WE HELP LGBTIQ+ YOUTH RECLAIM THEIR PATH

About Us

We are Australia's LGBTIQ+ education charity. We provide educational scholarships, mentoring and opportunities for young LGBTIQ+ Australians to realise their full potential.

The Foundation awards multi-year scholarships nationally to students aged between 18 and 26 for fulltime study at public higher education institutions in Australia to achieve educational or vocational qualifications in any profession, trade or the arts.

Scholarship applications open 1 July and close 31 August with scholarships awarded in December.

Every Pinnacle scholar is carefully matched with a mentor who will typically share the same academic and professional interests, gender identity and sexual orientation. The mentor acts as a role model. They will have trod the scholar’s path – and provide the encouragement, counsel and inspiration to support the scholar’s rounded development and successful completion of their studies.

We rely on the generosity of our individual donors, philanthropic and corporate partners, the passionate contributions of over 190 volunteers, and a fulltime-equivalent staff of less than five, to deliver our program across Australia.

Your support will help to transform the lives of young scholars. The gift of education is one that impacts every aspect of a young person’s life to substantially enhance their future, and the contribution they make to our community.

male student sitting on staircase

What We Do

Founded in 2007, The Pinnacle Foundation is a national charity with deductible gift recipient (DGR) status that provides educational scholarships, mentoring and opportunities for young LGBTIQ+ Australians to reclaim their path and overcome challenges arising from their identity.

attrative young female

Scholarships Awarded

Vincent Pearson

Vincent

Nursing
SA

Ben Nielsen

Ben

Arts (Journalism)
NSW

Lucy Bonanno

Lucy

Medical science
NSW

D’Arcy (he/him)

Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Communication
Domino's Give for Good Scholarship
QLD

Harrison Norris

Harrison

Law/Commerce
QLD

Avery (they/them/he/him)

Bachelor of Science (Mathematics)
The Vitaly Osipov Scholarship
NSW

Gale Chan

Gale

Arts (Sociology)
NSW

Jarred (he/him)

Juris Doctor
The Macquarie Scholarship
VIC

Blair Schuch

Blair

Medicine
The Ros & Diana Coffey Scholarship
QLD

Joel Wilson

Joel

Science
ACT

Dibs Barisic Sprem

Dibs

Arts (Croatian studies)
NSW

Brodie McGee

Brodie

Education
SA

Celia (she/they)

Bachelor of Arts (History)
The John Goldbaum Scholarship
NSW

Kai

Dermal Therapy
The Pinnacle Foundation Scholarship
VIC

Tavonga Nzenza-Grant

Tavonga

Commerce
The Duncan Peerman & Paul Zahra Scholarship
VIC

Kaitlyn Shepherd

Kaitlyn

Intermediate VCAL & Automotive VETis
VIC

Shane (he/him)

Doctor of Medicine
The Alan Joyce AC & Shane Lloyd Scholarship
QLD

Nienna (she/her)

Bachelor of Fine Arts/Bachelor of Psychological Science
Olrem Scholarship
TAS

Sarah Sanford

Sarah

Immunology
The Alan Joyce AC & Shane Lloyd Scholarship
VIC

Harriet Harding

Harriet

Music Composition
NSW

Jayke Clayden

Jayke

International Studies
VIC

Izzy Treacy

Izzy

Law
ACT

Morgan Petrie

Morgan

Communication (Advertising)
VIC

Rory (they/them)

B Laws (Hons) / B Archaelogical Practice
Snow Foundation ACT Scholarship
ACT

Luke Jobson

Luke

Social Sciences & Communications
VIC

William (he/him)

Bachelor of Science (Advanced Astrophysics)
The Maurice Joyce Scholarship
ACT

Eliza (she/her)

Bachelor of Law / Bachelor of Commerce
Commonwealth Bank Scholarship
WA

Yianni Marinos

Yianni

Nursing
VIC

Benjamin Narooz Mcgrory

Benjamin

Arts/Law
The Berg Family Foundation Scholarship
NSW

Ono (they/them)

Bachelor of Law (Hons) / Bachelor of Arts (Gender Studies)
Commonwealth Bank Scholarship
ACT

Murray Gatt

Murray

Arts/Law
The Greg Livingstone Scholarship
NSW

Isobel Blomfield

Isobel

Law
The John Goldbaum Scholarship
NSW

Josh Lavery

Josh

Fashion Design
VIC

Ren (she/her)

Bachelor of Law / Bachelor of Science (Enivromental Biology)
Commonwealth Bank Scholarship
NSW

Ben Nielsen

Ben

Music & Media
NSW

Nikoletta (she/her)

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
The Bank of Melbourne Foundation Scholarship
VIC

Christina (she/her)

Doctor of Medicine
The Peter Brennan AM and Michael Lynch Scholarship
NSW

Jordan Brown

Jordan

Law/Communications
NSW

Mikhayla

Medicine
The Michael Gorman Scholarship
NSW

Ricky Stocker-Johns

Ricky

Medicine
SA

Scott Aldred

Scott

Podiatric Medicine
NSW

Elizabeth (she/they)

Masters of Teaching (Secondary)
The Sir James McNeill Trust Scholarship
NSW

Seosamh

Bachelor of Law
The Tea Uglow Scholarship
VIC

Veronica Mason

Veronica

Arts/Law
NSW

Lauren Sanford

Lauren

Arts
VIC

Arlyn Swain

Arlyn

Science & Economics
NSW

Jaius (he/him)

Bachelor of Science / Commerce (environmental focus)
The Murray J Collins The City Gardener Scholarship
VIC

John (he/him)

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
BHP Scholarship
QLD

Emery Wishart

Emery

Education
Commonwealth Bank Scholarship
WA

Laura Cripps

Laura

Law
VIC

Jessie (she/her)

Doctor of Medicine
The Thrive Scholarship
QLD

Noah

Medicine
The Dr Vinay Kumar Scholarship
VIC

Tynah Pearson

Tynah

Education
VIC

Alice Knichala

Alice

Education
NSW

Melodie (she/her)

Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine
The IVF Australia Scholarship
NSW

Alex Bradford

Alex

Science and Business Management
QLD

Lewis Gentle

Lewis

Commerce
VIC

Xavier (he/him)

Bach Law and Bach Business
The IOOF Foundation Scholarship
VIC

Erik Ly

Erik

VCE
VIC

Max Cooper

Max

Arts
SA

Charli (fae/they/them)

Bachelor of Health Science and Bachelor of Arts
The Andrew Staite Scholarship
VIC

Alicia (she/her)

Bachelor of Communications (Media)
The Sam Smith Scholarship powered by UnLtd
VIC

Max Taylor

Max

HSC
VIC

Dylan Lloyd

Dylan

Law/Criminology
The Harvey Milk Scholarship
NSW

Kai Schweizer

Kai

Arts (Creative Writing)
WA

Sujin Jang

Sujin

Medicine
The Peter Brennan AM & Michael Lynch Scholarship
NSW

Joshua Reilly

Joshua

Teaching
QLD

Leo (he/him)

Bachelor Regional Town Planning
The Tom Snow Scholarship
QLD

Mikalya (she/her)

Bachelor of Engineering
Commonwealth Bank Scholarship
VIC

Georgie Stone

Georgie

Arts
The Clark Walton Scholarship
VIC

Stephanie

Science
Commonwealth Bank Scholarship
QLD

Troy Hewitt

Troy

Geology
NSW

Jesse (he/they)

Bachelor of Architectural Design
The Sydney Community Foundation, Peter Brennan AM & Michael Lynch Fund Scholarship
NSW

Georg Tamm

Georg

PhD Commerce
Commonwealth Bank Scholarship
NSW

Hannah Worsley

Hannah

Education
ACT

Julian (he/they)

Bachelor of Science (Psychology)
The Shelley Argent OAM Scholarship
QLD

Kirsty Herbert

Kirsty

Literary & Cultural Studies (Hons)
WA

Pride Symbol

Olivia (details withheld for privacy)

Computer Science
The AGL Scholarship
VIC

Brock Manson

Brock

Arts
The Pinnacle Foundation Scholarship
VIC

Simon Byrne

Simon

Literacy Skills Development
NSW

Riley (he/him)

Doctor of Medicine
The Duncan Peerman & Paul Zahra Scholarship
NSW

Ruben Blackwood

Ruben

Psychology
QLD

Nicholas Steepe

Nicholas

Social Work
NSW

Ashleigh Scriven

Ashleigh

Medical Radiation Science – Diagnostic Radiography
NSW

Lindsay Stewart

Lindsay

VCE
VIC

Harrison Comino

Harrison

Design
QLD

Connor (he/him)

Juris Doctor
The Maddocks Scholarship
VIC

Harriet Horsfall

Harriet

Law & Criminology
QLD

Katarina (she/her)

Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Development)
The Don Dunstan AC QC Scholarship
SA

Sam (he/him)

Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine
The Dr Vinay Kumar Scholarship
NSW

Arthur Forrest

Arthur

Medical Laboratory Science
The Shelley Argent OAM Scholarship
QLD

Michael (he/him)

Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine
Sir James McNeill Trust Scholarship
VIC

Isabelle (she/her)

Politics, Philosophy, and Economics
Commonwealth Bank Scholarship
VIC

Audrey Cremer

Audrey

Combined Law
NSW

Lili Murtagh

Lili

Teaching
The Reg Holloway Scholarship
QLD

Ainsley Mann

Ainsley

Arts/Science
ACT

Edwina Memic

Edwina

Law
VIC

Zavier (they/them)

Bachelor of Social Work
Olrem Scholarship
WA

Gabriel Olaer

Gabriel

Marketing/Communications
SA

Jay (he/him)

Bachelor of Journalism / Bachelor of Arts (Film & TV Studies)
The Dentsu Scholarship
QLD

Edward (he/they)

Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (Hons)
The King & Wood Mallesons Scholarship
NSW

Michael Sun

Michael

Arts/Law
NSW

Renae Papalexiou

Renae

Teaching
The Bill Chambers Scholarship
QLD

Elliot Rentoul

Elliot

Teaching
QLD

Kyra (she/them)

Bachelor of Nursing
The Qube Scholarship
NSW

Suzie Day

Suzie

Arts
SA

Jacinta Clark

Jacinta

Medicine
SA

Zachary Hayes

Zachary

Financial Planning and Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accountancy
NSW

Cecilia Kavara-Verraro

Cecilia

Arts
VIC

Keiraley

Medical science
Commonwealth Bank Scholarship
NSW

Odette

Engineering (Digital Technology & Design)
The Clark Walton Scholarship
VIC

Lee Taube

Lee

Psychology
VIC

Rhiannon Harris

Rhiannon

High School
TAS

Tyson

Science/Arts
The St. George Foundation Scholarship
QLD

Nathan Watts

Nathan

Education (Secondary)
QLD

Eloise (she/her)

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
The Hydro Tasmania Scholarship
TAS

Bryan Banks

Bryan

Science (Space Science and Astrophysics)
SA

Isobel Connell

Isobel

Psychology & Teaching
NSW

Dylan Lewis

Dylan

Diploma of Alcohol/Mental Health
VIC

Max Cooper

Max

Arts (Advanced)
SA

Valerie Nizette-Wiseman

Valerie

Media and Communications
NSW

Emory (he/they)

Masters in Infromation Technology
The Serco Scholarship
VIC

Nicholas Tarpey

Nicholas

Dental Science
NSW

Leann (she/her/they/them)

Bachelor of Economics (Econometrics) & Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Political Economy)
The Ros and Diana Coffey Scholarship
NSW

Alistair

Media Production, Visual Communication, and Creative Writing
Snow Foundation Scholarship
ACT

Patrick

Medicine
The Olrem Scholarship (3) Jessica Bastow
WA

Leo Sammut

Leo

Science
The Murray J Collins – The City Gardener Scholarship
VIC

Matthew (he/him)

Bachelor of Maths / Science (Agronomy)
Sir James McNeil Trust Scholarship
QLD

Eleanor

Law
The SHK Scholarship
VIC

Morgan Pech

Victor

Design (Furniture)
VIC

Mitchell

Nursing & Behavioual Science
The Australian Marriage Equality Scholarship
QLD

Victoria Knight

Victoria

Arts (History and Cultural Studies)
SA

Tyler Aves

Tyler

Science in Neuroscience and Psychology
NSW

Renee Pope

Renee

Teaching/Arts
SA

Brendon Hori

Brendon

Architecture
NSW

Bronte Charles

Bronte

Political Science
Snow Foundation Scholarship
ACT

Steven Walker

Steven

Social Science
NSW

Isabella Kotasek

Isabella Kotasek

Science
BHP Scholarship
SA

Dineli (she/her)

Doctor of Medicine
The Huseyin Tasdemir Scholarship
QLD

Tilly Houghton

Tilly

Law
VIC

David Edward

David

Media/Marketing/Teaching
BHP Scholarship
WA

Thomas Drake-Brockman

Thomas Drake-Brockman

Medicine
Commonwealth Bank Scholarship
WA

Neville Fields

Neville

Medicine
SA

Natasha (she/her)

Bachelor of Secondary Education
BHP Scholarship
WA

Daniel Wang

Daniel

Science (Advanced) (Hons)
ACT

Bailey (he/him)

Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Bioscience
The Mike Gordon Scholarship (1)
VIC

Stefan Boyd

Stefan

Information Systems
VIC

Jack Metcalfe

Jack

Science
WA

Ben (he/him)

Bachelor of Business Law and Economics and Juris Doctor
The Yarranabbe Scholarship
WA

Andy Tran

Andy

Chemical Engineering
The Duncan Peerman & Paul Zahra Scholarship
SA

Taryn Dorrough

Taryn

Science/Engineering (Hons) (Telecommunications)
NSW

Dylan

Bachelor of Arts majoring in Indigenous Studies and Politics
The Bibbulmun Fund Scholarship
NSW

Julien Grosmaire

Julien

Veterinary Science
The QBE Scholarship
NSW

Tamika Dartnell-Moore

Tamika

Arts
NSW

Dean Mrotzek

Dean

Science
Commonwealth Bank Scholarship
NSW

M’Keely Armstrong

M’Keely

Paramedicine
The Maurice Joyce Scholarship
QLD

Oliver Robertson

Oliver

VCE
VIC

Lara Tonkin

Lara

Arts/Applied Science (Hons)
NSW

Harry Koelyn

Harry

Science and Global Studies
VIC

Hamil

Science / Advanced Studies (Animal and Veterinary Bioscience / Gender Studies)
The Peter Brennan AM & Michael Lynch Scholarship (No.2)
NSW

Jack Townsend

Jack

Law
VIC

Harry (he/him)

Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Law
The WPP Scholarship
NSW

Ollie (he/they)

Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Arts
The Iris Scholarship
VIC

Wesley

Arts
The SHK Asia Pacific Scholarship
VIC

Salv (he/him)

Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Law
The Geoffrey Smith & Gary Singer Scholarship
NSW

Connor Allen

Connor Allen

Medicine
The Brian Terrence Reilly Scholarship
VIC

Freja (she/her)

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
The Olrem Scholarship (2)
WA

Laura Partington

Laura

Social Sciences (Youth Work)
VIC

James Holland

James

Arts/Law
Commonwealth Bank Scholarship
VIC

Axel-Nathaniel Rose

Axel

Arts
NSW

Anu Francis

Anu

Education (Secondary & Special Education)
The Pippa Downes Scholarship
SA

Gabin (he/him)

Medicine
The Alan Joyce AC & Shane Lloyd Scholarship
VIC

Anna

Law
The Bill Chambers Scholarship
WA

Logan Ward

Logan

Psychology
WA

Rachel (she/they)

Bachelor of Social Work
The Berg Family Foundation Scholarship
VIC

Lewis McFarlane

Lewis

PhD Science
The James Collins & Tony Nelson Scholarship
SA

Cody Luke

Cody

Creative Arts
NSW

Benjamin Henry

Benjamin

Law
The SHK Scholarship
VIC

Hayden

Philosophy
The Tea Uglow Scholarship
NSW

Angel St. James

Angel

Arts
The Clark Walton Scholarship
VIC

Mat Russo

Mat

Education (Primary)
NSW

Nathan Fullbrook

Nathan

Diploma of Commerce
NSW

Morgan Pech

Victor

Clinical Science (Osteopathy)
VIC

Shae Maree Nicholson

Shae

Science and Arts, Majoring in Psychology
ACT

Nic Wright

Nic

Science (Psychology & Criminology)
QLD

Alex (he/him)

Bachelor of Arts
The Pinnacle Foundation Scholarship
VIC

Wade Goldwyer

Wade

Arts (Archaeology)
WA

Arne

Law
The Allan Howard Scholarship
NT

Caitlin Frost

Caitlin

Cert IV Youth Work
VIC

Michelle Slattery

Michelle

Social Science
VIC

Shania (she/they)

Masters of Sexology
Olrem Scholarship
WA

Jake Quilligan

Jake

Nursing and Paramedics
VIC

Caiti (she/they)

Juris Doctor
The Yarranabbe Foundation Scholarship
VIC

Anthony Copeland

Anthony

Medicine
The John Goldbaum Scholarship
WA

Andrew (he/him)

Bachelor of Journalism/Bachelor of Media and Communications
Bill Chambers Scholarship No. 2
NSW

Ethan

Bachelor of Social Work
The Lewis Foundation Scholarship
QLD

Nathan Cappelluti

Nathan

Medicine
The Tom Snow Scholarship
SA

Tamasyn Carman

Tamasyn

Physiotherapy
QLD

William (he/him)

Juris Doctor
The Thrive Scholarship
WA

Nathan Li

Nathan

Arts/Law
NSW

Brandon Saputra

Brandon

Commerce
NSW

Chase

Biomedical Science
Commonwealth Bank Scholarship
VIC

Curtis

Law
The Allens Scholarship
VIC

Oliver McGrath

Oliver

Medicine
QLD

Angel St James

Angel

Arts
VIC

Emmanuel (he/him)

Juris Doctor
The Justin D'Agostino MH & KC Yeo Scholarship
VIC

Richelle Osborne

Richelle

Nursing
VIC

Darby Savage

Darby

Arts/Business
VIC

Judd (he/him)

Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (International Relations)
Olrem Scholarship
WA

Dominic (he/they)

Bachelor of Science (Hons) and Bachelor of Arts (Linguistics)
The Mike Gordon Scholarship (2)
NSW

Lachlan (he/him)

Juris Doctor
The IFM Investors Scholarship
VIC

Kat Reed

Kat

Psychology
ACT

Theo (he/them)

Doctor of Medicine
The HCF Scholarship
NSW

Kay (he/she/they)

Bachelor of Arts
The Sidney Myer Fund Scholarship
VIC

Sam Kroon

Sam

Microbiology
NSW

Caleb Nichols-Mansell

Caleb

Certificate of Business
TAS

Nick (they/them)

Bachelor of Youth Work
The City of Melbourne Scholarship
VIC

Angela (she/her)

Bachelor of Arts (Sociology and Political Science)
The Dr Craig White and Rod Anderson Tasmanian Scholarship
SA

Katie (she/her)

Doctor of Medicine
The Iris Scholarship
NSW

Stephanie

Politics/ Philosophy/ Economics
The Accenture Scholarship
SA

Reece Rowe

Reece

Arts (Music)
VIC

Patrick Eid

Patrick

Clinical Counselling
NSW

Maddy (they/them)

Bachelor of Communications (Media)
The Darryl Wild Scholarship
VIC

Caitlyn Georgeson

Caitlyn

Arts/Law
SA

Charlie Jackson-Martin

Charlie

Arts
NSW

Elyse Wilson

Elyse

Medicine
The Dr Craig White & Rod Anderson Scholarship
TAS

Ollie (he/him)

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
Thrive Scholarship
QLD

Eric Gonzalez

Eric

Arts/Law
The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG Scholarship
NSW

Alex Zerna

Alex

Arts (International Community Development)
VIC

Cai Langfordjpg

Cai

Arts
SA

Charlotte

Bachelor of Environment and Sustainability & Bachelor of International Relations
BHP Scholarship
ACT

Brayden (he/him)

Bachelor of Sports Science
The Bibbulmun Fund Scholarship
WA

Annelise Rashoo

Annelise

VCE
VIC

Shannon (he/they)

Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
The Allan Howard Scholarship
ACT

Alejandro (he/him)

Bachelor of Arts (Psychology)
The Harvey Milk Scholarship
VIC

Abigail Sutherland

Abigail

Music
The Frank Ford AM & Sam Harvey Scholarship
SA

Damian Maher

Damian

Arts (Honours)/Economics
QLD

Jayde

Medicine
The Harvey Milk Scholarship
QLD

Gabby (they/them)

Bachelor of Science (Nursing)
The Thrive Scholarship
WA

Jen Chen

Jen

Law/Commerce
NSW

Kalani (he/him)

Bachelor of Biomedicine
The AGL Scholarship
VIC

Jan (he/him/his)

Doctor of Medicine
The Selig Family Scholarship
QLD

Jordan (they/them)

Bachelor of Advance Science (Astrophysics)
The Olrem Scholarship
WA

Annika

Laws (Honours) / International Security Studies
The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG Scholarship
ACT

Tanisha Devene

Tanisha

HSC
QLD

Mat (they/them)

Bachelor of Music Theatre
The Reg Holloway Scholarship
SA

Ashton Brenton

Ashton

Ecology
NSW

Details withheld for privacy

Master of Social Work
Commonwealth Bank Scholarship
NSW

Estelle

Arts
WA

Sam (he/him)

Bachelor of Law(Hons)/ Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology).
The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG Scholarship
NSW

Darcy (he/him)

Bachelor of Science (Medical, Molecular, and Forensic)
BHP Scholarship
WA

Rhian Mordaunt

Rhian

Arts/Law
NSW

0%

of scholars and alumni would recommend The Pinnacle Foundation program

0%

feel academically supported

Our Values

Embrace learning

Creating opportunities, new horizons and joy through learning

Sense of belonging

Supporting each other, being part of a community, “giving back” and having fun

Will to transform

Changing lives by having a go, challenging boundaries, being courageous and celebrating success

student hands crossed

WHY WE EXIST

There is a common misconception that since Australia achieved marriage equality, life for young LGBTIQ+ people became much easier. For some that may be true, but not for many.

National LGBTIQ+ Health Alliance research tells us that young adults in the LGBTIQ+ community are still between five and 11 times more likely to attempt self-harm or experience psychological distress directly related to experiences of stigma, prejudice, discrimination, bullying or abuse.

We also understand from research conducted by the Mitchell Institute in 2017 that low self-esteem, family disruption and severe peer victimisation are critical factors that make it difficult for young people to complete their education – both at great personal cost, and also at great cost to our wider society.

And it is here where The Pinnacle Foundation fits.

Many of the young LGBTIQ+ people that Pinnacle supports have grown up in environments where they have been rejected because of who they are and how they identify. Many have experienced bullying, discrimination and abuse.

We know that gaining an education can significantly change life for the better. Education increases our options; it enriches us and empowers us – it helps us to expand our life choices.