Deakin Foundation

The Hon Dr Steve Bracks AC Chair of the Deakin Foundation

Short Synopsis

In 2008 The Hon Dr Steve Bracks accepted Deakin University’s invitation to serve as inaugural Chair of Deakin’s newly established Foundation Board.

The Deakin Foundation was established to enhance philanthropic giving to the University enabling the university to pursue its vision to be a catalyst for positive change for the individuals and communities it serves through expansion programs in three core areas:

  • Providing necessary capital for the expansion of facilities at our Geelong Campus in respect of our indigenous education program – delivered through Deakin’s Institute of Koorie Education
  • Increasing the number of scholarships made available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students from all parts of Australia
  • Increasing the health and medical capabilities of Deakin’s Medical School – which focuses on research and education programs aimed at addressing regional and rural disadvantage in health.

Over the course of his Chairmanship the Deakin University Foundation Board has secured through philanthropy over $2million toward the priority areas outlined above. For more information on the Deakin University Foundation Board please see www.deakin.edu.au/giving

Additional information regarding

The Deakin Foundation endeavors to enhance philanthropic giving to the University, by developing and nurturing meaningful partnerships with donors. Philanthropic donations have traditionally played an important role in providing assistance to universities to construct buildings, purchase equipment, expand research, financially support students and grow endowments. Dr Bracks subscribes to the belief that investing in education now will ultimately provide all Australian’s with improved economic, social and cultural benefits in the future.

The Deakin Foundation Board consists of: Mr David M Morgan, Chancellor, Deakin University; Professor Jane den Hollander, Vice-Chancellor, Deakin University; Dr Frank Costa OAM, Executive Chairman, Costa Group; Dr Harold Mitchell AO,Chairman, Mitchell and Partners; Mr Andrew Brookes, Executive Officer, Colonial Foundation; Ms Karen Plant, Director, Barry Plant Real Estate; Mr Paddy Handbury, Chairman, Handbury Group; Mr Daryl Somers OAM, Television Entertainer; Mr Andrew Fairley and Ms Robin Buckham, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International and Development), Deakin University.

The Board of Directors meets quarterly.

Deakin University is one of Australia’s largest universities with more than 35,000 students studying across four Campuses (two in Geelong, one in Melbourne and one in Warrnambool). It also delivers courses by off campus mode in Australia and abroad. Deakin is recognised globally for its high-quality research, its innovative and relevant teaching, and its state-of-the-art facilities.