David Edwards
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle Foundation.
I became aware of The Pinnacle foundation through my work at The Court Hotel. I helped organise a couple of fundraisers with Choon Tan, a member of the Western Australia State Committee. I quickly became very interested in The Pinnacle Foundation and the support that they had been giving to the LGBTIQ+ community. I began asking questions as I had been wanting to go to university for a few years but always felt unsure if I could do it and never had any financial support to do so. I had already been accepted into three courses but turned them all down because I was afraid and didn’t think I would be able to complete them. After speaking to Choon, I discovered that I was eligible for a Pinnacle scholarship, so I decided to apply in 2019. I was shocked and extremely grateful to be accepted, it was the launch pad I needed to get into studying.
What have you gained from being part of the Pinnacle program so far?
I never would have been able to study or had the courage to even try without The Pinnacle Foundation. I have gained the confidence to start learning and enter a place completely outside of my comfort zone. I have learnt so much about myself and I feel like my life has a range of different pathways then before. I do not feel stuck anymore and I am so grateful and lucky to have The Pinnacle Foundation by my side.
What has your experience with your mentor been like?
My mentor Jamie is incredible. Jamie quickly learnt about how I function and understands the areas where I need support. He isn’t overbearing but asks the correct questions and pushes me where I need it. I know that if I need help Jamie is just a phone call away which is exactly what I have need to get through this journey. I feel like I’m part of a team and a family which is not what I was expecting but I am so lucky to have.
What advice would you give to a young person who is thinking about applying for The Pinnacle Foundation Scholarship Program?
DO IT! The Pinnacle Foundation is full of incredible, supportive and smart people, they will treat you with nothing but respect and there is no need to be afraid. Writing an application for a scholarship is scary, especially if you have never written formally before but don’t let this stop you. The Foundation aren’t looking for an essay, they just want to know the facts and how they can help you. This is an experience you don’t want to miss out on and only good can come from it.
Scholar Welcome 2023 – QLD
On 23 March, The Pinnacle Foundation welcomed its incoming and returning scholars in Queensland at…
Profile: Lee Taube (they/them) – Pinnacle alumnus
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
MEDIA RELEASE
Launch of Project Pronoun Only two chief executive officers of Australia’s top 100 ASX-listed companies…
Profile: Han Worsely – Pinnacle alumnus
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Coming out as gay to my parents: Brayden’s story – SBS
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A message from the Governor of Victoria (Patron-in-Chief of The Pinnacle Foundation): Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
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Jennifer Westacott AO, Patron of The Pinnacle Foundation
Jennifer Westacott AO shares her thoughts about the importance of the Pinnacle program.
Scholar Welcome 2022
The Pinnacle Foundation family has welcomed incoming scholarship recipients and their mentors in five states…
The Honourable Justice Thomas Bradley
The Honourable Justice Thomas Bradley shares with us why he decided to become a Pinnacle…
Profile: Audrey Crémer – Pinnacle alumnus
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Mardi Gras 2021
The Pinnacle Foundation participated in our first ever #SydneyMardiGras and what an amazing night it…
Brisbane Pride Festival March 2021
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MEDIA RELEASE
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Scholar Welcome 2023 – Victoria
On the evening of 21st March, The Pinnacle Foundation welcomed its incoming and returning scholars…
Picnic For Pinnacle
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Ben Bjarnesen
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Brisbane Pride Festival 2022
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Scholar Welcome 2023 – WA
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Louise Fisher and Peter Maher
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Beyond the Rainbow
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The Pinnacle Foundation marched proudly (and rather colourfully) in Victoria’s Midsumma Pride March. Scholars, alumni,…
‘Yield!’: Former High Court judge Michael Kirby’s surprising relationship secret
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Nathan Cappelluti
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Out For Australia 30 Under 30 Award
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Cameron Tirendi
BHP | Principal Program Delivery | Global Co-Lead Jasper, LGBTIQ+ ally network | Mental Health…
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Rhian on Studio 10 – Wear It Purple Day 2022
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Lorraine Hall
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Scholar Welcome 2021 – ACT
As we start to emerge, in a COVID-safe way, our scholars, mentors, Committee and Board…
Penny Wilson
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Scholar Welcome 2023 – ACT
The Pinnacle Foundation would like to thank our Gold Partner – Maddocks for their generosity…
Odette Maher
Every year we receive inspiring and outstanding applications from young LGBTIQ+ Australians all around the…
A Country Practice – Dr Jacinta Clark
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IDAHOBIT 2022
Today is #IDAHOBIT, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia & Discrimination Against Intersex People….
Article posted in the Star Observer (August 17, 2020)
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Caitlyn Georgeson
Caitlyn took part in The Pinnacle Foundation’s Scholarship program during 2014-2017 while undertaking a Bachelor…
Isabella (Izzy) Kotasek
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Profile: Anthony Copeland (he/him) – Pinnacle alumnus
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Angel St James
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Alan Joyce AC, Patron of The Pinnacle Foundation
Alan Joyce AC shares his thoughts about the value and impact of the Pinnacle program.
Mardi Gras 2022
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The History of The Pinnacle Foundation
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Midsumma Carnival Day – VIC
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Picnic For Pinnacle 2022
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Picnic For Pinnacle 2023
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Picnic For Pinnacle – SA
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Alastair Lawrie
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Scott Aldred and Zac Hayes
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Her Excellency the Hon Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria
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Mardi Gras & World Pride 2023
Truly a night to remember. The Pinnacle Foundation marched in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian…
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