Foundation

Mr John Flecker

Foundation

Planning, agility and flexibility

Whilst most places around the world are now accustomed to living with COVID-19, Perth is just starting to experience it this year. Initial signs indicate that we will get to grips with it relatively quickly. Certainly, the College has planned for all scenarios and is proving to be agile and resilient in its operations to the benefit of students.

Other than COVID-19, Australia has seen some extreme weather events. The world has witnessed the terrible situation in Ukraine. Financial markets are volatile; inflation is rising, with interest rates expected to follow. The low unemployment rate is great, but even that brings challenges.

Having said all that, Perth is still a pretty good place to be. However, it is a tough time for making business and investment decisions. We are drawing on all the hard-earned experience of the Foundation’s Investment Committee in these circumstances, always with a long-term view.

It is an excellent time for the College to know it has a sound Foundation supporting it.

The Foundation is committed to supporting the College’s aspiration to provide the best education and whole student experience possible while remaining value for money. To that end, the College can confidently proceed with its immediate priority refurbishment and capital works programmes, in line with its master plan and budget, with the support of the Foundation.

Chair of Foundation John Flecker and Chair of Council Mark Paganin visiting the Boat Shed upgrade

In recent years, the Foundation’s support has increased as needs arise, from providing loans supporting essential capital works to financial support for student scholarships and teacher development and funding the Office of Advancement and Philanthropy. However, the Foundation’s eye always remains on the future, focusing on growing funds to enable us to respond to prevailing circumstances. The balance between now and the future is always a key consideration.

Game-changing bequests

The game-changer for most foundations here and overseas comes from receiving bequests. Such philanthropy makes a real difference, and donors can feel secure knowing that the funds will be managed by a safe pair of hands and used appropriately. If you are considering a bequest to offer others the opportunities you may have benefited from, please get in touch with Mel Colling from the Office of Advancement and Philanthropy at philanthropy@scotch.wa.edu.au.

A wonderful example of this powerful generosity is a recent $850,000 bequest from the estate of Harry Weedon (OSC 1958). Such substantial philanthropy can make such a difference in bolstering the Foundation to continue providing the necessary support for the College. All our work is ultimately for the benefit of students, now and into the future.