Penny Wilson
Penny Wilson is one of our valued regular donors and has supported The Pinnacle Foundation for the last few years. Penny understands the impact that regular giving has on organisations such as Pinnacle which rely on the generosity of donors such as herself and has made the commitment to support The Pinnacle Foundation financially on an ongoing basis.
Coming from a family with a humble background to now being a Senior Partner at SHK with a very successful career across the Government and Public Policy space, Penny understands the impact that education can have not only on the individual, but their whole family and community, which means Penny strongly believes in the work that Pinnacle does. Below is some of Penny’s inspiring story:
How did you become involved with The Pinnacle Foundation?
I have had a level of awareness about The Pinnacle Foundation for some years and knew broadly what Pinnacle does. I then met Andrew Staite, Pinnacle’s CEO, as we worked together, and I was amazed at the work that was going on at Pinnacle. I was fascinated by The Pinnacle Foundation Scholarship Program as it was so substantial in nature. I have always had an interest in programs that focus on educational opportunities and creating equity for people, that is very important personally for me and for my family’s story. An organisation that is addressing an issue that is continuing to this day in our society, which is discrimination against people with different identifications and sexual orientations, I knew instantly that Pinnacle was an organisation that I wanted to support and be part of.
Sometimes we might think that discrimination against the LGBTIQ+ community is no longer an issue and this notion is such a misconception as this type of discrimination is still very much real and prevalent in today’s society. I know of my own experience and the experiences of some of my friends and family who have faced discrimination and can attest to the direct impact that this experience can have on an individual’s life. I believe that working towards equality and acceptance is so important and feel that Pinnacle’s work is creating amazing transformations in the lives of young LGBTIQ+ Australians. I decided to donate to Pinnacle regularly on behalf of myself and my family, to do my part in assisting Pinnacle to reach their goal of supporting young LGBTIQ+ Australians in finding their path through education and with a community of people who back them and believe in them.
What inspired you to become one of our regular donors?
I have familiarity with the way support organisations work and their funding streams. Whilst I am not able to be an incredibly large donor, I am in the privileged position of being able to be a regular donor. During Covid I had a clearer realization that it is just so hard for young people to overcome challenges and thrive when faced with insecure work situations, barriers to accessing education and support, as well as facing disconnection and isolation. It struck me that for the young people that Pinnacle supports, these challenges are often their normal day to day lives, and by donating regularly I have the opportunity to make a small difference in the lives of vulnerable young LGBTIQ+ people.
Education is so important to me as it saved my family; my family’s rise from what economists may call the ‘urban poor working class’ came through my father’s scholarships to university – and that changed the trajectory of my family’s future. I know the value of education and mentorship, as I have been a mentee and a mentor. I am an informal mentor for Pinnacle also, which I find very rewarding. I can honestly say that I believe in Pinnacle’s mission and think that Pinnacle is an amazing organisation.
Why did you choose to support The Pinnacle Foundation as a regular donor?
I have two teenage children who have challenges, so they are not ‘typical’ whatever that means. My daughter, who is in Year 12 in Victoria (VCE) was diagnosed in her teens with particular conditions that impact her connection with the world and how she identifies with people. She is very bright and very artistic but struggles at times. Part of that is working out her own orientation, which is a journey. It has been a struggle for my son, who is very intelligent but with his set of challenges finds it difficult to navigate the school system, and we have had to make changes which has been stressful- and we have a stable and loving home situation and I know how to navigate systems. My hope is that people want to support my children, understand them, accept them and reach out to them. So, I want to do anything I can to support young people who may not have this support.
I come from an accepting wider family, on my mother’s side, a very big family, they lived in the outlying regions and country and had small working farms, as well as in suburban Melbourne. In a lot of ways my mother’s family probably carried the typical prejudices and assumptions of many Australians at the time, but what they were not was prejudiced towards the LGBTIQ+ community. Because of the acceptance that my family showed, it was not until my mid-teens that I realised that there was discrimination against the LGBTIQ+ community at all.
I had friends who had harrowing experiences of discrimination and abuse as a result of their sexual preferences and orientation, particularly when I moved from Brisbane to Melbourne at a young age. I was in the youth theatre scene and I had older friends from acting, several of whom had the awful stories of being evicted or attacked (mentally and physically) by family as a result of coming out. The result was often extreme poverty, homelessness, physical and verbal abuse due to being queer, mental health issues, as well as drug and substance abuse, all due to having to navigate being queer in a hostile family environment. Once you are in that situation it is very difficult to access education and support services. In my peer group, I saw the impacts of this type of discrimination on people’s lives and the long-term effects these experiences can have on people. An organisation, like The Pinnacle Foundation, that addresses these issues directly is of great interest to me and one that I believe in and support.
What message would you like to share with the scholars who have gained from your contribution?
I would like to say that I admire the young LGBTIQ+ people that are a part of the Pinnacle program. I admire their resilience and their focus on making the most of their lives no matter what. I hope, and they should know, that they are respected and valued and loved by people broadly across the community. I would also say that the struggles that they have faced and dealt with can stand them in good stead later in life. These challenges will not be something that destroys them, it will be something that helps them to build a successful life.
We invite you to help us provide scholarships to outstanding LGBTIQ+ young Australians. Please visit our donations page: https://thepinnaclefoundation.org/donate/donate-now/.
Ben Henry – Pinnacle alumnus
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
My worlds are clashing by Rhian Mordaunt
Pinnacle Foundation scholar, Rhian Mordaunt, recently penned this beautifully written and powerful piece for the…
The Honourable Justice Thomas Bradley
The Honourable Justice Thomas Bradley shares with us why he decided to become a Pinnacle…
End of Year Event 2023 – TAS
Last Wednesday, the Tasmanian Committee lit up the night at our End of Year event,…
LGBTQIA+ Executive Fellowship
The inaugural LGBTQIA+ Executive Fellowship, a one-week intensive executive leadership program developed by The University of…
Her Excellency the Hon Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria
Pinnacle Foundation Patron-in-Chief, Her Excellency the Hon Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria, hosted a…
MEDIA RELEASE
Launch of Project Pronoun Only two chief executive officers of Australia’s top 100 ASX-listed companies…
TasPride 2023
So great to see the Tasmanian Pinnacle Foundation family out and proud (very colourfully) at…
Scholar Welcome 2023 – QLD
On 23 March, The Pinnacle Foundation welcomed its incoming and returning scholars in Queensland at…
Cornerstone Members & Patrons Dinner
On Tuesday 8 August we held our annual Cornerstone members and patrons dinner. The event,…
End of Year Fundraiser 2023 – NSW
Last Monday night, the Sydney Committee hosted a spectacular End Of Year Cocktail fundraiserOur incredible…
Partners’ Dinner – VIC
Thank you to our gold partner, King & Wood Mallesons for generously hosting our annual…
Scholar Welcome 2024 – VIC
Recently, the Victorian Committee gathered in Melbourne for a truly special occasion – the annual…
Isabella (Izzy) Kotasek
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
Scholar Welcome 2023 – WA
On the 25th of March, we welcomed incoming and returning scholars and their mentors in Western…
First Nations Voice to Parliament
As an education charity supporting young LGBTQIA+ Australians to achieve their full potential, The Pinnacle…
End of Year Fundraiser 2023 – VIC
This week in Melbourne, KPMG set the stage for a heartwarming evening as they hosted…
The LGBTQIA+ Executive Fellowship 2024
The LGBTQIA+ Executive Fellowship, a one-week intensive executive leadership program developed by The University of Sydney…
Picnic For Pinnacle 2022
Pinnacle co-founders Sean Linkson OAM and Philip Comans hosted their 2022 Picnic for Pinnacle in…
TasPride 2024
Over the weekend The Pinnacle Foundation family in Tasmania proudly marched at TasPride. Our Tasmanian…
James Holland – Pinnacle alumnus
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
Profile: Han Worsely – Pinnacle alumnus
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
Angel St James
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle Foundation….
Beyond the Rainbow
Watch Devon Esper, Lead Author of WPP’s global research, “Beyond the Rainbow – An investigation…
Brisbane Pride Festival 2022
This year, the Pinnacle Foundation again participated in Brisbane Pride March. Our Queensland committee was…
Odette Maher
Every year we receive inspiring and outstanding applications from young LGBTIQ+ Australians all around the…
Mardi Gras & World Pride 2023
Truly a night to remember. The Pinnacle Foundation marched in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian…
Vale – Geoff Selig
The Pinnacle Foundation, Australia’s LGBTQIA+ education charity, mourns the tragic passing of Geoff Selig. Geoff…
Cornerstone members’ dinner 2024
A Night of Tears, Cheers, and a Million Reasons to Celebrate! Last night was pure…
Profile: Audrey Crémer – Pinnacle alumnus
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
Julien Grosmaire – Pinnacle alumnus
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
Drag Bingo – Uni of Syd
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Pinnacle scholar, Max, for organising a Drag Bingo…
Cameron Tirendi
BHP | Principal Program Delivery | Global Co-Lead Jasper, LGBTIQ+ ally network | Mental Health…
Scholar Welcome 2024 – WA
Our WA Committee recently hosted a Scholar Welcome Event, a night filled with gratitude, warmth,…
Picnic For Pinnacle – VIC
Scholars in Victoria gathered with members of the Victorian Committee for a Picnic for Pinnacle,…
Nathan Cappelluti
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
Scholar Welcome 2023 – ACT
The Pinnacle Foundation would like to thank our Gold Partner – Maddocks for their generosity…
Coming out as gay to my parents: Brayden’s story – SBS
Brayden wrote a note to his mum, walked away and started to cry Noongar man…
Partners’ Dinner 2023 – Sydney
Last night in Sydney, at our annual partners’ dinner, we thanked our corporate and philanthropic…
Scott Aldred and Zac Hayes
Each year at The Pinnacle Foundation we introduce new scholars into our Pinnacle Scholarship Program….
Midsumma Pride March 2024
Over the weekend The Pinnacle Foundation’s Victorian Committee joined with scholars, alumni and partner reps…
WA Pride March 2023
The Western Australian Committee stood strong and recently marched at the WA Pride March. With…
Midsumma Pride March 2023
The Pinnacle Foundation marched proudly (and rather colourfully) in Victoria’s Midsumma Pride March. Scholars, alumni,…
“The art of changing lives”
A gift made possible by two of South Australia’s most significant arts figures is changing…
The History of The Pinnacle Foundation
The Pinnacle Foundation’s journey began serendipitously back in October 2005 when Sean Linkson OAM, filling…
Article posted in the Star Observer (August 17, 2020)
Philip Comans graduated in the 1970s when tertiary degrees were free for students in Australia….
Trans Day of Visibility
Trans Day of Visibility is an annual international celebration of transgender pride and awareness, recognising…
Picnic For Pinnacle – SA
All across the country, people are getting together in pubs, breweries, restaurants, wineries and at…
Scholar Welcome 2024 – QLD
Last week, The Pinnacle Foundation welcomed its incoming and returning scholars in Queensland at a…
Sarah Sandford – Pinnacle alumnus
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
Lorraine Hall
Lorraine Hall has been a valued mentor at the Pinnacle Foundation for nearly four years,…
Scholar Welcome 2024 – ACT
The Pinnacle Foundation’s ACT Committee recently held the 2024 Scholar Welcome event. A special shoutout…
A Country Practice – Dr Jacinta Clark
PREGNANT women in the Limestone Coast will be delivered easier access to specialist care, thanks…
EOFY – VIC
Gold Partner L‘Oreal recently hosted the Melbourne committee’s EOFY fundraising cocktail function. This event provided an…
Georgie Stone OAM
Congratulations to Georgie Stone OAM, a Pinnacle Foundation ambassador and alumnus, who was last night…
IDAHOBIT 2022
Today is #IDAHOBIT, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia & Discrimination Against Intersex People….
Picnic For Pinnacle
Things are in full swing with Picnic for Pinnacle. Picnics are being hosted by supporters…
Tasmania – Winter in Italy Quiz Night
On 11 August our Tasmanian Committee hosted a Winter in Italy quiz night, generously hosted…
Partners’ Dinner 2023 – Melbourne
On Wednesday night, The Pinnacle Foundation, Australia’s LGBTQIA+ education charity, hosted its annual partners’ dinner…
Midsumma Carnival Day – VIC
The Pinnacle Foundation’s scholars, mentors and volunteer Victorian Committee were at Midsumma Festival’s Carnival. It was…
‘Yield!’: Former High Court judge Michael Kirby’s surprising relationship secret
By Benjamin Law (article appearing in Good Weekend ) Each week, Benjamin Law asks public figures to…
End of Year Fundraiser 2023 – QLD
Last week, the QLD Committee hosted a heartwarming End of Year charity fundraiser, weaving together…
Midsumma Parade and Melbourne Pride
The Pinnacle Foundation’s Victorian committee joined this year’s Midsumma Festival Pride March. With a marching…
Mardi Gras 2022
If you’re anything like us, reliving the amazing Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Pride…
Scholar Welcome 2024 – TAS
Last night the Tasmanian Committee held the 2024 Scholar Welcome Event, graciously hosted by Hydro…
MEDIA RELEASE
Developments at The Pinnacle Foundation Established in 2007, The Pinnacle Foundation is a national charity…
Scholar Welcome 2021 – ACT
As we start to emerge, in a COVID-safe way, our scholars, mentors, Committee and Board…
Caitlyn Georgeson
Can you tell us how you became a Pinnacle Foundation board member? I was appointed…
Rhian on Studio 10 – Wear It Purple Day 2022
The Pinnacle Foundation scholar Rhian Mordaunt appeared on Channel 10’s Studio 10 with Sarah Harris…
Mardi Gras 2021
The Pinnacle Foundation participated in our first ever #SydneyMardiGras and what an amazing night it…
Picnic For Pinnacle 2023
Picnic for Pinnacle featured as a Pride Amplified event, part of Sydney WorldPride, and we…
Scholar Welcome 2024 – SA
Last Thursday night the SA Committee hosted our Scholars Welcome event at the Treasury, generously…
Alan Joyce AC, Patron of The Pinnacle Foundation
Alan Joyce AC shares his thoughts about the value and impact of the Pinnacle program.
Alastair Lawrie
Alastair Lawrie has been a valued mentor at The Pinnacle Foundation for the past three…
Profile: Anthony Copeland (he/him) – Pinnacle alumnus
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
Power of words – King & Wood Mallesons
Pinnacle Foundation gold partner, King & Wood Mallesons believes that responsible business is everyone’s business,…
Scholar Welcome 2023 – Victoria
On the evening of 21st March, The Pinnacle Foundation welcomed its incoming and returning scholars…
End of Year Fundraiser 2023 – ACT
The ACT Committee’s End of Year Cocktail Fundraiser was an absolute blast, filled with joy,…
Leann Duff – Pinnacle alumnus
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
Jennifer Westacott AO, Patron of The Pinnacle Foundation
Jennifer Westacott AO shares her thoughts about the importance of the Pinnacle program.
Ben Bjarnesen
What inspired you to become involved with The Pinnacle Foundation? Growing up I didn’t have…
Out For Australia 30 Under 30 Award
Congratulations! We at The Pinnacle Foundation would like to congratulate everyone who has been awarded…
Scholar Welcome 2022
The Pinnacle Foundation family has welcomed incoming scholarship recipients and their mentors in five states…
Brisbane Pride Festival March 2021
After the uncertainty of the last eighteen months, The Pinnacle Foundation’s Queensland committee seized the…
Scholar Welcome 2024 – NSW
On Thursday 7 March the Pinnacle family in NSW welcomed the 2024 NSW Pinnacle Foundation…
A message from the Governor of Victoria (Patron-in-Chief of The Pinnacle Foundation): Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
On behalf of the people of Victoria, I extend my sincere condolences to His Majesty…
End of Year Fundraiser 2023 – WA
As we bid farewell to another incredible year, the Western Australian Committee celebrated in style…
Louise Fisher and Peter Maher
Louise and Peter have been involved with The Pinnacle Foundation and have generously sponsored the…
Profile: Lee Taube (they/them) – Pinnacle alumnus
Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…
The extraordinary joy of being considered ordinary
South Australian committee member, Simon Royal, wrote a gorgeous article for Indaily, featuring Pinnacle scholar…
EOFY – NSW
Our incredible Platinum Partner @mirvac_residential, hosted a fabulous cocktail event to raise funds for The Pinnacle…
Caitlyn Georgeson
Caitlyn took part in The Pinnacle Foundation’s Scholarship program during 2014-2017 while undertaking a Bachelor…