I joined the Foundation in March and have spent the past three months getting to know the Governors and staff who have generously shared their extensive expertise and knowledge of the Foundation.

I’m excited to work with both groups and contribute meaningfully to the Foundation’s central mission - supporting access to educational opportunities and empowering talented individuals to reach their fullest potential.

This year, we have awarded 76 scholarships to undergraduate students and 6 fellowships to early-career professionals. It was a pleasure to personally welcome our newest cohort of scholarship recipients at the 2023 Scholar Welcome workshop held in April.

The event is one of three online professional development workshops to be held this year as part of the Resilient Leaders Program, a new resource for our GAF community.

The program focuses on personal development, community, and connection and is a wonderful opportunity for our scholars and fellows to network and build skills to navigate personal and professional life.

I encourage you to learn more about the program and its facilitators, Wake by Reach. Save the date for the mid-year event Burn Bright (Don’t Burnout) on Tuesday 1 August 2023.

Throughout this month, Program Manager Mairead Phillips and Communications and Engagement Coordinator Nina Beer have visited several of our partner institutions, including Swinburne University of Technology, University of Wollongong, and Murdoch University, meeting our newest scholars in person and reconnecting with continuing scholars and alumni.

I look forward to joining Mairead and Nina on their travels later in the year and meeting more of our exceptional community of scholars, fellows, and partner institutions. Until then, I wish you all the best with your studies and professional endeavours.

Paul Conroy
CEO