valued at $10,000 paid over three years

offer.”

The University of South Australia

The George Alexander Foundation Mechanical Engineering Scholarship

$30,000

www.unisa.edu.au

One Scholarship per year will be awarded in each of 2009, 2010 and 2011.

This program offers students of outstanding academic and/or leadership potential from rural South Australia and Western Australia who have been awarded a mechanical engineering placement at the University of South Australia, an opportunity to be provided with a living support scholarship and the chance to undertake ‘industrial

experience’ with the University of South Australia’s Agricultural Machinery Research and Design Centre (AMRDC). The value of the Scholarship is $10,000 ($2,000 per year for four years with an additional $2,000 to be made available to the Scholar, should they undertake a professional placement with AMRDC). One Scholarship per year will be awarded in each of 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Recipient Course

Jack Magarey Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical and Applied Mechatronics)

The George Alexander Foundation 2009 Scholarship Winner Scholarship of up to $10,000 paid over four years

RMIT University, Victoria

The George Alexander Foundation TAFE and Higher Education Scholarship Program

$50,000 (part of a commitment of $380,000 over four years) www.rmit.edu.au

The scholarships are now set up to provide practical assistance to talented students in TAFE courses or those articulating from TAFE into Higher Education.

In 2002, RMIT became the first scholarship program funded by The George Alexander Foundation and in that time it has evolved and developed to meet changing needs. The scholarships are now set up to provide practical assistance to talented students in TAFE courses or those articulating from TAFE into Higher Education as well as second year RMIT University students. The University also receives an additional $5,000 a year to assist scholars with a Mentoring and Leadership Program aimed at helping students to reach their academic potential.

Each student recipient of a George Alexander Foundation Scholarship receives two years of financial support of $7,500 per annum. This will provide scholarship recipients with funds to support them in the purchasing of vital study equipment, the cost of travelling to program lectures/tutorials/library, or towards accommodation costs and sustenance.

The Program is being treated as a pilot to be monitored and evaluated with the aim of introducing and applying this type of scholarship into other education streams across the University.

The George Alexander Foundation 2009 Scholarship Winners Scholarships each valued at $15,000 paid over two years

Recipient Course

Bronwyn Ault-Connell

Frances Beacon

Ella Colley

Daniel Collins

Jessica Chidester

Jazzmine Evans

Julian Ferguson

Hayley Mansfield

Advanced Diploma Business/Legal Practice

Bachelor of Social Science (Environment)

Bachelor of Arts (International Studies)

Diploma of Building and Construction

Bachelor of Architecture

Bachelor of Criminal Justice Administration

Bachelor of Arts (International Studies)

Bachelor of Arts (International Studies)

Charles Sturt University, New South Wales

The George Alexander Foundation Scholarships for Rural and Remote Placements

$20,000 (part of a commitment of $60,000 over three years) www.csu.edu.au

“Charles Sturt University is firmly committed to supporting rural and remote Australia through promoting professional preparation in these communities.”

Wendy Hastings

Sub Dean Professional Experience –Faculty of Education

As a Sub Dean at the Faculty of Education at Charles Sturt University, Wendy provides an insight into why it is vital to invest in supporting and promoting the success of programs and students through the development of well-structured scholarship programs.

Why

Rural and remote communities in Australia face increasing difficulties attracting professionals to fill key roles in health and education. CSU is particularly interested in redressing the supply of teachers given their critical importance in many rural and remote schools and communities, particularly in remote indigenous communities.

CSU places approximately 3,000 preservice teachers in schools and centres across Australia every year, many in rural areas although few get support to offset the expenses.

For students, the costs associated with undertaking professional experience in a rural community are known to be a major deterrent for many teacher education students. Loss of income during placement, the cost of accommodation and the need to supplement with part-time work combine to form a significant hurdle.

CSU’s data reveals that 95% of students surveyed wanted to participate in a rural/ remote placement if costs associated could be covered by support funding. When students calculated the real costs associated with a five-week placement

in an isolated community, the average out-of-pocket expenses were $2,800 per student.

The GAF Scholarship funding allows the university to provide assistance to more students, making rural and remote placements more attractive and attainable.

What are the qualities CSU looks for in students it awards the GAF Scholarships to?

Students have been very positive about the introduction of the GAF scholarships. Academic performance and of course the location of their placement are key considerations but essentially, we are looking for students who have the capacity to make a very positive contribution to a rural school and community and who wish to explore a teaching career in the rural/remote sector. What do you hope this program will help CSU and its students achieve in the long term?

It is anticipated, and supported by research, that students who undertake a placement in a rural/remote context are more likely to apply for an appointment in that sector and are also more likely to remain in the community beyond the minimum period of time – thus providing quality and sustainability in the workforce.

Pictured: Wendy Hastings, placing teachers where they are needed most

was The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship program for Rural and Remote Placements needed?

STARTING OUT

Marcus Raty

First-year Bachelor of Engineering student at Griffith University

First-year Bachelor of Engineering student at Griffith University, Marcus Raty shares his experience of the transition to University and how a GAF scholarship has helped ease the way through some of the challenges presented in his first semester.

At first, it was difficult to find a balance between social recreations, housekeeping (like washing, cooking, cleaning and shopping) and my educational pursuits at university. Within a few weeks however, I had created a time management plan which has helped me to make the most of my time. These skills, which were further developed by my involvement in the Griffith Honours College orientation events, have helped me to find time to not only develop great friendships within the university and campus village, but to also get my feet firmly grounded within the first-year fundamentals of my chosen course.

While I have found time to study and organise my course work, it has been harder than expected adjusting to the university experience. The range of teachers and their individual styles took some getting used to after a rural school; however, advancing my knowledge in Physics and Maths and learning about new ideas in Electric Circuits has been exciting and interesting. I am looking forward to the advanced opportunities in the subjects I will study in future years.

The George Alexander Scholarship has already given me many opportunities I would never have otherwise had. Perhaps the most obvious is a chance to live at “the village” at Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus. Life on campus has so far been an incredible, character-building experience. The village on the Gold Coast has also been the perfect setting to develop new friendships. The scholarship has allowed me to feel financially secure whilst living away from home and has allowed me to participate in a range of extracurricular activities.

During the first semester, I have become a student representative for the university, helping students like myself explore their options and decide on their future pathway. Whilst I do get paid by the university, the job has allowed me to give back to the university, which has given me many opportunities to further my studies and educational experience through the Griffith Honours College. The scholarship has allowed me to extend beyond the standard requisites of the course and enter the Advanced With Honours component of my degree. Without the support of the scholarship, I would not have been able to focus so strongly on my studies and achieve my very best throughout my first semester of university.

“I am looking forward to the advanced opportunities in the subjects I will study in future years.”

Marcus Raty

Pictured: Marcus Raty now settled into life in the ‘village’

DOWN THE TRACK

Matthew Synnes

Graduate of RMIT University, alumni of The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program, now Art Director of a company he co-founded, Acoustic Vision.

Matt tells how following his passion for art and music ultimately led him to an unexpected but very satisfying career making good sound an art form.

What course did you study at university?

Bachelor of Applied Science (Photography) – (Hons), in the Photography Arts Department, graduated 2002.

What has been your career path since leaving university? Are you where you expected to be?

After leaving Uni, I worked as a freelance photographer and assisted other photographers part-time and worked on my own project (all-in-all not any great success). During this time I had to work a part-time job to fund my photographic projects.

In 2006, I worked on developing an AcousticART panel with an acoustician – 12 months later we founded a company called ‘Acoustic Vision’. We currently distribute nationally for world leaders in acoustic treatments from Switzerland and USA. Our AcousticART panels have been used in residential and commercial applications and our company is continuing to grow.

I did not expect to be doing what I do, however I have always followed my passions for music and art and this is where it has taken me. It is an exciting journey.

Do you feel there has been any lasting legacy, both personally and professionally, from being a George Alexander Foundation (GAF) Scholarship holder?

Yes definitely, without the scholarship I would have never completed my honours studies and this experience gave me credibility, at least as far as my current business partners were concerned.

It also gave me a level of confidence, and was an acknowledgment of my potential. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Continuing to develop ideas and contribute in a meaningful way. I also hope to be reaping the rewards of past efforts so I can spend more time with friends and family.

If you had once piece of advice you would give to a current GAF Scholar to help them reach their potential what would it be?

Set goals both long and short-term and review them constantly. Be persistent and surround yourself with the right people. Stay positive.

“I did not expect to be doing what I do, however I have always followed my passions for music and art and this is where it has taken me. It is an exciting journey.”

Matthew Synnes

Pictured: Matthew Synnes and one of his AcousticART panels

Centre for Sustainability Leadership, Victoria

Youth Take the Lead on Sustainability

$30,000 to Future Sustainability Leaders

www.csl.org.au

Meeting Larissa Brown, it quickly becomes apparent that this young woman is no stereotypical Gen Y’er. Larissa has already achieved what would take most people a couple of lifetimes. She has travelled the world, meeting and interviewing 100 of the world’s

great sustainability leaders across 20 countries, won a British Council award for communicating climate change, is a member of the Environment Minister’s Reference Council on Climate Change Adaptation, worked as a research scientist at the Australian National University studying the extinction event of Australia’s mega-fauna, helped save a forest by creating an ecotourism lodge in Costa Rica and rehabilitated endangered primates and big cats in Bolivia. Not bad for someone still in their twenties. And yet none of these is the most impressive of her achievements.

Larissa Brown had a seemingly simple thought. If we can’t get people in positions of power to care, then we need to put people who care into positions of power. From this premise the Centre for Sustainability Leadership (CSL) was born. The Centre builds on the recognition that there are thousands of young people across the globe who can imagine a different more sustainable world, but most do not know how to go about creating it.

The Centre for Sustainability Leadership Fellowship Program is CSL’s flagship training program. The Fellowship brings together 25 participants from Victoria and New South Wales in an intensive course designed to provide the skills required to develop creative solutions to the world’s current sustainability challenges.

“If we can’t get people in positions of power to care, then we need to put people who care into positions of power.”

Larissa Brown

Pictured: CSL Founder, Larissa Brown takes time out with her dog, Boris Picture credit: Sharyn Cairns

The eight-month course is made up of weekly workshops, three retreats, mentoring and finishes with participants devising and implementing their own sustainability projects.

The George Alexander Foundation provides Fellowships to ensure that young people who may not be able to financially contribute to the program can still participate. Three Fellows were selected in 2009:

Ciaran MacCormaic

Ciaran is currently completing a Master of Environment and Sustainability at Monash University. Ciaran worked in sustainability roles for Conservation Volunteers Australia, Earthwatch Institute and as a Corporate Social Responsibility Advisor for Sensis before heading off to work in Africa for WWF and Bail for Immigration Detainees (BiD) advocating ‘trade not aid’.

Ciaran is excited about the opportunities the course offers, particularly about building a network of friends who are also passionate about creating solutions for a carbon-constrained future and living more simply in our everyday lives.

Linh Do

Linh completed her secondary education in 2008 as the overall VCAA VCE Achiever and is currently studying Arts (International Politics, Environmental Studies and French) at the University of Melbourne. Professionally, she works as a public speaker. Linh is also the National Director of Change&Switch, a youth led organisation that aims to amalgamate environmental and social justice issues. She has been trained by Al Gore through The Climate Project. From the Fellowship, she hopes to gain valuable life-long skills through the weekly workshops, further develop both personally and professionally, and possibly have an ‘a-ha’ moment.

Ellen Sandell

Ellen Sandell is currently the Victorian Director of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) and runs AYCC’s national schools program. Ellen is the founder of the award-winning high school Leadership in Environmental Action Program (LEAP). She has represented Australian youth at two United Nations climate change conferences. In 2007, Ellen was the Environment Officer in The University of Melbourne Student Union, and was instrumental in getting the University to commit to carbon neutrality. In 2008, Ellen won the Pride of Australia Medal, a Telstra Environment Award and the British Council Emerging Leaders Award. She was also a finalist in the Australian of the Year Awards.

Ellen has a science and arts degree from The University of Melbourne. Along with her senior colleagues at the AYCC, Ellen also recently won the 2009 Environment Minister’s Young Environmentalist of the Year Award.

The George Alexander Foundation provides Fellowships to ensure that young people who may not be able to financially contribute to the program can still participate.

Pictured: Fellows including Linh (left) and Ciaran (centre left) at CSL Retreat

Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, South Australia

An Inspiring Opportunity with Benefits All Round

$27,490 (part of a commitment of $49,170 over three years) to POD-WATCH – Port Pirie www.wdcs.org.au

The school day has become a little more exciting for a group of students at John Pirie High School in Port Pirie, South Australia. In the wake of a similar highly successful project on Kangaroo Island, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) brought their POD-Watch Program to the school and are now working with a group of students to monitor dolphin populations in the Spencer Gulf.

Students at John Pirie High School were invited to apply for one of the eight coveted volunteer positions. Five students won the right to be ‘permanent observers’ in 2009 with points counting towards their South Australian Certificate of Education. An additional three volunteer posts are available to other students on a rotating basis.

The aim of the Program is to enable students to capture key data required in the study of these mammals in the region.

“We identify the dolphins by their dorsal fins which are unique, like a fingerprint, and pick up other markings made by injury,” student observer Yorke Heath told the local newspaper, the Port Pirie Recorder. “We take photos of the fins at 90˚ angles to clearly see the markings and then we study them on the laptop to see if they have been previously identified,” reported another participant, Cody Elridge. “If we find a new one, we have the privilege of naming it”.

The POD-Watch Program is helping WDCS establish a database of movements, behaviours and habitats in the region. Using GPS and GIS mapping technology, the students are providing researchers with information that would usually take countless man hours and money to obtain and which is of great value to researchers.

“The Program offers a range of benefits. The work of the students makes a genuine contribution to the science and knowledge of dolphins, and for students, the Program itself opens up education and career pathways in science and environment,” explains Dr Mike Bossley AM, Regional Managing Director of WDCS. With another two years of the Program still to run at John Pirie High School, it is hoped that more students will be inspired by the opportunity. With terrific support already received from the local Port Pirie community it looks likely that POD-Watch will have a life beyond the Foundation’s grant.

Pictured above: Local dolphins cruising

Pictured left: Port Pirie students fix their sights for POD-Watch

“The work of the students makes a genuine contribution to the science and knowledge of dolphins, and for students, the Program itself opens up education and career pathways in science and environment.”

Dr Mike Bossley AM

Green Cross Australia, Queensland

People Power Tackles Rising Sea Levels

$10,000 to the National People’s Assembly – Addressing Sea Level Rise and Population Displacement in the Asia-Pacific www.greencrossaustralia.org

Through the National People’s Assembly (NPA), Green Cross proposed to enlist a group of 14 ‘everyday’ Australians to help decide what action Australia should take to address rising sea levels in the region. The NPA aimed to give ordinary citizens the opportunity to directly influence the policies of the Australian Government. Participants included a student, councillor, city planner, doctor, aboriginal elder, an artist, an ANZ executive, a retired food engineer and a member of the Anglican Church.

The NPA culminated in a public forum which allowed the participants to give their ‘verdict’ on sea level rises and its associated humanitarian impacts, including a set of actionable recommendations for stakeholders, including Government.

Funding from The George Alexander Foundation, supported the public forum aspect of the NPA. The forum included a debate which elicited responses from

people such as the Rev Tim Costello (World Vision), Ms Anna Bligh (Premier of Queensland), Professor Ian Lowe (Australian Conservation Foundation) and Mr Daniel Almagor (Engineers Without Borders) among others. The mix of social, political, academic and economic leaders ensured that the debate had wide-reaching influence. Beyond attracting and working with a terrific group of ordinary Australians to deliver this project, Mara Bunn, the Chief Executive Officer, says the greatest achievement of the NPA was the finalisation of a list of recommendations for Government. “This was not merely a talk-fest,” said Mara. “It has given the general public and those involved in the project something practical with which to approach their local MPs and governments.”

One key recommendation was to find ways to support women and young people in the region, as they are considered the ‘big losers’ with rising sea levels regionally. “Fourteen times the number of women and girls died during the Aceh Tsunami than men and boys. This is partly because many cultures do not teach their women and girls to swim and climb trees,” explains Mara. It is hoped the recommendations made via the NPA will help to present a case for funding culturally-appropriate emergency response programs relating to rising sea levels.

Pictured: Participants in the National People’s Assembly forum present their final report to Mr Howard Bamsey, the Australian Government’s Special Envoy on Climate Change

“This was not merely a talk-fest. It has given the general public and those involved in the project something practical with which to approach their local MPs and governments.”

Mara Bunn

Chief Executive Officer, National People’s Assembly

Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre, New South Wales

Volunteers Protect our Coast from Crab Menace $19,132 to a program addressing the Introduced Pest Crab Species in Twofold Bay

www.edenmarinediscovery.org.au

The program aims to help the local community to maintain Green Shore Crab populations below critical thresholds.

The Green Shore Crab (Carcinus maenus) is a voracious predator with a broad diet that has been implicated in the decline in shellfish populations, including the Sydney Rock Oyster on the NSW Far South Coast. This project, which got under way in mid-2009, will build on the outcomes of a 2007 pilot project in which local volunteers were trained to trap crabs, record data and monitor a site in Twofold Bay (Fisheries Creek). The program will now be refined and control methods implemented to build the capacity of both indigenous and non-indigenous community members to maintain Green Shore Crab populations below critical thresholds.

Pictured: An oyster farmer checks his stock at Wonboyn

The George Alexander Foundation

ABN 58 451 731 162

Level 3, 111 Collins Street

Melbourne VIC 3000

Telephone 03 9650 3188

Email admin@gafoundation.org.au

www.gafoundation.org.au