The Mac.Robertson Girls' High School Education and Scholarship Trust

The Mac.Robertson Girls' High School Education and Scholarship Trust, operating under ABN 51985506713RR0001 and commonly known as the Mac.Rob Foundation, is an Australian nonprofit organisation dedicated to supporting the education and advancement of young women, particularly those associated with Mac.Robertson Girls' High School in Victoria. Established with a focus on providing grants, scholarships, and bursaries, the Trust aims to empower young women to achieve their educational goals through financial assistance and enrichment opportunities.

Overview

The Trust offers an annual grants program that supports a wide range of academic and extracurricular interests. Its scholarships and bursaries recognize academic excellence, assist students facing financial hardship, and support postgraduate studies. The grants are available to current and former students of Mac.Robertson Girls' High School, fostering continued educational growth and leadership development among young women in Victoria[1][4][5].

History and Founding

The Mac.Rob Foundation was founded in 2016 by Dr. Toni Meath, a former principal of Mac.Robertson Girls' High School, alongside alumna Deborah Knight. The Foundation was officially launched on 5 March 2016 at the National Gallery of Victoria, marking the beginning of its mission to support young women's education through philanthropy and community engagement[2].

Activities and Programs

The core activities of the Trust include:

• Grants and Scholarships: The Foundation administers a variety of scholarships and bursaries, such as the Anna Bradbury Little Arts Scholarship, Academic Excellence Scholarship, STEM Scholarship and Bursary, Graduate/Postgraduate Scholarship, Helen Turner Bursary, and Starting Tertiary Studies and Starting School Bursaries. These programs provide financial support ranging from $800 to $2,500 to eligible students across various year levels and study areas[4][5].

• Events and Networking: The Foundation organizes and co-hosts events including an International Women’s Day breakfast that celebrates female leadership across diverse sectors. It also promotes mentorship opportunities, connecting students with accomplished female role models to foster leadership and career development[2].

• Legacy and Recognition: In 2022, the Foundation digitized the MGHS Portrait Gallery, honoring the achievements of notable women associated with the school. This initiative, titled The Future Women of the Portrait Gallery, ensures the lasting legacy of female leaders who have shaped the school’s history and inspired future generations[2].

Governance and Impact

The Trust operates as an independent philanthropic organisation with a mission to champion the voices and achievements of young women. Through its grants and community programs, it provides vital resources that enable students to pursue their academic ambitions and personal development. The Board Chair, Lynne Jensen, emphasized the Foundation’s commitment to recognizing and supporting young women’s educational efforts[2].

The Mac.Rob Foundation's ongoing dedication to educational philanthropy significantly contributes to access and equity in education for young women in Victoria. It remains a key supporter of Mac.Robertson Girls' High School's community and its students[1][2].

External Links

No contact information is included in accordance with guidelines.

[1] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/b1024c6d-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd/profile [2] https://www.macrob.vic.edu.au/macrob-foundation [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/b1024c6d-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd/documents/d75c8e5c-39cc-eb11-8235-002248103e22 [4] https://www.macrob.vic.edu.au/student-grants [5] http://www.macrobfoundation.com.au/scholarships-bursaries