SarahS

Sarah Sandford – Pinnacle alumnus 

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle Foundation. 

    I grew up in and went to school in Dunedin in the South Island of New Zealand. I started my university education at the University of Otago where I studied a Bachelor of Biomedical Science majoring in infection and immunity. I completed my honours at the University of Otago and my project was based on testing new vaccines that had been developed in the field of tuberculosis. I was working as a research assistant in the same laboratory after I finished my honours until I decided that I wanted to complete my Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and that is when I decided to move to Australia. I started my PhD in 2018 which was focused on immune responses in the gut after infection. In 2020, during my PhD studies, I became a Pinnacle scholar, and I was a scholar for two years. Upon completing my PhD I worked in academic research for a short time before moving into the clinical trials industry. I have now moved back to research which I love and am now working as a research scientist at a pharmaceutical company. My team is involved in testing the new drugs that are being developed, in the pre-clinical stage (before they are given to humans).  

    Outside of work, I am part of QueersinScience, to which I was introduced by my Pinnacle Foundation mentor. Sarah, my mentor, is a co-founder of QueersinScience and was in the role of co-chair when I joined. This year I am proud to say that I am the incoming co-chair of the QueersinScience Victorian chapter, so it is a nice full-circle moment.  

    I originally became involved with The Pinnacle Foundation through the recommendation of a friend who was considering applying for a Pinnacle scholarship. I can say that I was drawn to The Pinnacle Foundation scholarship program because I had heard great things about the mentorship component of the program. At the time, I felt like I really needed a mentor and a community as I had no family in Melbourne, was struggling through my PhD and some mental health issues, and I was looking for guidance and advice. 

    What did you gain from being part of the Pinnacle scholarship program? 

    I learnt so much about myself during my time as a Pinnacle scholar. So much of what Pinnacle supported me with was working on my own self-confidence and dealing with anxiety. The Pinnacle Foundation gave me the resources to manage my anxiety which really helped equip me for dealing with many competing priorities in life generally. The financial aspect of the scholarship also made such a difference as I was able to focus more on my studies and not worry so much about the financial strains of studying. The Pinnacle family and community was such a great network to tap into and I have been able to lean on my connections even to this day which has been really beneficial. 

    What was your experience with your mentor like? 

    My mentor Sarah and I got along so well from our first meeting. Very quickly after our first meeting, we were locked down so we had to rethink how we would meet and how we would connect. Conveniently, Sarah and I did not live too far from one another, so we would often walk her dogs at the park and catch up that way which was nice. During these walks we could chat casually about many things. I can honestly say my mentor has given me some of the best advice, and she helped me so much during the time when I was job searching after I completed my PhD. Even though Sarah and I are in very different fields of science, I admire her so much and have learnt so much from her about so many different aspects of my career and life. I am so glad that I was able to become involved with QueersinScience under her mentorship as I have been able to meet other amazing, likeminded members of the LGBTQIA+ community. My mentor really encouraged me to take advantage of the opportunities that presented themselves, some of which I would not have been confident enough to seize prior to her mentorship. This helped me to develop the leadership skills that I now have, and which have served me so well in stepping into different roles within my career. My mentorship is such an important relationship and one that has helped me grow as a person. Sarah and I keep in touch to this day, and that is a testament to the fantastic mentor matching process conducted by Pinnacle. My advice for anyone looking to get the most out of their mentor relationship would be to meet and engage with your mentor regularly, communicate your needs and expectations clearly and make changes if something is not working. I made sure that I was committed to always planning the next session and having a meeting organised for us so that meant this relationship was a priority. 

    What advice would you give to a young person who is thinking about applying for The Pinnacle Foundation scholarship program? 

    [ would strongly encourage you to apply for a Pinnacle Foundation scholarship. I was very hesitant to apply for the scholarship as I thought that there were other people who were more likely to be selected over me, or who were more in need of a scholarship than me, or maybe that I did not need it as much as others, but I am so glad I overcame those thoughts and I applied. This really is a life-changing opportunity and I strongly encourage you to believe in yourself and your journey and apply. 

    Alan Joyce AC, Patron of The Pinnacle Foundation

    Alan Joyce AC shares his thoughts about the value and impact of the Pinnacle program.

    End of Year Fundraiser 2023 – WA

    As we bid farewell to another incredible year, the Western Australian Committee celebrated in style…

    Drag Bingo – Uni of Syd

    A heartfelt thank you to our incredible Pinnacle scholar, Max, for organising a Drag Bingo…

    Dr Glen Lo

    Dr Glen Lo

    What inspired you to become a mentor at The Pinnacle Foundation? My inspiration is to…

    Power of words – King & Wood Mallesons

    Pinnacle Foundation gold partner, King & Wood Mallesons believes that responsible business is everyone’s business,…

    Picnic For Pinnacle – VIC

    Scholars in Victoria gathered with members of the Victorian Committee for a Picnic for Pinnacle,…

    “The art of changing lives”

    A gift made possible by two of South Australia’s most significant arts figures is changing…

    Cameron Tirendi

    BHP | Principal Program Delivery | Global Co-Lead Jasper, LGBTIQ+ ally network | Mental Health…

    Nic Steepe

    Nic Steepe

    Nic’s journey with The Pinnacle Foundation has come full circle – he began as a…

    End of Year Fundraiser 2023 – ACT

    The ACT Committee’s End of Year Cocktail Fundraiser was an absolute blast, filled with joy,…

    Lorraine Hall

    Lorraine Hall

    Lorraine Hall has been a valued mentor at the Pinnacle Foundation for nearly four years,…

    Scholar Welcome 2023 – WA

    On the 25th of March, we welcomed incoming and returning  scholars and their mentors in Western…

    Vale – Geoff Selig

    The Pinnacle Foundation, Australia’s LGBTQIA+ education charity, mourns the tragic passing of Geoff Selig. Geoff…

    Profile: Lee Taube (they/them) – Pinnacle alumnus

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    Scholar Welcome 2024 – QLD

    Last week, The Pinnacle Foundation welcomed its incoming and returning scholars in Queensland at a…

    Scholar Welcome 2025 – NSW

    Thank you to our gold partner Allens for generously hosting another wonderful Scholar Welcome event…

    Nathan Li

    Nathan joined the Pinnacle family in 2012 as one of our scholars and his journey…

    Partners’ Dinner – VIC

    Thank you to our gold partner, King & Wood Mallesons for generously hosting our annual…

    Caitlyn Georgeson

    Caitlyn Georgeson

    Caitlyn took part in The Pinnacle Foundation’s Scholarship program during 2014-2017 while undertaking a Bachelor…

    Picnic For Pinnacle 2023

    Picnic for Pinnacle featured as a Pride Amplified event, part of Sydney WorldPride, and we…

    Picnic For Pinnacle 2022

    Pinnacle co-founders Sean Linkson OAM and Philip Comans hosted their 2022 Picnic for Pinnacle in…

    Odette Maher

    Every year we receive inspiring and outstanding applications from young LGBTIQ+ Australians all around the…

    Rhian Mordaunt

    Rhian Mordaunt

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    Arthur Forrest

    Arthur

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    Tasmania – Winter in Italy Quiz Night

    On 11 August our Tasmanian Committee hosted a Winter in Italy quiz night, generously hosted…

    End of Year Fundraiser 2023 – QLD

    Last week, the QLD Committee hosted a heartwarming End of Year charity fundraiser, weaving together…

    Midsumma Pride Parade 2025

    Joyous day at Midsumma Pride March over the weekend in Melbourne. Thank you to everyone…

    Benjamin Henry

    Ben Henry – Pinnacle alumnus

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    Brenda Appleton

    Trans Day of Visibility

    Trans Day of Visibility is an annual international celebration of transgender pride and awareness, recognising…

    Scholar Welcome 2021 – ACT

    As we start to emerge, in a COVID-safe way, our scholars, mentors, Committee and Board…

    Scholar Welcome 2024 – ACT

    The Pinnacle Foundation’s ACT Committee recently held the 2024 Scholar Welcome event. A special shoutout…

    Benjamin Law

    ‘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…

    Caiti Galwey

    We have just welcomed our new scholars for 2022 and we are so inspired by…

    Bronte Charles

    Bronte Charles

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    rhian

    My worlds are clashing by Rhian Mordaunt

    Pinnacle Foundation scholar, Rhian Mordaunt, recently penned this beautifully written and powerful piece for the…

    The History of The Pinnacle Foundation

    The Pinnacle Foundation’s journey began serendipitously back in October 2005 when Sean Linkson OAM, filling…

    Lili Murtagh

    Lili Murtagh

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    First Nations Voice to Parliament

    As an education charity supporting young LGBTQIA+ Australians to achieve their full potential, The Pinnacle…

    Anu Francis

    Anu Francis

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    rhian

    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…

    Isabella Kotasek

    Isabella (Izzy) Kotasek

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    Nathan Cappelluti Photo

    Nathan Cappelluti

    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…

    End Of Year 2024 – VIC

    Huge thanks to everyone who made it to the Victorian Committee’s end-of-year celebration at Allens…

    James Holland

    James Holland

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    Rose

    Renae Papalexiou

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    Georgie Stone OAM

    Congratulations to Georgie Stone OAM, a Pinnacle Foundation ambassador and alumnus, who was last night…

    Profile: Audrey Crémer – Pinnacle alumnus

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    TasPride 2024

    Over the weekend The Pinnacle Foundation family in Tasmania proudly marched at TasPride. Our Tasmanian…

    Mardi Gras & World Pride 2023

    Truly a night to remember. The Pinnacle Foundation marched in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian…

    Mardi Gras 2022

    If you’re anything like us, reliving the amazing Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Pride…

    Laura Cripps

    August 2019

    Laura Cripps What was it like for you to be part of The Pinnacle Foundation…

    Midsumma Carnival Day – VIC

    The Pinnacle Foundation’s scholars, mentors and volunteer Victorian Committee were at Midsumma Festival’s Carnival. It was…

    Lewis McFarlane

    Lewis McFarlane

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    Partners’ Dinner 2023 – Sydney

    Last night in Sydney, at our annual partners’ dinner, we thanked our corporate and philanthropic…

    Connor Allen

    Connor Allen

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    Scholar Welcome 2024 – VIC

    Recently, the Victorian Committee gathered in Melbourne for a truly special occasion – the annual…

    Julien Grosmaire

    Julien Grosmaire – Pinnacle alumnus

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    End of Year Fundraiser 2023 – VIC

    This week in Melbourne, KPMG set the stage for a heartwarming evening as they hosted…

    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…

    Jacinta Clark

    Jacinta Clark was welcomed into the Pinnacle family in 2018 as one of our scholars….

    Brayden’s Story

    Brayden cannot remember exactly what he put in the note to his mum. It was,…

    Mardi Gras 2021

    The Pinnacle Foundation participated in our first ever #SydneyMardiGras and what an amazing night it…

    Profile: Anthony Copeland (he/him) – Pinnacle alumnus

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    LGBTQIA+ Executive Fellowship

    The inaugural LGBTQIA+ Executive Fellowship, a one-week intensive executive leadership program developed by The University of…

    young men at the beach

    Scott Aldred and Zac Hayes

    Each year at The Pinnacle Foundation we introduce new scholars into our Pinnacle Scholarship Program….

    Georg Tamm

    Georg Tamm

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    Gabin Soosaipillai

    We have just welcomed our new scholars for 2022 and we are so inspired by…

    Scholar Welcome 2023 – ACT

    The Pinnacle Foundation would like to thank our Gold Partner – Maddocks for their generosity…

    End of Year Fundraiser 2023 – NSW

    Last Monday night, the Sydney Committee hosted a spectacular End Of Year Cocktail fundraiserOur incredible…

    Cornerstone Members & Patrons Dinner

    On Tuesday 8 August we held our annual Cornerstone members and patrons dinner. The event,…

    Brisbane Pride Festival 2022

    This year, the Pinnacle Foundation again participated in Brisbane Pride March. Our Queensland committee was…

    Penny Wilson

    Penny Wilson is one of our valued regular donors and has supported The Pinnacle Foundation…

    Midsumma Pride March 2024

    Over the weekend The Pinnacle Foundation’s Victorian Committee joined with scholars, alumni and partner reps…

    young men at the beach

    Article posted in the Star Observer (August 17, 2020)

    Philip Comans graduated in the 1970s when tertiary degrees were free for students in Australia….

    WA Pride 2024

    The Pinnacle Foundation shines bright at WA Pride! The WA committee had an absolute blast…

    The extraordinary joy of being considered ordinary

    South Australian committee member, Simon Royal, wrote a gorgeous article for Indaily, featuring Pinnacle scholar…

    Louise Fisher and Peter Maher

    Louise and Peter have been involved with The Pinnacle Foundation and have generously sponsored the…

    Oliver McGrath

    Oliver McGrath

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    EOFY – NSW

    Our incredible Platinum Partner @mirvac_residential, hosted a fabulous cocktail event to raise funds for The Pinnacle…

    Scholar Welcome 2023 – QLD

    On 23 March, The Pinnacle Foundation welcomed its incoming and returning scholars in Queensland at…

    Murray Gatt

    Murray Gatt

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    Caitlyn Georgeson

    Can you tell us how you became a Pinnacle Foundation board member? I was appointed…

    Melt Festival River Parade 2024

    The Pinnacle Foundation QLD committee participated in the 2024 Melt Festival River Pride Parade over…

    Scholar Welcome 2024 – SA

    Last Thursday night the SA Committee hosted our Scholars Welcome event at the Treasury, generously…

    Out For Australia 30 Under 30 Award

    Congratulations!   We at The Pinnacle Foundation would like to congratulate everyone who has been awarded…

    Brisbane Pride Festival March 2021

    After the uncertainty of the last eighteen months, The Pinnacle Foundation’s Queensland committee seized the…

    IDAHOBIT 2022

    Today is #IDAHOBIT, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia & Discrimination Against Intersex People….

    Beyond the Rainbow

    Watch Devon Esper, Lead Author of WPP’s global research, “Beyond the Rainbow – An investigation…

    The Honourable Justice Thomas Bradley

    The Honourable Justice Thomas Bradley shares with us why he decided to become a Pinnacle…

    A Country Practice – Dr Jacinta Clark

    PREGNANT women in the Limestone Coast will be delivered easier access to specialist care, thanks…

    Andy Tran

    In 2019, The Pinnacle Foundation welcomed Andy Tran as one of our scholars. During his…

    WA Bingo Night 2024

    What a night! Huge thanks to everyone who made the WA Committee’s Bingo Night at…

    David Edwards Photo

    David Edwards

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    Scholar Welcome 2023 – Victoria

    On the evening of 21st March, The Pinnacle Foundation welcomed its incoming and returning scholars…

    ben

    Ben Bjarnesen

    What inspired you to become involved with The Pinnacle Foundation? Growing up I didn’t have…

    End of Year Event 2023 – TAS

    Last Wednesday, the Tasmanian Committee lit up the night at our End of Year event,…

    Angel St. James

    Angel St James

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle Foundation….

    James Holland – Pinnacle alumnus

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    WA Pride March 2023

    The Western Australian Committee stood strong and recently marched at the WA Pride March. With…

    Sujin Jang

    Sujin Jang

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    Dylan Lloyd

    Dylan Lloyd

    I want to share with you some of the ways in which Pinnacle has empowered…

    TasPride 2023

    So great to see the Tasmanian Pinnacle Foundation family out and proud (very colourfully) at…

    Picnic For Pinnacle

    Things are in full swing with Picnic for Pinnacle. Picnics are being hosted by supporters…

    MEDIA RELEASE

    Developments at The Pinnacle Foundation Established in 2007, The Pinnacle Foundation is a national charity…

    Scholar Welcome 2024 – TAS

    Last night the Tasmanian Committee held the 2024 Scholar Welcome Event, graciously hosted by Hydro…

    Mardi Gras Fair Day 2023

    On 19 February our NSW committee had a stand at Mardi Gras Fair Day and…

    Leann Duff – Pinnacle alumnus

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    Partners’ Dinner 2023 – Melbourne

    On Wednesday night, The Pinnacle Foundation, Australia’s LGBTQIA+ education charity, hosted its annual partners’ dinner…

    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 2024 – NSW

    Thank you to our gold partner, Herbert Smith Freehills for generously hosting our end of…

    EOFY – VIC

    Gold Partner L‘Oreal recently hosted the Melbourne committee’s EOFY fundraising cocktail function. This event provided an…

    Midsumma Pride March 2023

    The Pinnacle Foundation marched proudly (and rather colourfully) in Victoria’s Midsumma Pride March. Scholars, alumni,…

    Scholar Welcome 2022

    The Pinnacle Foundation family has welcomed incoming scholarship recipients and their mentors in five states…

    Picnic For Pinnacle – SA

    All across the country, people are getting together in pubs, breweries, restaurants, wineries and at…

    Hannah Worsley

    Hannah Worsley

    Tell us a little about your journey and how you became involved with The Pinnacle…

    Scholar Welcome 2024 – WA

    Our WA Committee recently hosted a Scholar Welcome Event, a night filled with gratitude, warmth,…

    TasPride Parade 2025

    We had an absolute blast marching in the TasPride Parade over the weekend! Our amazing…

    Mardi Gras 2024

    The Pinnacle family proudly danced its way up Oxford Street in the 2024 Mardi Gras…

    Scholar Welcome 2024 – NSW

    On Thursday 7 March the Pinnacle family in NSW welcomed the 2024 NSW Pinnacle Foundation…

    Jennifer Westacott AO, Patron of The Pinnacle Foundation

    Jennifer Westacott AO shares her thoughts about the importance of the Pinnacle program.

    Alastair Lawrie

    Alastair Lawrie has been a valued mentor at The Pinnacle Foundation for the past three…

    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…

    The LGBTQIA+ Executive Fellowship 2024

    The LGBTQIA+ Executive Fellowship, a one-week intensive executive leadership program developed by The University of Sydney…

    Cornerstone members’ dinner 2024

    A Night of Tears, Cheers, and a Million Reasons to Celebrate! Last night was pure…

    MEDIA RELEASE

    Launch of Project Pronoun Only two chief executive officers of Australia’s top 100 ASX-listed companies…

    Midsumma Parade and Melbourne Pride

    The Pinnacle Foundation’s Victorian committee joined this year’s Midsumma Festival Pride March. With a marching…