Accenture

accenture logo

Accenture in Australia brings innovation to improve the way Australia lives, works, plays, protects and grows. Accenture is committed to ensuring an inclusive environment for all employees regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Accenture announced its multi-year support for The Pinnacle Foundation in 2020. The Accenture Scholarship is awarded to a student studying…

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Adam Lees (he/him)

Non-Executive Director; Member of the People, Remuneration & Nominations Committee BA (Griffith University, Grad Dip (Monash University) Adam Lees has over 20 years of experience in the mining and energy sector working in senior leadership roles. Adam commenced his career as a graduate with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade in 1994; he…

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AGL

agl logo

AGL operates the country’s largest electricity generation portfolio and is the largest ASX-listed investor in renewable energy. It is committed to LGBTQIA+ inclusion. AGL announced its multi-year support of The Pinnacle Foundation in 2019. The AGL Scholarship is open to all scholarship applicants.

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Alan Joyce AC

Alan Joyce

Alan was Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of the Qantas Group from 2008 until 2023. He previously served as founding CEO of Jetstar for five years from 2003, establishing its operations in Australia and Asia. Prior to his appointment at Jetstar, Alan spent over 15 years in key positions at Qantas, Ansett and Aer…

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Allens

Allens is a leading international law firm with a long and proud heritage of shaping the future for its clients, people and the communities in which the firm works. Allens announced its multi-year support for The Pinnacle Foundation in 2020. The Allens Scholarship is awarded to a student studying law.

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Andrew Housden

Andrew Housden

Member, Investment Committee Andrew joined The Pinnacle Foundation in March 2018 as the Chief Financial Officer and at the beginning of 2020 became the NSW Committee Chair. Andrew is also a member of the Investment Committee and Partnerships Committee. Andrew is the Chief Financial Officer of Tibra Capital, and has previously held senior finance roles…

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Andrew Staite (he/him)

Andrew Staite

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer BA & LLB (The University of Melbourne)    Andrew is managing director & chief executive officer of The Pinnacle Foundation. He is also non-executive chair of executive search and outplacement firm, SHK.    After completing law and arts degrees at The University of Melbourne, and being admitted to practice,…

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Anne Nixon (she/her)

A Nixon

South Australian Committee Chair Anne has many years of experience managing services, projects, programs and people and in the development and implementation of health and community service delivery. She has had a diverse career, working internationally in women’s and reproductive health, Aboriginal health, and in primary health care – as a clinician, educator and researcher…

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Annette Mullen

Annette

Member, Investment Committee Annette Mullen was appointed as a member of the Investment Committee in April 2017. Annette is an Adjunct Professor with the Discipline of Finance at the University of Sydney and is involved in the development and teaching of the Finance capstone unit. Annette is also an independent director of Greyhound Racing NSW…

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Annie Johnston

AJ

Western Australian Committee Chair Annie has an extensive background in the banking and finance sector, having worked in the industry for the past 25 years. Annie has been with the Commonwealth Bank for ten years. She leads the Local Government Banking Group across Western Australia. Annie joined Pinnacle’s Western Australian Committee in June 2017 and…

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Bank of Melbourne Foundation

The Bank of Melbourne Foundation supports local charities and programs that deliver sustainable benefits to Victorian communities. The Bank of Melbourne Foundation Scholarship is open to all eligible Victorian scholarship applicants.

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Ben Henry (he/him)

Ben Henry

Volunteer Company Secretary JD (The University of Melbourne), BA (The University of Melbourne) Ben is a risk and compliance specialist with extensive experience working with major financial services institutions, including superannuation funds, banks, investment managers, and insurers. Ben has worked as a lawyer with MinterEllison and in Deloitte’s Financial Services Risk Advisory practice. Ben is…

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Benjamin Law

Benjamin Law

Benjamin Law is the author of the memoir The Family Law (2010), the travel book Gaysia: Adventures in the Queer East (2012) and the Quarterly Essay Moral Panic 101 (2017). He is the editor of the anthology Growing Up Queer in Australia (2019) and creator and co-writer of three seasons of the award-winning SBS TV…

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BHP

bhp logo

BHP announced its multi-year support for The Pinnacle Foundation in 2019, and expanded this further in 2022. Inclusion and diversity at BHP promotes safety, productivity and wellbeing of its workforce and underpins its ability to attract new employees. BHP funds six named scholarships across Australia.

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Bibbulmun Fund

bibbulmun fund logo

The Bibbulmun Fund aims to open new possibilites for Aboriginal enterprise and foster entrepreneurial leadership. It supports regionally relevant initiatives that facilitate positive impact throughout Aboriginal Australia. The Bibbulmun Fund is held in trust by the Fremantle Foundation. The Bibbulmun Fund Scholarship is awarded to a student from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background.

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Blundstone

Blundstone boots are worn and loved around the world by people young and old for work and play. Family-owned and headquartered in Tasmania, Blundstone enables people to walk life their way. Blundstone has been a proud partner of The Pinnacle Foundation partner since 2021. The Blundstone Scholarship is open to all scholarship applicants.

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Bob Brown & Paul Thomas

Bob Brown

Robert James “Bob” Brown is an Australian former politician, medical doctor, and environmentalist who is a former Senator, and former Parliamentary Leader of the Australian Greens. Brown was elected to the Australian Senate on the Tasmanian Greens ticket, joining with sitting Greens Western Australia senator Dee Margetts to form the first group of Australian Greens…

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Brenda Appleton OAM

Brenda Appleton

Brenda retired in 2009 after 35 years working in the corporate sector and is heavily involved volunteering with a wide range of community groups, including the LGBTIQ+ communities in Melbourne (for more than 20 years). Brenda was the chair of Transgender Victoria until 2021, and stepped down in 2019, after two terms, as the co-chair…

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Caitlyn Georgeson (she/her)

Non-Executive Director; Member of the Audit & Risk Committee  LLM (The University of Melbourne), LLB Hons I & BA (The University of Adelaide)    Caitlyn is a senior legal officer in the Office of International Law at the Attorney-General’s Department. Previously, Caitlyn worked on a range of business and human rights, modern slavery, employment, and…

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City of Melbourne

The City of Melbourne ​has a vision of Melbourne as a City of Possibility, where the world meets and extraordinary happens. Through its Social Partnerships Program, it promotes community connection, social inclusion, access and participation. The City of Melbourne Scholarship is open to scholarship applicants who reside in the City of Melbourne or study at a…

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Claire Spencer AM (she/her)

Claire Spencer

Chair of the Board of Directors; Member People, Remuneration & Nominations Committee; Member Audit & Risk Committee During her first five years as CEO of Arts Centre Melbourne, Claire steered the organisation toward financial stability, securing work for thousands of artists, technical crews and arts workers as the four indoor venues, iconic outdoor Sidney Myer…

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Commonwealth Bank of Australia

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia is a proud and long-standing partner of The Pinnacle Foundation. The Commonwealth Bank supports a broad range of activities that bring long term benefits to all Australians. The Commonwealth Bank Scholarships are awarded across every state/territory and are open to scholarship applicants broadly studying in the fields relevant to banking…

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Courtney Dolphin (she/they)

South Australian Committee Chair Originating from the rural towns of Roxby Downs and Port Augusta, Courtney understands the importance and value of higher education, and acknowledges the challenges that can arise for young LGBTIQ+ people undertaking further study. Having previously held various positions on the University of South Australia Law Students’ Association, Courtney wanted to…

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Cubico Sustainable Investments

Cubico Sustainable Investments is one of the world’s leading renewable energy infrastructure companies. Cubico strongly believes that everyone has a role to play in being actively curious, open-minded and respectful, with diversity taking pride of place as the first of its six corporate values. Cubico announced its multi-year support for The Pinnacle Foundation in 2023. The Cubico…

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Dan Bourchier

Dan Bourchier is an award-winning multi-platform broadcaster with the ABC, accomplished company director and non-executive director, and in-demand public speaker and event MC and facilitator.   Dan anchors ABC Canberra’s flagship 7pm news, and regularly hosts national programming, including The Drum, the ABC’s Weekend Breakfast, News Channel programming, and appears on Insiders and across ABC Radio. He is a…

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Daniel Kowalski OAM

Daniel Kowalski

Daniel Kowalski is an Australian former middle and long-distance swimmer specialising in freestyle events. He competed in the Olympic Games in 200-, 400- and 1,500-metre individual freestyle events and in the 4×200-metre freestyle relay. At the 1996 Summer Olympics, he was the first man in 92 years to earn medals in all of the 200-,…

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Darren Donnelly (he/him)

Darren Donnelly

Volunteer Chief Information Officer Darren has been creating innovative technologies and managing software development teams in the digital space for the last two decades; working for highly successful start-ups and dotcoms such as the REA Group and SEEK. His most recent role has been as Head of Product Delivery for Containerchain, a provider of SAAS…

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David Walsh (he/him)

Volunteer Psychologist – Scholarship Selection David is a registered psychologist and has worked as a research psychologist in the School of Community Medicine at the University of NSW and for many years was a consultant in the area of organisational psychology. In his current role David is a senior executive in the NSW Government. David’s…

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Dentsu

Dentsu partners with brands to achieve meaningful progress as a force for growth and good. It is committed to long-term sustainable change in society and creating a culture of fairness, equity and equality for all. Dentsu announced its multi-year support for The Pinnacle Foundation in 2022. The Dentsu Scholarship is awarded to scholarship applicants studying…

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Dominique van den Berg (she/her)

Non-Executive Director; Member of the Investment Committee BCom (University of South Africa), MBA (Warwick university), GAICD Dominique has been in the energy sector for more than 20 years. She started her career in the UK and together with her partner, have lived and worked in Kazakhstan, Singapore and Australia. Dom has held senior leadership roles…

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Domino’s Minds & Meals

Domino’s Minds & Meals supports youth mental health. Young LGBTQIA+ Australians attempt self-harm and experience psychological distress at extremely high rates directly related to experiences of stigma, prejudice, discrimination, bullying and abuse. Domino’s Minds & Meals is proud to help educate and support young LGBTQIA+ Australians to overcome challenges arising from how they identify and…

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Dr Cassandra Goldie AO

Non-Executive Director; Member Investment Committee Dr Cassandra Goldie is CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service, the national peak body for the community sector, and an advocate for tackling poverty and inequality. She has public policy expertise in economic and social issues, civil society, social justice and human rights and is a regular media…

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Dr Craig White (he/him)

Craig White

Non-Executive Director; Member of the People, Remuneration & Nominations Committee MBBS (The University of Melbourne), MBus (Swinburne University), GAICD, MAICG     Craig personally experienced the uplifting experience of education. As a teenager, growing up in a small country town, he was sure ‘there must be more to the world’. A scholarship was the beginning of…

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Dr Shirleene Robinson AM

Shirleene Robinson

Australian Capital Territory Committee Member Dr Shirleene Robinson AM is a historian, author and curator. She has volunteered with Australian Marriage Equality since 2012, serving as New South Wales Co-Convenor, National Spokesperson and Board Director. She is also the President of Sydney’s Pride History Group. Shirleene has a PhD in History from the University of…

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Dr. Jim Sait (he/him)

Jim Sait

Volunteer Foundation Advisor Dr Jim Sait worked in the higher education sector for 35 years. He has taught at universities in the UK, Canada and Australia before crossing to the ‘dark side’ in university administration at the University of Sydney where he ran the International Office. In 2005 he moved into executive search where he…

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Elizabeth (Beth) Kerrison (she/her)

Australian Capital Territory Committee Chair Beth has worked in enterprise risk management, performance audit, corporate and academic governance for the past 15 years. She is a former member of the management committee for Diversity ACT and the ANU LGBTIQ+ alumni committee. Beth and her nearest and dearest, Megan, call Canberra home and worry they have…

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Elizabeth Jameson AM

Non-Executive Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors; Member Audit & Risk Committee Elizabeth is a non-executive director and lawyer of over 30 years standing, a nationally respected governance consultant of almost 20 years standing and a longstanding Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In 2002, from her prior 15 year legal career,…

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Evelyn Peter (she/her)

Volunteer Company Secretary Evelyn is a senior associate in King & Wood Mallesons’ Mergers & Acquisitions team.  Evelyn advises corporate clients (including leading ASX-listed companies) on public and private M&A transactions, joint ventures, capital raisings and corporate governance issues.  Evelyn is also passionate about maintaining a pro bono practice alongside her commercial work and has…

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Gavin Cao (he/him)

Gavin Cao

Volunteer Chief Financial Officer Gavin has extensive experience in leading commercial and enterprise planning, budgeting, reporting and analysis. This includes the provision of strategic advice and support in the context of complex organisations undergoing significant change. Currently Gavin is the CMO Finance Director for L’Oréal Australia, with prior roles including executive partnering with CFOs and…

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Georgie Stone OAM

Georgie Stone

Georgie Stone is one of the most visible transgender individuals in Australia. In 2011 she was the youngest person to receive puberty blockers in Australia, and in 2013 a landmark ruling in her case re:Jamie meant that no other child had to go to court to access puberty blockers. Since then, Georgie has dedicated her…

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Ginna Webster (she/her)

Ginna

Tasmanian Committee Chair Ginna is a long-term and passionate public servant having worked in both the Commonwealth and Tasmanian State Service all of her career. Ginna is currently the Secretary of the Department of Justice in Tasmania, having returned to the Agency after establishing the new Department of Communities in 2018. Her diverse career includes…

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Greg Livingstone (he/him)

Greg Livingstone

Non-Executive Chair of the Board of Directors, Member of the Audit and Risk Committee; Member of the People, Remuneration & Nominations Committee BCom & MCom (University of New South Wales)    Greg was appointed to The Pinnacle Foundation board in February 2019. He was appointed chair of The Pinnacle Foundation in April 2022.    Following…

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Han Worsley (they/them)

Volunteer Alumni Program Lead Han Worsley is a passionate educator, gender equality and LGBTIQA+ advocate, and public speaker. Growing up on the family farm north of Nullamanna NSW, population 40, has driven Han’s passion for rural and remote communities.    Supported by Pinnacle as a scholar from 2017 – 2021, Han has experienced first-hand the…

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Her Excellency the Hon Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria

Linda Dessau

Patron-in-Chief We are honoured to welcome Her Excellency the Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria as our Patron-in-Chief. On 1 July 2015, the Honourable Linda Dessau AC was sworn in as Victoria’s 29th Governor, the first female in the role. Governor Dessau was born in Melbourne in 1953, and was educated at St Catherine’s…

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Herbert Smith Freehills

Herbert Smith Freehills logo

The IRIS Scholarship is open to all Pinnacle scholarship applicants. The IRIS Network is Herbert Smith Freehills’ global LGBTQIA+ and Ally network. The name IRIS is short for Inclusion, Respecting Identity and Sexuality, and reflects Herbert Smith Freehills’ commitment to fostering a genuinely inclusive culture and a community of belonging for people of diverse sexual…

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Hydro Tasmania

Hydro Tasmania is Australia’s leading clean energy business and largest generator of renewable energy. Hydro Tasmania announced its multi-year support for The Pinnacle Foundation in 2021. The Hydro Tasmania Scholarship is open to all Tasmanian scholarship applicants.

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IFM Investors

IFM Investors is one of the few truly aligned fund managers in the world. It actively engages with the companies in which it invests to promote inclusive workplace cultures that harness the value of diversity to support long-term performance. It recognises that companies embracing a diversity of views in their workforce, promoting working environments free…

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IOOF

The IOOF Foundation supports educational projects to help break the cycle of disadvantage and empower young Australians to reach their potential. In 2021, the IOOF Foundation made a multi-year commitment to support The Pinnacle Foundation. The IOOF Scholarship is awarded to a student broadly studying in a business or financial services field.

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IVFAustralia

IVF Australia is a market leader in Australian reproductive medicine and is home to a dedicated team of fertility specialists, scientists, nurses, counsellors and operational professionals. In 2021, IVF Australia became a proud partner of The Pinnacle Foundation, further expanding its partnership in 2022 to include the creation of The IVF Australia Scholarship. The IVF…

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James Holland (he/him)

James Holland

Volunteer Alumni Manager James is a management consultant at Nous Group, specialising in leadership, organisational performance and transformation. Prior to joining Nous, James studied a Bachelor of Law (Honours) and Arts at Monash University. James is passionate about social impact. In his role, James has worked with queer NGOs and peak bodies to upskill their…

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Jennifer Westacott AO

Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of New South Wales, Graduate Management Certificate from the Monash Mt Eliza Business School and was a Chevening Scholar at the London School of Economics. Jennifer was Chief Executive of the Business Council of Australia, the leading forum for the heads of over 100 of…

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Jerome Tse (he/him)

Non-Executive Director; Chair of the Investment Committee LLB, BCom and LLM (The University of Melbourne) Jerome is a partner in the tax group at King & Wood Mallesons based in Sydney. He brings over 20 years’ professional experience assisting individuals and businesses to manage their tax affairs and resolve delicate and complex tax disputes. In…

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Jess Cronin (she/her) & Scott Cowen (he/him)

Jess Cronin (she/her) South Australian Committee Co-Chair Jess is currently a director of The Umbrella Collective, a consultancy business providing strategic expertise in workforce diversity, stakeholder engagement and business development. Jess has extensive leadership experience within the high education sector with a focus on partnership development, program management, student recruitment, scholarships, and philanthropy. Committed to…

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Jill Skromanis (she/her)

Jill Skromanis

Volunteer Chief People Officer Jill is an organisational development specialist, coach and mentor with twenty years of industry experience in the financial services sector in Australian, European, Asian and global contexts. She has worked with ANZ, Zurich European General Insurances (based in London) and most recently, at IAG. Jill has experience in providing thought leadership…

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Judge Charlotte Kelly

Judge of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Charlotte connected with The Pinnacle Foundation in 2014 as mentor to Caitlyn Georgeson, a Law/Arts student attending the University of Adelaide. The experience was rewarding and affirmed all that Pinnacle endeavours to achieve. Caitlyn herself has continued to play an active role within the Foundation,…

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Julian De Bortoli

After completing an MBA at an young age, Julian was inspired to bring a highly strategic approach to retail marketing and gained a lot of experience from marketing professionals and mentors within the industry. He has over 20 years of experience in senior marketing roles across global brands such as McDonald’s and Europcar and has…

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Karen Brown (she/her)

Karen Brown

Non-Executive Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors; Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee BA & Dip Ed (The University of Western Australia), GAICD    Karen is non-executive chair of strategic communications firm Cannings Purple. A trusted advisor and expert communicator, she has worked at the very highest levels of politics, media and business.  …

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Ken Greenblatt

Member, Partnerships Committee Ken is a fairly new transplant to Melbourne Australia after having spent most of his career as a talent agent in Los Angeles. His husband, Peter Walsh, is known as the ‘Organising Guy’ from the Network 9 television reality series SPACE INVADERS. Ken runs the business operations of Peter’s career. With a degree…

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Kevin Brown (he/him)

Tasmanian Committee Chair Kevin has had a broad career spanning the advertising, marketing, medical and health industries. He has founded or co-founded several businesses, the biggest of which is now Tasmania’s largest independent hearing clinic chain, Maria Brown Hearing Clinic. Kevin brings over 18 years as a working professional and entrepreneur to The Pinnacle Foundation.…

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King & Wood Mallesons

king & wood mallesons logo

King & Wood Mallesons is a leading international law firm headquartered in Asia. It is recognised as one of the world’s most innovative law firms. King & Wood Mallesons announced its multi-year support for The Pinnacle Foundation in 2019. The King & Wood Mallesons Scholarship is awarded to a student studying law.

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L’Oreal

Loreal Austraila logo

For more than a century, L’Oreal has devoted its energy and competencies to one business: beauty. L’Oreal embraces beauty for all. In 2020, L’Oreal made a multi-year commitment to support The Pinnacle Foundation. The L’Oreal Scholarship is open to all scholarship applicants.

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Laura Cripps (she/they)

Scholar and Mentor Manager Laura Cripps joined The Pinnacle Foundation as a scholar in 2018 during her final year of a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and stayed on with the Foundation as a volunteer before being employed as the Scholar and Mentor Manger for the Foundation in 2022. As a former Pinnacle scholar, Laura will…

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Liam Buckley (he/him)

Liam

New South Wales Committee Chair Liam has recently joined at NSW Committee Chair, having previously been a Pinnacle Mentor. Liam has had a broad career across finance, risk, audit and human capital with leading organisations such as QBE Insurance Group, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Macquarie Group and PwC. Liam is a Chartered Accountant and holds…

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Libby O’Donovan OAM

Libby O’Donovan

Libby O’Donovan OAM is a “powerful and sassy performer” (SMH), renowned for her nuanced interpretations and extraordinary voice. She is a critically acclaimed Jazz and Cabaret Performer, composer and an award-winning Musical Director. Libby has entertained audiences world-over with her unique talents, performing in New York, Tokyo and Toronto as well as Australia-wide. Equally at…

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Lorraine Hall

Lorraine has been a supporter of the Pinnacle Foundation for nearly ten years and has previously mentored two Pinnacle Foundation scholars, starting in 2016. She was appointed chair of the NSW Committee in 2023. Lorraine has had a broad legal career spanning over 30 years, working as a commercial lawyer at leading organisations including Allens,…

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Macquarie

Macquarie is a global financial services organisation with Australian heritage, operating in 34 markets. Macquarie regards the diversity of its workforce and its inclusive culture as fundamental to its success. Macquarie became a gold partner of The Pinnacle Foundation in 2019. The Macquarie Scholarship is open to all scholarship applicants.

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Maddocks

Maddocks is a proudly independent Australian law firm with a diverse range of national and international clients across key industry sectors. Maddocks believes that people perform better when they can bring their whole self to work. Maddocks expanded its multi-year partnership with The Pinnacle Foundation in 2021. The Maddocks Scholarship is awarded to a student…

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Madeline Richardson (she/her)

Madeline Richardson

Non-Executive Director; Chair of the People, Remuneration & Nominations Committee  LLB (The University of Adelaide) & MPA (Flinders University)     Madeline is an experienced senior executive in the South Australian public service. She has held a wide range of positions across the public sector spanning health, industrial relations, economic development and community engagement.     Currently, Madeline…

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Mark Sawyer

Mark

Victorian Committee Chair Mark has 15 years of experience in the financial services industry, covering retail and commercial banking, payments, financial planning, foreign exchange and risk management. As Chair of The Pinnacle Foundation’s Victorian Committee, Mark takes a keen interest in supporting the LGBTIQ+ community. Mark was also a founding committee member of Pride@NAB, the National…

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Mark Stewart (he/him)

Mark Stewart

Non-Executive Director; Member of the Audit & Risk Committee  BCom (Deakin University), GAICD    Mark has spent the over 20 years working in the not-for-profit sector in Australia, Europe and Asia as an executive level manager, after building a career in finance and accounting across a variety of industries.  His experience in driving transformation and…

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Melbourne IVF

As pioneers in IVF, Melbourne IVF is one of the world’s leading centres for fertility treatment, at the forefront of research, technology and teaching, with specialists from across Australia and the world visiting its centre to learn and share ideas. Melbourne IVF became a multi-year partner of The Pinnacle Foundation in 2022. The Melbourne IVF…

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Michael Winchester

Michael Winchester

Member, Investment Committee Michael is the Head of Investment Strategy at First State Super, one of Australia’s largest profit-for-members superannuation funds. He is responsible for managing the asset allocation of the Fund’s $100bn asset pool on behalf of over 800,000 Australians. Michael holds a Master of Commerce in Funds Management from the University of New…

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Mirvac

Mirvac is an Australian property group with a clearly defined purpose to reimagine urban life. By creating beautiful homes, inspiring workplace precincts, and thriving shopping centres, it aims to make a positive contribution to our cities and communities. Mirvac funds three scholarships which are awarded to scholars undertaking fulltime university, TAFE or trade qualifications in…

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Narelda Jacobs OAM

Narelda Jacobs

Narelda Jacobs is a Whadjuk Noongar journalist, presenter, commentator and keynote speaker. Her career at Network 10 has spanned more than two decades, starting in the Perth newsroom in 2000 before heading to Sydney in January 2020 to co-host Studio 10 and present 10 News First Perth. Narelda is currently a co-host of Studio 10…

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Nic Bills (he/him)

Victorian Committee Chair Nic has volunteered with The Pinnacle Foundation since 2019 as a member of the Victorian Committee where he has held the roles of Secretary and Events lead. Having grown up gay in regional Victoria, Nic is particularly passionate about reducing barriers to education for other regional, rural, and remote LGBTIQ+ young people…

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Nicholas Steepe (he/him)

Volunteer Rural, Regional & Remote Scholar Liaison Nic grew up in regional Australia and currently lives in Junee, New South Wales. After coming to terms with his sexuality at a young age, Nic faced the difficulty of family, peer and societal rejection which took a significant toll on his mental health. Whilst studying a Bachelor of…

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Ola Radka (she/her)

Partnerships & Events Manager Ola has almost 20 years of experience across a wide variety of professional roles helping people discover their full potential, all the way from Poland to Australia! She’s done this in many different ways, in a variety of sectors, including primary and adult education, NFP program management, health & wellness, and…

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Patricia Karvelas

Patricia Karvelas is a prominent and highly respected Australian journalist, television and radio host, podcaster, political journalist, and commentator. Patricia began her professional career at the ABC and SBS 20 years ago, and has since worked across every medium across the Australian media landscape. She currently presents the agenda-setting RN Breakfast on ABC Radio. Patricia…

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Paul Clark (he/him)

Paul Clark

Co-Founder Paul is a Co-founder of Pinnacle Foundation. He was inspired by the vision of fellow founders Sean Linkson, Philip Comans and Susan Brooks to help bring that vision to life. Paul’s professional experience reflects his passion and commitment for driving positive social outcomes. He has worked for over twenty years, both locally and internationally,…

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Paul Ward (he/him)

Western Australian Committee Chair Paul Ward is a technology expert with more than 25 years’ experience. He specialises in business intelligence, data engineering and training and works with BHP as a subject matter expert in visualisation, reporting and data analytics. Paul joined the Western Australian Committee in 2019, after volunteering to represent BHP in WA…

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Paul Zahra

Founding Chair Paul Zahra served as chair of the board of directors of The Pinnacle Foundation from February 2016 until October 2021, after joining the board in June 2015. Paul is a chief executive officer, non-executive director, board and company advisor, and one of Australia’s most influential diversity advocates. A leading force in the Australian…

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Paula Corvalan (she/her)

Program Manager Paula Corvalan has over ten years’ experience working in communications, marketing and social services. Paula has worked in print and digital media, advertising strategy, events and copywriting with organisations such as News Limited and Fairfax. Most recently Paula worked as a Community Relations Specialist in accommodation and housing services, education and training across…

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Philip Comans (he/him)

Philip Comans

Co-Founder Philip is the partner of Sean Linkson, and the youngest in a family of four children born in Canberra in 1959. Philip was lucky enough to attend the Australian National University during the Whitlam Government years when tertiary education was free, gaining a Bachelor of Economics Degree. “I experienced first hand how having a…

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QBE Group

qbe logo

We welcome general insurance company, QBE Group, for its fifth year supporting The Pinnacle Foundation. As part of its commitment to encouraging diversity and inclusion, QBE supports community initiatives that promote acceptance and opportunity for vulnerable and under-represented groups. The QBE Scholarship is open to all scholarship applicants.

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Qube

Qube’s vision is to be Australia’s leading provider of integrated logistics solutions focused on import and export supply chains. Qube is dedicated to creating an environment in which inclusion, equity and diversity are recognised as being essential to employee well-being, which in turn drives the performance. Qube announced its multi-year support for The Pinnacle Foundation…

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Queensland Fertility Group

As a member of Virtus Health, Queensland Fertility Group has more experienced fertility specialists, offering many treatment options, in more locations, to create more babies than any other fertility group. Queensland Fertility Group became a multi-year partner of The Pinnacle Foundation in 2022. The Queensland Fertility Group Scholarship is open to Queensland scholarship applicants ideally…

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Ramsay Health Care

Ramsay Health Care is one of the largest, most diverse private healthcare companies in the world, employing more than 89,000 of the best people in healthcare who expertly look after millions of patients every year. It aims to have a diverse workforce that reflects its communities. Ramsay Health Care announced its multi-year support for The…

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Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto made a multi-year commitment to support The Pinnacle Foundation program in 2021. Rio Tinto seeks to foster a culture where every voice is heard, every idea is encouraged and everyone is supported. The Thrive Scholarships are open to all Pinnacle scholarship applicants. Thrive is the name of Rio Tinto’s internal LGBTQIA+ network.

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Ro Allen

With 25 years’ experience in community services, governance and social justice, Ro Allen has a deep commitment to equality and a broad experience in strategic advocacy. As Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner, Ro works to uphold Victorians’ rights, promote accountability and to build a fairer, safer and more inclusive community. Prior to joining…

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Ross Wetherbee (he/him)

Non-Executive Director BCom (The University of Wollongong) Ross is group inclusion, enablement & transformation lead at Woolworths Group. He was previously lead of diversity, equity & inclusion at NBN Co. Prior to joining NBN Co. in 2021, Ross was talent & inclusion lead at TAL, Australia’s largest life insurer. Ross has worked with iconic multinational…

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Sam Jacob (they/them)

Sam Jacob

Volunteer Chair Scholarship Selection Committee Sam Jacob brings more than 25 years’ experience in higher education in the UK and Australia, including senior roles at Laureate International Universities, Deakin University, Monash University, the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide. Sam’s current role is the Director of Student Operations & Administration at Charles Darwin…

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Sarah Percy-Dove

Sarah Percy Dove

Member, Investment Committee Sarah Percy-Dove, Managing Director, is Head of Asia Pacific Fixed Income Research within BlackRock’s Asia Pacific Active Investments Group. She holds a Bachelor of Business (Banking & Finance) from Monash University and a Master of Business Administration from Melbourne Business School. With over 20 years of credit research and investment experience, she…

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Sean Linkson OAM (he/him)

Sean Linkson

Founding Patron Sean is one of the four Co-founders of Pinnacle along with Philip Comans, his partner of 20+ years, Susan Brooks, and their long-term friend Paul Clark. Inspired by the Point Foundation in the US, Sean, Philip, and Paul and Susan set up Pinnacle with pro bono help from Herbert Smith Freehills Lawyers and…

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Serco

Serco supports governments around the world to deliver essential public services. Serco announced its multi-year support for The Pinnacle Foundation in 2021. The Serco Scholarship is awarded to a student ideally studying in one of the following fields: facilities management, asset management, digital, technology, data analytics, nursing or allied health.

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Shell

Shell’s goal is to become one of the world’s most diverse and inclusive companies and is committed to advancing LGBTQIA+ inclusion. We want Shell to be a place where everyone feels valued, respected, has a strong sense of belonging and can bring their whole selves to work. Shell announced its multi-year support for The Pinnacle Foundation…

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SHK 

SHK is an Asia Pacific executive search and outplacement firm. It is a long-standing champion of diversity and inclusion. SHK announced its multi-year support for The Pinnacle Foundation in 2018. The SHK Scholarship is awarded to a student studying in a commercial discipline in Victoria.

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Sidney Myer Fund

The Sidney Myer Fund announced its multi-year support of The Pinnacle Foundation in 2021. Sidney Myer was a generous philanthropist in his lifetime. He left a portion of his estate upon his death in 1934 to be invested for the benefit of the community, noting, “I am not a politician; I do not seek publicity,…

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Sophie Ellul (she/her)

Financial Accountant Sophie is a qualified accountant (CPA) with substantial experience encompassing both industry and business services roles. Sophie has nearly 20 years of experience in end to end accounting and proven capability in process improvements, managing projects and creating meaningful partnerships both within the organisation and with key external contacts. This is coupled with…

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Susan Brooks (she/her)

Susan Brooks

Co-Founder Susan has extensive experience in managing regulatory risks and consumer issues from within executive government, statutory administrative bodies and the financial services sector. She holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Master of Law. “Back in the Seventies, I was a beneficiary of the Labor Government’s new approach to university entrance, so I understand…

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Susan Darroch

Susan

Member, Investment Committee Susan is an investment professional, her career spanning over 30 years in the financial markets, with the focus of the last 20 years primarily on domestic and global equity markets with State Street Global Advisors. Susan retired from her position in 2019. As a Senior Managing Director and senior leader in the…

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Suzanne Jones (she/her)

Non-Executive Director BA (Contemporary Music) Southern Cross University A dynamic and commercial executive in the world of theatre and live events, Suzanne has been actively involved in the theatre industry for more than two decades. As CEO and producer of the Jones Theatrical Group, and executive producer with Crossroads Live, Suzanne is committed to attracting…

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Talentplicity Consulting

Talentplicity Consulting is an ICT professional services company with a mission to make the talent-searching process simple. It promotes equal employment opportunities, regardless of background or circumstance. The Huseyin Tasdemir Scholarship, named in honour of Talentplicity Consulting founder, Nic Cerny’s father, is open to all scholarship applicants.

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The Australian Marriage Equality Scholarship

This scholarship was created through an enduring impact grant from AME, and will be awarded in perpetuity to celebrate the achievement of marriage equality and the efforts of so many to get us there. It will be awarded annually, ideally to an Indigenous or Torres Strait Islander scholar or a scholar from rural, regional or…

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The Bill Chambers Scholarships

Two Bill Chambers Scholarships are open to all Pinnacle scholarship applicants. The third Bill Chambers Scholarship is open to all Western Australian scholarship applicants.

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The Clark Walton Scholarship

The Clark Walton Scholarship is for a student studying architecture, design, planning or visual and creative arts at either TAFE or university level.

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The Fred P Archer Charitable Trust

Perpetual, as trustee for The Fred P Archer Charitable Trust, awarded funds to The Pinnacle Foundation in 2023. The Fred P Archer Charitable Trust Scholarship is open to all scholarship applicants from rural, regional and remote parts of Australia.

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The Governor of Victoria, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC Patron-in-Chief

Professor Margaret Gardner was the 9th and first woman President and Vice-Chancellor of Monash University from 1 September 2014 until 4 August 2023. Prior to joining Monash, Professor Gardner was Vice-Chancellor and President of RMIT from April 2005 until August 2014. She has extensive academic experience, having held various leadership positions in Australian universities throughout…

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The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG (he/him)

Michael Kirby

Michael Kirby was Australia’s longest serving judge before his retirement from the High Court in February 2009. He is a strong advocate of human rights, including for women, young people and sexual minorities. A hero to all in the LGBT community, we are very proud and honoured to have Michael as our first Patron. When…

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The Honourable Justice Thomas Bradley

Thomas Bradley

The Pinnacle Foundation’s first Queensland-based Ambassador, Justice Bradley was born in Cairns. He was educated at St Bernard’s School and Clairvaux College in Brisbane and, in 1987, graduated from the University of Queensland—Bachelor of Laws. In July 1989, his Honour completed articles of clerkship at Morris Fletcher & Cross and was admitted as a solicitor.…

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The Lewis Foundation

The Matthew McCarron Rainbow Scholarship is awarded annually to honour one of Australia’s most influential LGBTQIA+ corporate leaders. Matthew was passionate about creating inclusive and high performing workplaces and sadly lost his brave battle against brain cancer in 2023. The Matthew McCarron Rainbow Scholarship is open to all scholarship applicants.

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The Mike Gordon Scholarships

The Mike Gordon Scholarships (2) are awarded to rural, regional and remote scholars studying: in artistic fields (to be a voice); science, technology, engineering, arts or maths fields (to sustain the land they come from); and humanities fields (enhancing the quality of life in the community).

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The Olrem Scholarships (x9)

Six Olrem Scholarships are open to Pinnacle scholarship applicants from Western Australia. Three Olrem Scholarships are open to all Pinnacle scholarship applicants.

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The Pippa Downes Scholarship

The Pippa Downes Scholarship is for an athlete competing or training at the national level and aspiring to represent Australia whilst also pursuing their full-time academic goals, or for an Indigenous student.

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The Sam Smith Scholarship powered by UnLtd

Social purpose organization UnLtd rallied the media, marketing and creative industry to create The Sam Smith Scholarship. The scholarship honours one of the most energetic, driven and generous men to work in the digital media industry, who sadly lost his battle to brain cancer in 2020. It is awarded to students studying in the fields…

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The Sir James McNeill Trust

The Sir James McNeill Trust is proud to award three scholarships for young LGBTQIA+ Australians to realise their full potential and overcome challenges arising from their identity. The Sir James McNeill Trust Scholarships are open to all scholarship applicants.

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The Snow Foundation Scholarship

The Snow Foundation Scholarship is for a student studying or living in the ACT/Canberra Region and undertaking a course at an approved tertiary institution.

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The St.George Foundation

St.George Foundation logo

The St.George Foundation supports community organisations to improve the lives of Australian youth who are physically, socially or economically disadvantaged. The St.George Foundation has been a long-term partner of The Pinnacle Foundation. The St.George Foundation Scholarship is open to all scholarship applicants.

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Tim Lai (he/him)

Tim Lai

Marketing Manager Tim has over 25 years of experience working in the retail technology and professional services space. Tim was appointed The Pinnacle Foundation’s Marketing Manager in 2019, after having worked with intelligence provider, Mi9, where he served as Asia Pacific Director. Tim’s previous tenures also provided retail, marketing, technology and strategic leadership to Crumpler,…

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Timothy Stutt

Timothy Stutt

Company Secretary Tim is a senior associate in Herbert Smith Freehills’ head office advisory team (HOAT), where he advises publicly listed companies on corporations law, governance, executive remuneration and shareholder engagement/activism matters. Tim holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Hitotsubashi University in Tokyo, and Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Commerce degrees…

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TLC Healthcare

TLC Healthcare’s mission is to be the leader in innovative and integrated healthcare and renowned for providing wellbeing to its communities. It values respect, diversity and treating each other with courtesy and care. TLC Healthcare became a Pinnacle Foundation partner in 2022. The TLC Healthcare Scholarship is open to eligible Victorian students studying in healthcare…

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Tom Barham (he/him)

Queensland Committee Chair Tom has several years’ experience in professional services, delivering risk, compliance, and learning solutions to a range of clients throughout Australia and New Zealand. As a Director in PwC’s GRC practice, Tom leads the PwC Training Academy and has also previously held a role as the Queensland lead for GLEE, PwC’s LGBTIQ+…

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Wayne Porritt

Queensland Committee Chair Wayne has been an avid supporter of the LGBTIQ+ community, through mentoring and leadership advocate positions. He previously chaired Standard Chartered Bank’s Diversity & Inclusion Network and co-founded the Bank’s LGBT Affinity Network. Wayne is currently Queensland Committee Chair of The Pinnacle Foundation; an organisation which is committed to helping LGBTIQ+ young…

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WPP AU NZ

WPP AUNZ is the region’s leading creative transformation agency, and part of the global powerhouse, WPP. WPP AUNZ announced its multi-year support for The Pinnacle Foundation in 2021. The WPP AUNZ Scholarship is open to all scholarship applicants.

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