Meet our benefactors

Building and Construction Foundation

The Building and Construction Foundation was established by The Master Builders Association of Victoria in 2010 and aims to empower and encourage individuals to success by supporting the career development of those wanting to enter the construction industry. One scholarship of $2,200 is awarded to help with tuition costs, study-related expenses and tools or equipment.

Coulson Family Trust

Thirty years ago, an anonymous donation was made to the Gordon on behalf of Oswald “Noel” Coulson. In 2022, these funds we tracked down and with the family’s permission, the Coulson Family Trust Scholarship was created. Noel met his future wife, Isabel “May” Coulson when they attended the Gordon back in the 1920s. Both completed their Architectural studies and Noel went on to have a reputable career as a furniture designer and architect. This scholarship is presented to a student who has demonstrated skill and passion in their studies. The scholarship is valued at $2,000.

David James Russell Memorial

The David James Russell Memorial Scholarship was established in 2018 by the family of the late David James Russell in recognition of David’s belief that opportunities change people’s lives. The scholarship arose from the premise that training and education can provide opportunities for a brighter future and situation in life. All individuals should be given the chance to access education and strive towards their career aspirations. This scholarship was created to assist students who demonstrate clear career goals and would benefit from the motivational and financial assistance that this scholarship would provide. This scholarship is valued at $1,000.

Dow Performance Materials Australia

The Dow Performance Materials Australia Scholarship assists students who demonstrate a passion for the role of science and innovation in constantly improving society. Through these scholarships, Dow Performance Materials Australia aims to increase the pool of talent interested in careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Dow Performance Materials Australia offers three scholarships each valued at $1,000.

The Emma and Morris Jacobs Award funded by The Minnie Ackman Charitable Trust, managed by Equity Trustees.

Emma and Morris Jacobs came to Geelong as migrants and established a large and successful retail store. Their grandson Emanuel Percy Ackman, established a perpetual charitable trust and stipulated ongoing support to The Gordon through a scholarship named in honour of his grandparents. Since the mid-1960s, the Minnie Ackman Charitable Trust (name after Emanuel Percy’s wife) has provided financial assistance to students overcoming identifiable barriers to achieve progress in their studies. In keeping with the intent of the bequest, teaching staff nominate students undertaking studies in English language and General Education courses to receive a $650 scholarship each.

Geelong Community Foundation

The  Geelong Community Foundation enables the people of  Geelong  to contribute to the long term benefit of the region by building community endowment, addressing needs through grants and encouraging philanthropy. The Foundation’s support of The Gordon provides funding of scholarships to assist mature age students, aged 24 years and over, with study and living expenses, enabling them to achieve their goals. Five scholarships valued at $2000 each are awarded to students who demonstrate commitment and motivation to success in their studies at the Gordon.

Geelong East Rotary

Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbours, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. Geelong East Rotary established this $1,000 scholarship to assist a full or part time Gordon student who resides in the Geelong or Geelong East area with the cost of study.

Geelong Galvanizing

For over 30 years, Geelong Galvanizing has specialised in delivering high quality surface finishes for steel installations and products in the construction, landscaping and engineering industries. The Geelong Galvanizing Scholarship was established in 2008 to assist Gordon students experiencing hardship or financial difficulties, with course related expenses. Geelong Galvanizing offers four scholarships valued at $2,500 each to students studying a construction-related course.

The George Alexander Foundation

In 1972, George Alexander AM (1910 - 2008) set up an independent philanthropic foundation as a way of sharing his wealth and giving back to the community.  Today, the main focus of The George Alexander Foundation is access to education for promising young people, particularly those from rural and regional communities. The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship Program at The Gordon was established in 2007 and provides six scholarships annually; each scholar is awarded $5,000 and invited to participate in the Foundation’s leadership program.

Harry Schroeter Memorial Scholarship

The Harry Schroeter Memorial Scholarship was established in 2023 by the Schroeter Family in memory of their father, Harry. Harry attended the Gordon for his Trade Training as a Motor Mechanic. The scholarship is awarded to a Gordon student who represents the values that Harry stood for: fairness, kindness and patience.

One scholarship of $1000 is awarded to a student who demonstrates commitment and motivation to succeed in their studies at the Gordon.

Jane Buckley Memorial Scholarship

The Jane Buckley Scholarship was established to honour the dedication and commitment shown by Jane over her life, to champion education and learning for all students. As a generous and compassionate teacher, Jane recognised how important support was, in enabling students to achieve their dreams. Jane was also a caring advocate and mentor for many people during the course of her life. Her family would like to dedicate this scholarship in Janes name, so that her legacy may assist a student in achieving their dreams. One scholarship of $500 is awarded to a student who demonstrates commitment and motivation to succeed in their studies at The Gordon.

John Mohr Memorial Scholarship

The John Mohr Memorial Scholarship was established in 2024 by the family of the late John Mohr in recognition of John’s belief that education can enable people to reach their fullest potential. While working at Ford Motor Company John enjoyed his studies at the Gordon where he completed a business/accounting course in the early 1970’s and an ICT course in the late 1990’s. The Gordon provided a fantastic opportunity for John to up-skill whilst working, enabling him to reach his career goals and provide for his family. A total of $20,000 has been committed by John Mohr’s family for student scholarships over a period of 10 years. Each year two scholarships of $1,000 each are awarded. 

Kev & Jo Boland

The Kev and Jo Boland Scholarship was established in 2008 by the Gordon Student Support Fund Committee to assist mature age students aged 24 years and over with the cost of enrolment, study and living costs. The number of Scholarships awarded annually is determined by representatives of the Speight and Boland families with funds allocated from the Boland-Speight Student Support Sub-fund of the Geelong Community Foundation.  Scholarships are valued at $1,000 each. Kev, alongside Barrie Speight, has been pivotal in the continuing of the Student Support Fund here at the Gordon.

Kinetic IT

Kinetic IT is a leading Australian-owned, enterprise class ICT managed service provider, with approximately 1,300 employees across Australia. Since 1995, Kinetic IT has been delivering quality services to large and complex IT environments across corporate, resources, government, defence, transport, and utilities sectors. Core to Kinetic IT’s values is to make a positive contribution to the communities in which we live and work and reduce the barriers to entry for those seeking employment in the ICT sector. The Kinetic IT Scholarship was established at The Gordon Institute in 2014 to support students who would most benefit from financial assistance towards their study costs. The company offers two $3,330 scholarships to students studying an IT related course.

Marion & Ernie Speight

The Marion and Ernie Speight Scholarship was established in 2007 by the community and the Gordon Student Support Fund Committee to assist students under the age of 24 with the costs of studying a full or part-time course at The Gordon. The number of Scholarships awarded annually is determined by representatives of the Speight and Boland families with funds allocated from the Boland-Speight Student Support Sub-fund of the Geelong Community Foundation.  Scholarships are valued at $1,000 each.

Middy’s Electrical

Middy’s Electrical was founded in 1928 by Petrus Cornelis Nicholaas Middendorp and remains 100% Australian owned, independent and family run. Middy’s is considered an innovator in the industry, quickly identifying market and industry trends and adopting new technologies. Middy’s have an excellent staff retention rate with over 30% of staff having 10+ years of service, giving them a depth of experience and expertise to support customers and the electrical industry.

The Middy’s Scholarship of $1,000 will be awarded to a financially disadvantaged student who demonstrates commitment and motivation to succeed in building a career in the electrical or engineering industry.

Saltair Spa

In the heart of Torquay, the Saltair Day Spa family business has forged a reputation as one of Best Destination Day Spas in all of Australia. Now completing their first decade of trading, facilitating Luxury Services for thousands of visitors and guests from all over the world, Saltair has earned Multi-Award honours, and been globally renowned for their excellence in professional services, Luxury brands and Day Spa Experiences.

Aligning with what Saltair finds most important, a scholarship was created to encourage students who display passion, competence and enthusiasm towards the beauty industry to follow their dreams of entering a career in beauty and wellness, and offer the community well deserved relaxation and pampering. To facilitate this, Saltair Spa continues the pleasure of offering a $1,000 scholarship again this year to a devoted and hard-working student.

Soroptimist International of Geelong

Soroptimist International is a vibrant, dynamic organisation for today's women. Soroptimists are committed to a world where women and girls achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in communities worldwide. Soroptimist International is driven by its mission of transforming lives through education, empowerment and by enabling opportunities. This scholarship was established in 2018 to support students with a refugee background to study English language. Soroptimist offers two scholarships valued at $1,000 each.

Dimmick Charitable Trust

The Ted Dimmick Charitable Trust Scholarship was established in 2014 by Wendy Dimmick and her children in honour of their husband and father who passed away in 2008. Ted Dimmick enjoyed his time studying textiles at The Gordon in the 1950s. His qualification led him to a successful and rewarding career in the manufacturing of fabrics. The Ted Dimmick Charitable Trust provides three scholarships of $2,500 each to Gordon students demonstrating initiative and commitment to succeed in their studies.

Werribee Rotary Club

Rotary is a global network of over 1 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. The Werribee Rotary Club has established this scholarship to assist Werribee-based students succeed. Three scholarships of $1,000 are awarded to assist these students with the cost of enrolment fees and course related expenses/equipment.

Windmill Jelderks Trust 

The Windmill Jelderks Trust is a memorial trust established in 1983 after the tragic loss of two Rotary exchange students, Kim Windmill and Sarah Jelderks. Administered by members of the Rotary Club of Corio Bay, a major focus of the trust is to support and encourage the development of international understanding and goodwill through education and skill development. Established in 2022, The Windmill Jelderks Trust Scholarship supports Gordon students with a refugee background by providing financial assistance towards their study costs. Two scholarships of $1,500 are awarded.

Sisters of Charity 

The Sisters of Charity Foundation Scholarship was established to provide financial support to students with a foster / kinship care experience who wish to study a Certificate III or above qualification at The Gordon. Two scholarships of $5,000 each are awarded to students to assist with course-related costs such as fees, text books, uniforms, living expenses and travel costs. One scholarship of $1,500 is awarded.