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.

The George Alexander FoundationMr 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.

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, as well as investment in environment and conservation issues.

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

Governors

The George Alexander Foundation is managed from the office of The Ian Potter Foundation and the two Foundations share the same Board of Governors.

Mr Charles Goode AC – Chairman Professor Geoffrey Blainey ACMr Leon Davis AOSir Daryl Dawson AC KBE CBSir James Gobbo AC CVOMr John Gough AO OBE Professor Thomas Healy AO Dr Thomas H. Hurley AO OBEMr Allan Myers AO QC Mr Frank NelsonLady Potter ACDr John Rose AO Professor Graeme Ryan AC

StaffChief Executive OfficerMrs Janet Hirst

FinanceTherese Reidy

Program ManagementCaitriona Fay

CommunicationsAvalee Weir

AdministrationGail LewryMiranda Hartcher-O’Brien

Assistant to the CEOSarah MacNeill

The George Alexander FoundationABN 58 451 731 162Level 3, 111 Collins StreetMelbourne VIC 3000Tel. 03 9650 3188Email admin@gafoundation.org.auwww.gafoundation.org.au

Chairman’s ReportFor this year’s Annual Report, we asked students on scholarships funded by The George Alexander Foundation (GAF), ‘what their scholarship has made possible’ for them. In their responses each student reveals something of the personal challenges they have faced and what it has meant to them to be able to do something that might not otherwise have been possible. I am sure that these stories would have been most gratifying for George.

With the list of GAF Alumni now standing at over 140, the impact of what George Alexander’s legacy has made possible for a growing number of young Australians is becoming increasingly significant. This is also why, in the face of continued economic uncertainty over the last couple of years, we have committed resources to consistently maintain our funding to support these programs. Perhaps not surprisingly, the scholarship students consistently report less stress, better marks, increased enjoyment and in many cases, a sense of camaraderie amongst the GAF Scholars.

Whether they are studying chocolate-making, aviation, nursing or science, there are consistent themes in the reports we receive from students. There is the gratitude that each of the scholars and fellows expresses for the opportunities brought by the support they have received, but alongside that, there’s a clear determination that they will work even harder in order to uphold the faith that has been put in them. This is precisely the type of personal characteristic we look for when awarding the scholarships.

George would have celebrated his 100th birthday later this year so it is particularly poignant that William Owen-Jones, a trusted friend of George’s and now manager of his estate, successfully applied to have the street outside George’s former home in Coomera, on the Queensland Gold Coast, named in his honour.George Alexander Way will now stand as a further lasting tribute to this successful businessman and generous philanthropist.

My thanks to the Chief Executive Officer, Janet Hirst and the Foundation’s staff, whose work managing the program is fundamental to its success.

Charles Goode ACChairman

CEO’s ReportThis year the Foundation has continued to concentrate on developing our Scholarship Program. When GAF Scholars are selected, many factors are taken into account apart from academic ability; including the applicant’s leadership skills, community involvement, financial need and future aspirations.

In accordance with George Alexander’s personal philosophy there is also an expectation that our scholars will continue to make a contribution to their community and society as they progress through life.

Philanthropy plays an important role in making higher education available to as many people as possible and the GAF Scholarship Program, now one of the largest private programs in Australia, is a wonderful example of how philanthropic funds can be used to achieve this goal. This financial year $836,500 has been paid to eight universities across Australia for GAF Scholarships and bursaries. Since the Program commenced in 2002, the Foundation has supported 247 students through GAF Scholarships.

When George was alive, GAF Scholars would write to him about their experiences, their courses, what it meant to receive a scholarship and about their hopes and future aspirations. I now receive those letters and I continue to be inspired by the experiences, the wisdom and the passion of our Scholars for their studies, the future of Australia and the contribution they hope to make. Students often write that the scholarship has removed a financial burden from them and their families, enabling them to be financially independent, have the time to commit to their studies and to achieve their educational goals.

I hope the snapshot of students’ experiences in this Report will give you an insight into the many and varied ways that a GAF Scholarship has enriched their lives and has helped them not just attend university but to make the most of available opportunities and fully participate in university activities.

I would like to thank the Governors of the Foundation for their support and advice, and our staff, in particular, Caitriona Fay who manages the Scholarship Program and our Communications Manager, Avalee Weir.

Janet HirstChief Executive Officer

The George Alexander Foundation Grants Paid 2009–10

Scholarships

Australian Catholic University, VIC The George Alexander Foundation Scholarships Program, Ballarat Campus Part of a commitment of $150,000 over five years 49,000 The George Alexander Foundation Bursary Program, Ballarat CampusPart of a commitment of $30,000 over three years 10,000

Centre for Sustainability Leadership, VIC Future Sustainability Leaders Fellowships 30,000

Charles Darwin University, NT The George Alexander Foundation Scholarships Program 12,000

Charles Sturt University, NSW CSU Inland Education – Scholarships for Rural and Remote Placements Part of a commitment of $380,000 over four years 20,000

Deakin University, VIC The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program 15,000 Access and Equity Scholarships Part of a commitment of $375,000 over eight years 56,000

International Specialised Skills Institute, VIC GAF Fellowship program 20,000

Gordon Institute of TAFE, VIC The George Alexander Foundation Study Support Scholarships Program Part of a commitment of $175,000 over three years 34,000

Griffith University, QLD The George Alexander Foundation Accommodation Scholarships Part of a commitment of $1,230,000 over ten years 180,000

Murdoch University Foundation, WA The George Alexander Foundation Campus Accommodation Rural Scholarship ProgramPart of a commitment of $247,000 over five years 82,500

RMIT University, VIC The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program 13,500 The George Alexander Foundation TAFE & Higher Education Scholarship Program Part of a commitment of $380,000 over four years 221,500

Swinburne University, VIC The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship (For Living Support)Part of a commitment of $450,000 over seven years 93,000 Total Scholarship $ 836,500 Environment & Conservation Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society Pod-Watch, Port Pirie 10,630 Total Environment & Conservation $ 10,630

Total $ 847,130

The George Alexander Foundation 2010 Scholars Honour Roll

Australian Catholic UniversityScholarships each valued at $10,000 paid over two years

Grace Reid Bachelor of NursingSamuel O’Brien Bachelor of Nursing /Bachelor of ParamedicineJames Scott Bachelor of Nursing /Bachelor of Paramedicine Amy McCormick Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)Melissa Barber Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood)Naomi White Bachelor of Nursing /Bachelor of Paramedicine

Deakin UniversityScholarships each valued at $10,000 paid over three years

Max Johns Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of LawsTanith Lucinda Tansy Margetson Bachelor of LawsRachel Phillips Bachelor of NursingAimee-Lauren Isabel McLachlan Bachelor of Electronic EngineeringJohanna Hollyoak Bachelor of LawsArmina Salcinovic Bachelor of Nursing /Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology)Jaye Rogerson Bachelor of Construction ManagementStephanie Cowdery Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communication)Pimsiri Phongpagoi Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences

Gordon Institute of TAFEScholarships each valued at $10,000 paid over two years

Michael Hiorth Certificate III in Electrotechnology (Electrician)Claire Porter Certificate IV in Applied Fashion Design and TechnologyJessica Denny Advanced Diploma in Building Design (Architectural) /Diploma in Business

Griffith UniversityScholarships each valued at $22,500 paid over three years

Sarah Petrasiunas Bachelor of Film and Screen Media ProductionAmelia Stewart Bachelor of Exercise Science (Pre Physio)Tahnee Dowsett Bachelor of Exercise Science (Pre Physio)Stephanie Tomoana Bachelor of AnimationZachary McKeever Bachelor of Photonics and NanoscienceTessa Power Bachelor Education (Secondary)Katherine Connolly Bachelor of Exercise Science (Pre Physio)Stephanie Miller Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Business

The George Alexander Foundation 2010 Scholars Honour Roll

Murdoch UniversityScholarships each valued at $16,500 paid over three years

Courtney Ludwig Bachelor of Veterinary ScienceChloe Roberts Bachelor of Veterinary ScienceCaitlin Reddyhough Bachelor of English /Creative ArtsAbby Telfer Bachelor of Veterinary ScienceEmma Joslin Bachelor of Veterinary Science

RMIT UniversityScholarships each valued at $15,000 paid over two years

Elizabeth Bhaskaran Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical)/Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology)Bethany Hyland Bachelor of Applied Science (Environmental) /Bachelor of Science (Environment)Rachel Nowotnik Bachelor of Arts (International Studies)Siobhan Phillips Bachelor of Medical Radiations (Radiation Therapy)Esther Konings Bachelor of Fine ArtsDean Munro Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management)Amitoze Nandha Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)Stephanie Blyth Bachelor of Health ScienceBlaize Montgomery Bachelor of Applied Science (Physical Education)

Swinburne UniversityScholarships each valued at $18,000 over three years

Andrew Arvier Bachelor of AviationJames Barker Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)Jacob Campbell Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)Michael Sweerts Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) /Bachelor of CommercePhillip Smith Bachelor of Engineering (Robotics and Mechatronics) / Bachelor of Science (Computer Science and Software)

University of South AustraliaScholarships of up to $10,000 paid over four years

Bradley Kahl Bachelor of Engineering

“I had already planned most of my professional trip to Spain, but the Fellowship made me really consider what exactly it was that I wanted to learn, how was I going to learn it and what was I going to do with all the learning,” explains Terri. “Not only did this Fellowship help fund my trip, it made the experience more focused and it inspired me to do the best I could for the industry in Australia.”

“I trained in Barcelona with Chocolatier and Pastry chef Oriol Balaguer for three months, training in chocolate and pastry. I also traveled throughout Europe to witness their chocolate culture, some fairs and the World Chocolate Masters competition at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris. I have returned with new skills, knowledge and ideas as well as increased confidence in my skills as a chocolatier and pastry chef. The Fellowship will stand as a highlight in my career, an opportunity that enabled me to enhance my skills can only have a lasting influence.”

Terri is now working as the Head Chocolatier for Kennedy & Wilson Chocolates in the Yarra Valley, runs her own business Fraise Sauvage, and is contemplating further training in Spain and France again in the next two years. Beyond this, she plans to open a patisserie and chocolaterie in Melbourne which will focus on producing organic and fairly-traded chocolates and pastries.

Terri is an accomplished chocolatier and pastry chef, who wanted to bridge the skill and knowledge gaps in the chocolate industry in Australia, with a focus on artisanal chocolate productions. Terri’s acceptance to ISSI provided her with mentors, networks and contacts and helped her to devise an international study tour that gave her access to some of the best chocolatiers in the world. Terri is now focused on sharing these riches with the industry and happily, with consumers too. Terri’s fellowship was valued at $20,000.

Case Study

Terri Mercieca

GAF Fellow 2009International Specialised Skills Institute

Having retired to Queensland, George Alexander later moved from the bustle of Surfers Paradise apartment living to the acreage living of Coomera in the early 1980’s. In the mid-90’s the State Government built a railway station within 800 metres of his property, placing George’s estate in the heart of the proposed new Coomera Town Centre. In the next twenty years it is expected that the area will be transformed from acreage lots to medium to high density housing to accommodate 60,000 people.

As part of the planning process the parties needed to consider how the property would connect into the proposed road networks. The existing road was to be renamed and upgraded to a major four lane arterial linking to the motorway to Brisbane.  On the plans it had been designated as ‘Le Mans Road’ (being the name of the go-kart track on the side of the existing motorway).

A petition signed by members of the local community was put forward to have the road named to acknowledge George Alexander. Once that was approved, there was a choice to be made between George Alexander Way and George Alexander Drive, however we had always joked that as far as George was concerned there were always two ways of doing things, the wrong way and George’s way, so that decision was clear!

The road will eventually form one of the key linkages in Coomera and it will be a great place marker for the future.  Given George’s interest in the area and in education it seems more than coincidence that a new TAFE college is to be opened in the centre of town and to get there the majority of students will take George Alexander Way.

William Owen-Jones

The George Alexander Way