Philanthropic impact
Melbourne Grammar School Foundation
1 October 2023 to 31 August 2024
Thank you for your support
No gift to the School exists in isolation – we are a community.
Melbourne Grammar School believes education can create extraordinary possibilities in the lives of young people, and through them, the communities in which they live.
All of you who have chosen to give to the School, regardless of when, are part of a community that share this belief. I welcome our new donors in 2024 and acknowledge the ongoing generosity of those who continue to support us.
School Foundation
Building our future
As Chair of the Witherby Tower Society (WTS) Committee, I am proud to represent the hundreds of Old Melburnians and members of our School community who have left a bequest to Melbourne Grammar School in their Will.
Spanning multiple generations, all WTS members – past and present – share a unique commonality. They are the members of our community who, at a specific moment in their lifetime, have promised to remember Melbourne Grammar. In return, the School continues to find new ways to remember them.
Not everyone has the capacity to offer a gift to the School in their lifetime. But our philanthropic community has made clear to me how much we all want to secure the future for the next generation of students.
A bequest to Melbourne Grammar is an incredible way of making that possible.
From scholarships that open doors for talented students, to bold initiatives that enrich our learning environments, your philanthropic support ensures that the education we offer remains as impactful and meaningful as ever.
Jim Cousins AO (OM 1961)
Chair, Witherby
Tower Society Committee
Julian Smith
Jim Cousins
Driven by family, powered by opportunity: Haidar ’s scholarship story
From left: Alex Scanlon, Haidar Bashir, Sophie Duggan
Not a lot of people have the foresight to change their circumstances. Fewer have the audacity to try. Even less are motivated enough to succeed.
But not a lot of people are Haidar Bashir, the 2021 recipient of a Boarding Scholarship at Melbourne Grammar School.
In September 2020, in the peak of COVID-19 lockdowns and widespread restrictions across the country, while a lot of young Australians were looking for ways to stave off boredom, 13-year-old Haidar was looking for a way to change his life.
Living in a bustling house with seven sisters and four brothers, Haidar had spent hours searching online for boarding opportunities that would allow him to make the most of his education, and eventually found his way to an application for Melbourne Grammar.
“I feel humbled and grateful to be born in Australia,” he wrote in his application letter. “It would be a point of humiliation for me if I wasted this opportunity.”
Haidar, then a Year 8 student at a local community college, had been motivated his whole life by his father, who had emigrated from Afghanistan to secure a more peaceful life for his family.
“I wanted to help my Dad,” he says.
“He’d come to Australia as a refugee and really wanted the best for me… when the opportunity [to apply for a scholarship at Melbourne Grammar School] came up, I was like ‘I have to go for it.’”
Haidar’s dedication, hard work, and determination to make his family proud was undeniable to Headmaster Philip Grutzner, and to his supporters, Alex Scanlon and Sophie Duggan, Deputy Chair and Chair of the Scanlon Foundation respectively.
Alex and her husband Brady Scanlon, alongside Sophie and her husband, Anthony Duggan, had been longstanding donors to Melbourne Grammar.
Their desire to support deserving students through their family Foundation aligned with the Headmaster’s vision and made Haidar’s enrolment possible.
“I've had four children go through the school who all had very different experiences, but wonderful opportunities,” Alex says.
“Haidar's story was incredible, and we were thrilled to be a part of providing the opportunities to him that our own children have had.”
“For me,” Sophie says, “I’d already recognised Melbourne Grammar’s values of inclusion, respect and diversity, and they aligned very well with our own values and with the values at the Scanlon Foundation.”
“We knew that Haidar would bring something to Melbourne Grammar, just as Melbourne Grammar would bring something to Haidar.”
Haidar has become an integral part of the boarding house throughout his time at the School – now Vice-Captain of Perry House – and says the sense of community will be one of the most important things he will carry with him after school.
“It’s probably been one of the biggest parts of my school experience, the constant support I’ve had from everyone around me,” Haidar says.
When Haidar first wrote his application four years ago, his aspiration to become a cardiothoracic surgeon was impressive.
Now, it’s not only still impressive, but closer to reality as he approaches the end of Year 12.
“I've been presented with so many opportunities, and I’ve tried to take as many as possible,” he says.
“I never would have been able to come to a school like this if it hadn’t been for the scholarship. I just hope I can go on to build my career and hopefully one day, be able to give back in the same way.”
If you would like to support talented and driven students through scholarships at Melbourne Grammar School, please contact:
Roni Baird Senior Philanthropy Manager +61 3 9865 7632
vgbaird@mgs.vic.edu.au
Championing lifechanging adventures
When we take learning outdoors, the lessons can become as limitless as the landscape.
Director of Outdoor Education Nic Bishop says the School’s Outdoor Education program is about much more than just getting students outside.
“It’s grounding,” he says, “We’re challenging the outdated notion that strength and endurance are the most important definitions of success –getting away from ‘who’s the strongest, who’s the tallest, who’s the fastest, who’s the fittest.’
“We focus on developing a deeper connection to oneself; what’s your connection to your identity, to spirituality, and to the people in your community.”
The various programs on offer, for our youngest students at Grimwade House through to Senior School, are uniquely tailored to suit development and learning at specific ages.
Beyond the Gates (BTG), one of the School’s most challenging outdoor education programs, is a milestone activity for Year 10 students as they make their way off campus on a 20-day expedition through remote venues across Australia.
Year 11 boarding student Harry Austin, recipient of the 2023 Winter Irving Crawford Scholarship, said BTG was a life-changing experience.
“Coming from the country and moving to such a diverse place like Melbourne Grammar, it’s a completely different life,” he says.
“But then to move into an environment with no phones and none of what we’re used to, just 15 of us working together to find something in the distance – it changes your perspective even more.
“You learn how to stay calm in different situations, and I’ve got mates now that I probably never would have hung out with. Great relationships that I would never have found without going on BTG.”
LEADING TOGETHER
Melbourne Grammar is incredibly fortunate that so many in our community not only recognise the value of outdoor education but also contribute philanthropically to ensure it continues to be impactful.
Leslie Gladstone Robertson (OM 1889) included a gift to the School in his Will which was used to establish the LGR Society, a unique leadership experience for older students to design and lead their own bushwalking journeys.
Year 11 student Oscar Sorell, the 2024/25 captain of LGR, said the program allows students to find strengths they didn’t know they had.
“I try to bring out the best in everyone and find out their skills so everyone can lead in some way,” he says.
“In my role as captain, I try to learn what people’s strengths are, and then get everyone to work together to balance out the team. Everyone really learns how to lead together.”
GROWTH & DISCOVERY
In 2024, the Outdoor Education program received significant funding from the J T Morrow Education Trust, a gift established through the Will of Jack Morrow (OM 1925).
Nic says the new funds will greatly impact the school’s ability to deliver life-changing experiences to students.
“This significant gift from the [J T Morrow Education] Trust will improve the delivery of outdoor education for the next decade,” he says.
The funds were used to purchase new mountain bikes, helmets, vests and gloves; a specialised bike trailer to transport the fleet between programs; and a new Toyota Hilux SR5 ute with a custom canopy to transport the trailer and bikes.
“Mountain biking is a fantastic lifelong activity that we use to facilitate learning around risk taking, community and team building, personal skill growth, and persistence,” Nic says.
Ultimately, outdoor experiences don’t just enrich student’s life at school –they lay the foundation for a lifetime of growth and discovery.
This significant gift from the [J T Morrow Education] Trust will improve the delivery of outdoor education for the next decade.
Nic Bishop
Witherby Tower Society Committee members
Chair
Mr Jim Cousins AO
Members
Mrs Robyn Alder
Mr Marc Cuming
Mr Richard King AM
Dr Mark Roberts
For a confidential conversation with a member of the Witherby Tower Society committee about including a gift to the School in your Will please contact:
Roni Baird
Senior Philanthropy Manager +61 3 9865 7632 vgbaird@mgs.vic.edu.au
This report lists donors to Melbourne Grammar School from 1 October 2023 to 31 August 2024. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy. If an error has occurred, please accept our apologies and contact the Development Office on +61 3 9865 7633 or foundation@mgs.vic.edu.au so that we can amend our records.
Witherby Tower Society members
The Witherby Tower Society, founded in 1995, brings together the valued members of our community who have remembered the school in their Will.
We thank all Witherby Tower Society members –past and present – for their visionary support of generations of Melbourne Grammar students.
14 anonymous members
Adams, David (OM 1947) †
Aldred, Paul (OM 1960)
Amarasekara, Jan & Anil
Anderson, Des †
Armstrong, Alistair (OM 1968) & Susie
Armstrong, Andrew (OM 1967) †
Arnold, Bett
Arnold, Michael (OM 1945) †
Badger, Ann
Barnett, Dave (OM 1969) & Anne
Barrett, Howard (OM 1929) †
Bartlett, Michael (OM 1973) & Mim
Beaumont, Glynne (OM 1935) †
Beavis, Edward (OM 1938) †
Besley, Richard (OM 1947) †
Best, John AO (OM 1957) † & Sargeant, Janine AM
Birrell, John ISO (OM 1941) †
Blamey, Ted (OM 1963)
Bolton, John (OM 1946)
Boothby, Joyce †
Bradley, Paul (OM 1960)
Brookes, Alfred (OM 1937) †
Brookes, Andrew (OM 1974) & Robina
Brookes, John (OM 2009)
Brookes, Margaret †
Brown, Peter AM (OM 1951) & Pamela
Brown, Wilson (OM 1959)
Brumley, Janet †
Bunn, Richard (OM 1962) & Joannie
Burrows, Tony (OM 1974)
Capp, John OAM (OM 1947) † & Maureen
Carey, Roy (OM 1967)
Carre-Riddell, John (OM 1944) †
Chestney, Malcolm (OM 1949) & Pat
Christian, Ian (OM 1949) †
Clark, Lynn JP (OM 1942) †
Clark, Sandy AO (OM 1962) & McDonald, Marie
Coleman, Ron †
Connard, John (OM 1935) † Cooper, Chris (OM 1969) & Elizabeth
Cooper, Peter (OM 1961) & Liz
Cordner, Christopher (OM 1967) & Merrin
Cordner, Donald (OM 1939) †
Cordner, John (OM 1946) †
Cordner, Stephen PSM (OM 1970) & Loff, Beatrice
Court, Jim (OM 1948) †
Cousins, Jim AO (OM 1961) & Libby AM
Couzens, Peter (OM 1963) Crawford, Gavin (OM 1956) †
Creese, Nigel AM †
Cumpston, Richard (OM 1958) & Patricia
Cunningham, Geoffrey (OM 1940) †
Witherby Tower Society members continued...
Dale, John (OM 1947) & Court, Anne AM
Darbyshire, Andrew AM (OM 1977)
Davidson, Rodney AO OBE (OM 1950) †
Davie, Arthur (OM 1946) †
Davie, Brian (OM 1952) & Valerie Day, Arthur (OM 1951) †
Day, Peter & Angela
Dempster, Geoffrey (OM 1970) & Anne
Derham, Peter AC, KStJ (OM 1943) †
Derham, Simon (OM 1973) & Kim
Deschamps, Noel (OM 1926) †
Dickson, Jim AM MBE RAN Rtd (OM 1953) & Anthea
Dixon, Grahme (OM 1956) †
Dobbie, Norman (OM 1942) † & Gai
Dorevitch, Abe (OM 1946) †
Dott, William (OM 1934) †
Downes, Elizabeth †
Dyson, Bruce (OM 1948) †
Elliott, Betty †
Embelton, George (OM 1957)
Eustace, Alan OAM †
Fairchild, Jim (OM 1954) & Lorrayne
Felton, Sue
Field, Darragh (OM 1932) †
Fletcher, Richard (OM 1960) † Forge, Ken (OM 1960) Fowler, Philip †
Franklin, John (OM 1941) † Freeman, Brett (OM 1948) † & Lois
Gallagher, Ted OAM (OM 1963) & Vicki
Gandy, Bruce (OM 1942) † Gardner, Richard (OM 1945) †
Gerrard, Gerry (OM 1981) & Dimy Gillespie, Tom (OM 1941) †
Goodman, Peter (OM 1944) & Elizabeth
Goss, Bill (OM 1936) †
Goss, David (OM 1962)
Gough, John AO (OM 1946) †
Gough, Rosemary †
Gourlay, John (OM 1951) † & Louise AM
Graham, Boyd (OM 1927) †
Gray, Peter (OM 1957) †
Gray, Suzanne
Greer, Peter (OM 1966) & Celeste
Griffith, Kelvin (OM 1948) † & Rosemary
Grimwade, Fred (OM 1975) & Alexandra
Grimwade, James (OM 1954) †
Grummet, Andrew AM (OM 1944) †
Grummet, Margaret †
Grutzner, Abe (OM 1928) †
Guest, Alan (OM 1943) †
Guy, Andrew OAM (OM 1965) & Jane
Guyatt, Nicholas (OM 1965) & Jo
Hall, Roger OAM (OM 1951) & Vera
Handbury, Geoff AO (OM 1942) † & Helen AO †
Hansen, Hartley AM (OM 1960) & Rosalind
Harper, Ian (OM 1940) †
Harry, John OAM (OM 1965) & Donna
Hasker, John AM (OM 1956) & Jenny
Henderson, Deborah OAM
Henderson, John (OM 1967) & Kirstie
Henshall, Geoff (OM 1953)
Hilford, Adrian (OM 1945) †
Hiscock, Anthony (OM 1954) †
Hiscock, Stephen (OM 1981) & Jane
Hocking, Douglas (OM 1937) †
Hone, Geoff (OM 1962) & Anthea Horne, Mac (OM 1964)
Houghton, Peter (OM 1953) †
Howard, Rob (OM 1959) & Julie
Humphris, Bob (OM 1956) & Helen
Hurley, Peter AO (OM 1973) & Barbara
Ingham, Ian (OM 1954) & Prue
Jackson, Alastair AM (OM 1966)
Jenkins, Peter (OM 1964) & Gail
Johansen, Peter (OM 1946) †
Joyce, Lana
Joyce, Michael
Kendall, Tim OAM (OM 1952) & Margaret OAM
Kennison, Ian CBE (OM 1938) †
Kerr, Barrie (OM 1956) & Diana
Kibby, Brandon (OM 1972) & Unsworth, Kerri
Kimpton, Geoffrey (OM 1966)
Kimpton, James AM (OM 1963) & Diana
King, Barry (OM 1952) †
King, David (OM 1963) & Diana
King, Richard AM (OM 1964) & Andrea
Kudnig, Martin (OM 1981) & Marie-Louise
Laing, Colin (OM 1933) †
Lamb, John (OM 1941) †
Larkins, Richard AC (OM 1960) & Caroline
Lazer, Alf AM (OM 1942)
Lee, Neville OAM (OM 1944) †
Leviny, John (OM 1952) †
Liddle, Rob (OM 1959)
Limb, George (OM 1953) †
Lugg, Peter (OM 1970) & Amanda
MacDonald, Ron (OM 1933) †
Mackay, Angus (OM 1952)
Macnaughtan, Alex RFD (OM 1963) & Frances
Marks, James (OM 1967) & Maureen
Marks, Jim (OM 1946) †
Massina, Sandy (OM 1972) & Shelley
McDonald, Ian (OM 1953)
McKeown, Malcolm (OM 1935) †
McMullin, Bruce (OM 1938) †
Merfield, Derek (OM 1948) †
Michelmore, Andrew AO (OM 1970) & Nooky AO
Michelmore, Margaret †
Millear, Ted (OM 1951) & Jana
Miller, Edward (OM 1954) & Anne
Minson, Joan †
Mishura, Paul
Mitchell, Angela †
Mitchell, George (OM 1933) †
Mitchell, Ken (OM 1950) †
Mitchell, Murray (OM 1949) †
Mitchell, Peter AM (OM 1952) †
Moore, Alan (OM 1939) †
Moorhouse, Charles AM (OM 1928) †
Morell, Stephen (OM 1965) & Colleen Morgan, Hugh AC & Elizabeth Morris, Clive (OM 1950)
Nelson, Theo JP (OM 1953) & Edith Nerreman Family Trust of Eltham
Neville-Smith, Richard (OM 1955) †
Newman, Frank OBE (OM 1933) †
Niall, Gerry AO (OM 1933) †
Nicoll, David (OM 1965)
Officer, Hugh (OM 1916) †
Paine, Angus (OM 1952)
Parncutt, Bruce AO (OM 1968)
Peck, Graham (OM 1949) †
Peck, Nicholas (OM 1972) †
Peck, Nigel AM (OM 1945) † & Patricia †
Pepper, Tim (OM 1969) & Shaunagh
Perkins, Tony (OM 1940) †
Perry, Jocelyn †
Phillips, Bruce (OM 1958) †
Ponsford, Murn (OM 1942) †
Porter, Ossie (OM 1951) †
Potter, Dick (OM 1944) †
Prentice, Andrew (OM 1961) & Victoria
Prince, Harry (OM 1947) †
Prince, Rick (OM 1973)
Ralph, Jonathan (OM 1978)
Reeve, John (OM 1973)
Reid, Mervyll (OM 1963) & Sue
Relph, Audrey †
Renton, Nick AM (OM 1948) †
Richards, Alan (OM 1960) & Sylvia
Richards, Peter (OM 1951) †
Richardson, John (OM 1951) & Jane
Roberts, Frank OAM (OM 1948) & Dwyer, Joan
Robinson, Rodney & Jane
Rose, Alan OAM (OM 1948) †
Rosengarten, Candice
Rosengarten, Sam (OM 1955) †
Rosenhain, Peter DFC (OM 1940) †
Russel, Patrick & Fitt, Karen
Russell, Rowan (OM 1972) & Susie
Rutherford, Ian (OM 1950) & Margaret
Ryan, Gee
Scott, David AO (OM 1941) †
Scott-Mackenzie, John (OM 1969) & Barbara
Sheahan, Paul AM
Sheen, Ian (OM 1951) †
Siminton, Peter (OM 1945) †
Simkin, Max CBE KStJ (OM 1940) †
Slater, Bob AM RFD & Ruth
Smart, David (OM 1957) & Liz
Smibert, James (OM 1929) †
Smith, Alex (OM 1962) & Jutta
Smith, Tony (OM 1949) †
Smithers, Adrian (OM 1952) †
Solomon, Philip KC (OM 1986) & Rachel
Speirs, Andrew (OM 1963) & Sue
Staughton, Peter (OM 1948) †
Stewart, Bill (OM 1930) †
Streeter, John (OM 1951)
Strickland, Free AM, OBE KStJ (OM 1937) †
Stuart, Barry (OM 1948) †
Stuart, Forster (OM 1948) †
Stuart, Ross (OM 1952) †
Stubbings, Claude (OM 1945) †
Stuckey, John (OM 1962) & Susan
Sutcliffe, Dick (OM 1956) & Sandy
Tartakover, Bert (OM 1927) †
Temple, David & Viv
Thomas, Lloyd & Debbie
Tucker, Kenneth (OM 1936) †
Tucker, Mark (OM 1973)
Tucker, Tom (OM 1945) †
Velos, John & Angela
Wall, John (OM 1947) †
Wallace, Hugh (OM 1954) †
Wallace-Mitchell, Malcolm (OM 1943) †
Walter, John & Catherine AM
Wang, Chris OAM (OM 1962) & Janet
Ward-Ambler, Ralph AM (OM 1952) & Barbara
Watson, Bruce (OM 1969)
Webb, Geoffrey (OM 1955)
Weber, Tony (OM 1951) †
Wee, Bryan (OM 1992)
Wee, Cavan (OM 1997) & Liew, Jessica
Weir, Robert (OM 1947) †
Wenzel, Geoffrey (OM 1944) †
White, Joseph (OM 1924) †
Wilhelm, Paul † & Ann
Wilkie, James JP (OM 1925) †
Williams, Peter AO (OM 1940) †
Williams, Robin (OM 1947) †
Wilson, Simon KC (OM 1968) & Estelle
Woinarski, Gavan (OM 1970) & Meredith
Woodbridge, Denis (OM 1951) †
† Deceased
Melbourne Grammar School Foundation Board
Our Foundation Board comprises members of the School community who promote philanthropy and advocate for Melbourne Grammar School’s future.
They work with the Head of Development to foster relationships with benefactors, host fundraising events, and demonstrate leadership by making the School their philanthropic priority, while actively recognizing and thanking donors.
Membership
Chair
Prof Julian Smith
Members
Mr Andrew Brookes
Mr Michael Cotton
Mr Don Grant
Mr Jamie Gray
Ms Fiona Hindmarsh
Dr Shirley Hsieh
Mr Andrew Michelmore AO
Mrs Alex Scanlon
Prof Geoffrey Taylor
Ms Georgia Widdup
Foundation Circle members
Our School is built on a strong tradition of philanthropy. We celebrate the leadership and generosity of the following philanthropists.
These individuals, foundations and organisations have, since the establishment of the Melbourne Grammar School Foundation, made philanthropic contributions at an outstanding level.
Adler, Ross AC (OM 1962) & Fiona
Alcorn, Robert W †
Anderson, Des †
Archibald, Alan KC (OM 1963) & Mary-Lou
Australian Indigenous Education Foundation
Ballantyne, Andrew (OM 1978) & Samantha
Bartlett, Michael (OM 1973) & Mim
Brookes, Andrew (OM 1974) & Robina Brookes, Roger (OM 1947) †
Bruce Parncutt Family Foundation
Callaway, Ivy May †
Carter, Paul & Wendy
Chestney, Malcolm (OM 1949) & Pat
Clemenger, Peter AO (OM 1944)
Davidson, Rodney AO OBE (OM 1950) †
Dowd, Carl AM (OM 1955) & Wendy AM
Doyle, David & Nicole
Dyson, Bruce (OM 1948) † Friends of Grammar – Senior School
Geoff and Helen Handbury Foundation
Gillespie, Tom (OM 1941) †
Handbury, Geoff AO (OM 1942) † & Helen AO †
Higgins, John AO & Maunder, Jodie
Hinds, Richard R †
Horgan, Jo AM & Wetenhall, Peter
Hsieh, Shirley & Lin, John (OM 1995)
John & Myriam Wylie Foundation
JT Morrow Education Trust
Littledale Wiltshire, Jennie †
Mackay, Angus (OM 1952)
Mantzis, Kon & Helen
McNee, William
McKeown, Maurice W (OM 1935) †
McQuie, Ronald E (OM 1911) †
Michelmore, Andrew AO (OM 1970) & Nooky AO
Michelmore, Margaret †
Parncutt, Bruce AO (OM 1968)
Peck, Nigel AM (OM 1945) † & Patricia †
Relph, Audrey †
Siminton, Peter R (OM 1945) †
Smith, Clive OAM (OM 1953) †
Southey, Marigold AC
Szabo, Tamas & Joanna
The Alfred Felton Bequest
The Marian & EH Flack Trust
The Old Melburnians
The Scanlon Foundation
Thomas, Lloyd & Debbie
Trumble, Alexander Campbell (OM 1954) †
Wall, John (OM 1974) †
Ward-Ambler, Ralph AM (OM 1952) & Barbara
Watson, Brian AO & Le Maistre, Edwina Woomera Education Trust
Zaparas, Yianni & Vicky
Zoller, A S †
† Deceased
Fifty years of philanthropic leadership
MELBOURNE GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOUNDATION PRESIDENTS
1983 – 1985
J S M Bolton (OM 1946)
C J Smith OAM (OM 1953) †
1974 – 1976
F R G Strickland AM, OBE KStJ (OM 1937) † 1976 – 1977
1977 – 1979
A B Macdougall (OM 1947) †
1979 – 1983
A G Hiscock (OM 1954) †
1985 – 1988
B R Scott (OM 1951) †
1988 – 1992
P R Bunn (OM 1967)
1992 – 1998
J B Parncutt AO (OM 1968)
1970 1975 1985 1980 1995 1990
† Deceased
In its first 6 months the Grammar Foundation raised funds from nine trustees, 22 fellows, 135 members and 71 contributors for the Grammar Building Appeal. Free Strickland AM, OBE KStJ (OM 1937) was the first president. (Pictured)
There is no doubt that it is worthwhile for MGS not only to continue to provide the services it now provides, but to continue to improve those services. In fifty years' time the value of MGS [should] be no less than it is now.
The
Melburnian, 1974
In the 1980s, the Grammar Foundation organised a campaign to fund what would become known as the Strickland Physical Education Centre.
This year Melbourne Grammar School is celebrating the 50year anniversary of the Grammar Foundation, which for the past five decades has provided strategic feedback, advocacy, and support for School fundraising.
Philanthropy has always been a part of the School. For example, between 1958 and 1968, School Council undertook a significant capital campaign, the Centenary Building Campaign.
Its outstanding success – raising $500,000 (equivalent today to more than $11m) – made it clear that the School community had an extraordinary resolve and faith in the mission of Melbourne Grammar.
The Foundation was codified six years later to further support new building initiatives, and to ensure the School would remain an impactful education experience with first-class standards.
1998 – 2002
G W Hone AM (OM 1962)
2002 – 2008
N R Adler AC (OM 1962)
2008 – 2017
L
R Thomas
The Grammar Foundation was instrumental in helping support the School's Tomorrow’s Leaders Today campaign. The campaign helped fund the $22m Nigel Peck Centre for Learning and Leadership, opened in 2008.
Any member of our school community who has donated more than $5000 (cumulatively) is a Grammar Foundation member.
The Foundation is led by a board of volunteers who provide strategic support for School fundraising.
A PROMISE MADE
2017 – 2021
P H Solomon KC (OM 1986)
2022 – PRESENT
J A Smith (OM 1975)
In 2014 the Grammar Foundation, alongside Council, embarked on the most ambitious fundraising campaign in its recent history – The New World of Teaching and Learning Campaign –to help fund a new $34m Science and Technology Hub.
By formalising the School’s philanthropic community, the Foundation promised ongoing support towards financial independence – that Melbourne Grammar could continue to provide transformative education to talented and deserving students, regardless of their financial means or social circumstances.
A year later in 1975, inaugural president of the Grammar Foundation, Free Strickland AM, OBE KStJ (OM 1937) reiterated and confirmed this promise.
“[The Foundation is] ready to stand behind the School Council and to marshal the goodwill of all members of the School family,” Strickland said.
“If [the School] is to maintain its independence, if it is not to become a place only for the financially privileged, then we must – all of us, old boys, parents, staff, friends – become actively involved.”
At the time, the School held a high rate of 1 in 8 boys who received financial assistance.
Today, around 160 students are supported financially at any given time: 1 in 6 at Senior School, 1 in 12 at Wadhurst, and 1 in 3 boarders (inclusive of campus totals).
Only through the generosity and commitment of the School’s donors has this been possible.
Having welcomed more than 2600 members since its inception, the Foundation’s enduring legacy ensures that Melbourne Grammar’s commitment to excellence and accessibility will thrive for generations to come.
Gray / Bolton: Securing the School for generations
Over the past 50 years, the Melbourne Grammar Foundation has been witness to five Headmasters, ten Council Chairs, and 13 Foundation Board Presidents.
Two esteemed members of the Foundation Board – one founding member, John Bolton (OM 1946) and one current member, Jamie Gray (OM 1976), sat down to discuss philanthropy at Melbourne Grammar School.
Jamie Gray (OM 1976):
John, prior to 1974, philanthropy was already a big part of the School’s DNA. What was the trigger to establish the Foundation and the Board?
John Bolton (OM 1946): There was a lot of uncertainty at the time. Really, it was the quest for financial independence that was the driving force for School Council to establish the Foundation in 1974. It was clear that a coordinated, long-term philanthropic strategy was essential for the ongoing development of the School.
Jamie:
It’s funny you mention uncertainty. Working for the Board in 2024, it feels as though we’re facing just as much uncertainty now as we respond to constant changes in the way the School is funded by the government.
John:
It doesn’t surprise me. The constant possibility of a change in government, and how much we could rely on external funding, was something we always knew we’d be up against. The purpose of the Foundation from the outset was to provide stable financial support for the School’s future, and I think that’s why the Foundation has had such longevity, and why so many have worked to ensure its success. It’s extremely gratifying to have our vision be shared across generations.
Jamie:
What is it that you think has kept this community such a special place over the last 50 years?
John:
I think, really, it all comes back to the School. I think all members of the Foundation believe so strongly in the power of the education the School provides – not just academically, but everything else Melbourne Grammar gives to students.
The School has always strived to offer a holistic education that produces well-educated citizens of good character. Generation after generation of increasingly diverse students have gone on to become dedicated, committed, and visionary leaders of industry and country or even their local neighbourhoods. The sense of community we share is a product of the School and its values.
Jamie:
What is it that I can do, as a current Board member, to ensure this community continues to thrive?
John:
I think the greatest achievement of our early years was that, under our watch, the infant Foundation matured into something sustainable. From my armchair at the age of 96, I don’t claim to have the same intimate knowledge that I used to have of the School – but I don’t believe the Foundation’s role should change.
As it was set up to do, the Foundation Board should continue to support the School’s ability to be financially independent.
It's only through financial security that the School can be allowed to focus on excellence in the education of our children, and our children’s children.
Financial independence is as important today as it was then. The School must be allowed to focus on student education and be buffered from financial uncertainty. This was the raison d’etre of the Foundation.
Jamie:
I wholeheartedly agree, and it’s comforting to know that we’ve stayed the course after all these years. As a last question for you, we know the School will be embarking on a new build for our Centre for Humanities and with it a new philanthropic campaign. What part do you believe education plays – and a Melbourne Grammar School education specifically – in setting students up to be independent and critical thinkers of their own?
John:
The education of young people is not only an investment in their future but also the future of our country. Beyond academic prowess, a Melbourne Grammar educational experience has also always focused on individual development. I couldn’t be prouder to have been a small part of supporting this world-class school.
My most satisfying memory from my 12 years with the Foundation was the joy of working with the outstanding group of people who made up our community over those years. The selflessness, intelligence, commitment, and vision of these people was truly inspiring.
John Bolton (OM 1946)
Melbourne Grammar School donors
1 October 2023 to 31 August 2024
Thank you to the many members of our School community who supported Melbourne Grammar School over the last year.
Every gift, no matter the size, is helping to continue the School’s culture of excellence, and is providing educational opportunities to future generations of students. We are pleased to acknowledge the following donors and thank you for your commitment to the future of Melbourne Grammar School.
INDIVIDUAL DONORS
Acton, John (OM 1957)
Adams, Daniel (OM 2005)
Adler, Jon (OM 1992) & Gada, Kosha Allen, Toby (OM 2003)
Anderson, Julian (OM 1999)
Angus, James AO & Helen
Archibald, Christopher KC (OM 1991) & Goode, Melissa
Arden, David RFD (OM 1971) Arnold, Gordon (OM 1962) Arrowsmith, John (OM 1952)
Badger, Ann
Baird, Roni
Barnett, Kate & Tim
Barraclough, David (OM 1961)
Barrett, Chris (OM 1958)
Bartlett, Michael (OM 1973) & Mim Belford, Matthew & Lisa
Blashki, Graham (OM 1962)
Block, Justine
Boake, Alastair (OM 1973) & Nancy Vrabec Bonnici, Paul & Wendy
Booth, Howard
Bostock, Andrew (OM 1964)
Bradley, Paul (OM 1960)
Broadfoot, Andrew KC (OM 1993)
Brookes, Andrew (OM 1974) & Robina
Brookes, John (OM 1962)
Brookes, John (OM 2009)
Cai, Jimmy & Chong, Vivien
Cai, Joyce & Huang, Jesse
Callaghan, Pennie
Cameron, Simon (OM 1981)
Carter, Anna
Carter, Paul & Wendy
Chen, David
Chen, Gang
Chen, Jason
Chen, Stella
Chestney, Malcolm (OM 1949) & Pat
Clark, Sandy AO (OM 1962) & McDonald, Marie
Clarke, Dave (OM 1985) & Gordon, Alis
Clifton-Jones, David (OM 1971)
Cochran, Ian PSM (OM 1952)
Colson, Ewan (OM 1950)
Connor, Fiona
Court, Anne AM
Couzens, Peter (OM 1963)
Cuming, William (OM 1995) & Maloney, Roslyn
Cumpston, Bill (OM 1966)
Custeau, Charles (OM 2008)
Daish, Charlie (OM 2002)
Danby, Rob (OM 1967)
Davie, Brian (OM 1952)
Day, Charles (OM 1988)
De Silva, Isuru & Dilini
Derham, Charles
Douglas, Emma & Andrew
Dowling, Michael AM (OM 1961)
Dowsett, Michael AM (OM 1955)
Doyle, David & Nicole
Eddey, Peter (OM 1965)
Essex, Rohan (OM 1987) & Sarah
Fagan, Xavier (OM 1997)
Ferguson, Damian
Fernandes, Beuford
Fethers, Geof (OM 1974)
Field, Peter (OM 1959) & Heather-Anne
Finlay, Chester (OM 1950)
Fong, David (OM 1988)
Fry, Brad (OM 1979)
Furphy, Clem OAM (OM 1961)
Gallagher, Ted OAM (OM 1963) & Vicki George, Sarah
Gillard, Graeme (OM 1954)
Gooley, Stuart (OM 1962) & Marion
Gray, Jamie (OM 1976) & Rebecca Grant, Don (OM 1995) & Chan Grant, Rowena
Grutzner, David (OM 1962)
Grutzner, Philip (OM 1981) & Layher, Yasmine
Gu, Biao
Guy, Andrew OAM (OM 1965) & Jane
Guyatt, Nicholas (OM 1965) & Jo
Hamer, Chris (OM 1962)
Hamilton, Anne
Hanisch, Ben
Hannah, Sally
Harmer, Philip (OM 1969)
Harper, David AM (OM 1961)
Haskett, Roger (OM 1962)
Hatty, Fran
Hayes, Geoffrey (OM 1959)
He, Hattie
Hearder, Robin (OM 1957)
Helm, Royce & Rhona
Herzfeld, Perry (OM 1999)
Hewett, Joseph (OM 1993)
Hiladakis, Sofia
Hilditch, Patrick (OM 1978)
Hoe, Martin (OM 1987)
Hone, Geoff AM (OM 1962)
Hopkins, Philip (OM 1970)
Hopkins, Richard (OM 1963)
Horgan, Jo AM & Wetenhall, Peter
Horne, Mac (OM 1964)
Horne, Max (OM 1952)
Hsieh, Shirley & Lin, John (OM 1995)
Hugh-Jones, Christopher (OM 1982)
Humphris, Bob (OM 1956) & Helen
Hurley, Hamish (OM 2008)
Ingleton, Benjamin (OM 1989)
Jack, Ian (OM 2002)
Jackson, David
Jang, Su Jung
Jenkins, Peter (OM 1964) & Gail
Jesson, John & Janene
Jing, Chunliang & Lee, Stepeno
Junot, Carl & Bridgid
Karpathakis, Emmanouele & Chrissy
Kayakesen, Ferdi
Keeble, Jol (OM 1984)
Kemp, Warren RFD (OM 1951)
Kendall, Tim OAM (OM 1952) & Margaret OAM
Kennon, Philip KC (OM 1964)
Kennon, Wendy
Kenny, Andrew (OM 1961)
Kiellerup, Jim (OM 1980)
Kimpton, Geoffrey (OM 1966)
Kimpton, James AM (OM 1963) & Diana
King, Richard AM (OM 1964) & Andrea
Klempfner, David (OM 1985) & Daniella
Koczkar, Rob (OM 1988)
Kogler, Daniel (OM 1990) & Thea
Lansell, Jeremy (OM 1979)
Lawrence, John (OM 1950)
Lawrence, Peter (OM 1968) & Judith
Lee, Charles (OM 1988) & Amy
Lee, Claritta
Lee, David (OM 1997)
Lee, Gregory (OM 2008)
Leviny, Tim (OM 1990) & Vanessa
Liddle, Rob (OM 1959)
Liu, Jenny
Liu, Lily
Lovett, Peter (OM 1962)
Lowe, Andrew (OM 1983)
Lowthian, Judy & Peter
Macindoe, Alistair (OM 1972) & Linda
Magdalena Smith, Alena
Maher, Andrew & Penny
Mantzis, Kon & Helen
Mao, Chen
Maughan, Andrew (OM 1979)
McCall, Paula
McComb, Clare
McDonald, Sarah & Robinson, Mark
McKaige, Robert (OM 1973)
Mein JP, Judith
Melbourne, Bill (OM 1951)
Merunovich, Mark & Palmieri, Suzanne
Miao, Martin
ORGANISATIONS AND TRUSTS
The School’s donor community is made up of many supporters, including organisations and trusts. These supporters share common values that enhance education at the School. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Arthur Gordon Oldham Charitable Trust
Australian Indigenous Education Foundation
Boncal Family Foundation
Bruce Parncutt Family Foundation
Gourlay Charitable Trust
JT Morrow Education Trust
Macquarie Group Foundation
Nigel & Patricia Peck Foundation
Peter James Provelson Trust
Sir W & CH Roger Brookes Charitable Foundation
The Carter Family Foundation
The Jamie and Rebecca Gray Foundation
The Old Melburnians
The Marian & EH Flack Trust
The Scanlon Foundation
VRA Boake Charitable Fund
Woomera Education Trust
Winter-Irving Crawford Trust
Zagora Foundation
Melbourne Grammar School donors continued...
Michelmore, Andrew AO (OM 1970) & Nooky AO
Michelmore, John (OM 1979)
Miller, Edward (OM 1954)
Mishura, Paul
Mitchell, James (OM 1987)
Mitsikas, Paul & Carlie
Monson, Darren
Moss, Philip AM (OM 1968) & Belinda Musgrove, Pauline
Niu, Stephanie & Yang, William Njambi, Joys
Ogilvy, Ewan (OM 1964)
Ozga, Richard (OM 1999)
Parmenov, Sergei
Patel, Ronika
Patterson, George (OM 1992) & Heather Peavey, Victoria
Phillips, Neil OAM (OM 1969) & Jane
Plummer, Andrew & Baird, Janine Power, Nick (OM 1988) & Anna Prentice, Andrew (OM 1961) & Victoria Proctor, Sam (OM 1999) †
Raurela, Copland (OM 1996)
Rees, Lynne
Rice, Sophie
Richardson, John (OM 1951) & Jane
Roberts, Mark (OM 1994) & Ayres, Lisa
Rose, Chris (OM 1979)
Ross, Alex
Rumpf, Peter (OM 1956)
Sallabank, Julian (OM 1993) & Nicole
Scott, David (OM 1978) & Ly Thi, Thina
Sheahan, Paul AM
Simpson, Anna-Louise
Singh, Abhi
Smith, Julian (OM 1975) & Sally
Smith, Pip & Russell, Geoff
Solomon, Philip KC (OM 1986) & Rachel
Sotiropoulos, Elena
Standish, Hugo (OM 1957) & Dianne
Stanton, Rohan (OM 1964)
Stewart, Alastair (OM 1956)
Stirling, Peter & Kane, Kimberley
Stokes, Jim (OM 1962)
Streeton, Jonathan (OM 1957)
Stuckey, John (OM 1962) & Suzanne Sun, Helen
Szabo, Tamas & Joanna
Tan, Judith & Campbell, Bruce
Tao, Victor & Zhang, Nan Taylor, Geoff & Eden, Margot
Taylor, Tony (OM 1979)
Temay, Paul & Sara
Temple, David & Viv
Thomas, Lloyd & Debbie
Thomas, Fred (OM 1963)
Thomas, Greg (OM 1980)
Thomas, Rob AO (OM 1963) & Kyrenia
Tiong, Lynette
Tselios, Dorothy
Tucker, John (OM 1962)
Tully, Keith (OM 1950)
Turnbull, Chris (OM 1992) & Anna
Von Bibra, Petille
Walker, Tony
Wang, Yoki
Ward-Ambler, Ian (OM 1982)
Warr, Anthony
Weaver, Chris (OM 2000) & Sheridyn
Webb, Geoffrey (OM 1955)
Webb, Robert (OM 1961) & Gillian
Webster, Neil (OM 1959) & Julie-Ann
Wee, Cavan (OM 1997) & Liew, Jessica
Widdup, Georgia & Roscoe
Wing, Geoff (OM 1989)
Wion, John (OM 1954)
Woinarski, Gavan (OM 1970) & Meredith
Woods, Byron (OM 1945) & Verene
Woods, Sam & Jim
Wyles, Michael (OM 2008) & Anwar, Ariani
Xu, Roy & Ren, Sherry
Yang, Jessica & Cai, Ian
Ying, Darren
Zaparas, Yianni & Vicky
Zhong, Bill
Zhong, Willard (OM 2014)
Zhou, Joe & Sun, Ashley
† Deceased
Looking ahead
As we approach the end of 2024, I’d like to recognise the incredible breadth of meaningful connections that I have seen flourish across the year.
I am deeply grateful to the hundreds of dedicated volunteers – Old Melburnians, parents of Old Melburnians, current parents and grandparents, Council members, committee members, and staff –who have worked alongside the Community Relations team this year to strengthen our school community. Your generosity embodies the spirit that has shaped Melbourne Grammar School for 166 years.
As we look ahead to an exciting 2025, we're preparing for more events and reunions to bring the Melbourne Grammar School community together. Your continued support drives these efforts, and I sincerely thank you.
I eagerly anticipate another year of shared dedication and enthusiasm.
Kate Barnett Director of Community Relations + 61 3 9865 7680 kmbarnett@mgs.vic.edu.au
To explore some of the ways you can support the School, please contact:
Carl Junot Head of Development + 61 3 9865 7683 cljunot@mgs.vic.edu.au
Kirsty Hooper Head of Alumni and Community Relations +61 3 9865 7681 kahooper@mgs.vic.edu.au
Luisa Moscato School Archivist +61 3 9865 7658 lamoscato@mgs.vic.edu.au
