The Foundation

GERRY NORTHAUSEN

Executive Officer

The Southport School Foundation

THE FOUNDATION REPORTS IN Once again the TSS Foundation has had a busy and productive year, with its various programs and activities generating the means to make a meaningful contribution to the growth and reputation of the School.

Whether in the “bricks and mortar” aspects of TSS infrastructure or in the provision of opportunity for boys through scholarships and bursaries, the Foundation continues to uphold the TSS tradition of selflessness and service as it has done for over a century.

THE BUILDING FUND BUILDS THE FUTURE

PROPOSED LECTURE THEATRE

The Building Fund operates as resource to support essential capital works and facility upgrades that will benefit all boys at TSS. In order to ensure funding is directed in the most appropriate and effective way, extensive feedback from teachers and parents helps to identify and prioritise projects.

Donations to the Building Fund are made immediately available for projects and in 2015 a total of $171,000 was raised through donations to the Voluntary Building Fund made in connection with school fees. To add further to this, an additional $8,900 was raised through the Annual Appeal.

The Foundation acknowledges and thanks all those who make these voluntary donations, which are an essential part of the philanthropic fabric of the School community. In practical terms these donations help to ensure that many vital projects can be undertaken without the need to increase school fees. It is in this spirit of community that we encourage all parents to support the Building Fund.

SCHOLARSHIPS OPEN WINDOWS OF OPPORTUNITY That a quality education lays the basis for a boy’s future is an article of faith with the Foundation and in this it’s also recognised that through various circumstances, for some boys, this educational pathway is not accessible. Giving substance to the spirit of philanthropy, Foundation Scholarships or Country Boarder Bursaries are awarded to boys who otherwise would not have the opportunity to attend a school such as TSS. These awards are both merit-based and needs-based and cover a certain percentage of a boy’s tuition at the School. Funding of these scholarships and bursaries is generated by social vehicles such as the Foundation Business Breakfasts and Annual Golf Day.

Another aspect of this program is the strong commitment of the Headmaster and School Council to continuing and strengthening the School’s longstanding connection to rural and isolated regions of Australia. In this, building up the number of boarders from these areas is a key strategy and Country Boarder Bursaries are an important part of this. In 2015, the Foundation transferred a total of $151,818 to the School to support these scholarships and bursaries, and looking ahead, the School and TSS Foundation aim to drive a significant increase in the value and number of such bursaries over the next few years.

BRIDGING THE INDIGENOUS EDUCATION GAP

The Indigenous Education Program is a practical means by which the educational gap can be bridged and deliver life-changing opportunities for Indigenous boys. The first boys to benefit from this program commenced at the School in 2008, and as the program has grown the Foundation can point with pride to having helped support some of the 28 boys here in 2015.

The IEP is definitely proving its worth and in this context we offer our wholehearted congratulations to Jabreeni Fogarty and Jordan Swan, both of whom were awarded full Academic Scholarships to Bond University to study Law.

THE PLEASURES OF BUSINESS AT THE BREAKFAST TABLE The TSS Foundation Business Breakfasts are regarded as one of the premier business networking functions on the Gold Coast. The always impressive line-up of guest speakers and the opportunity to mingle with fellow business persons in a convivial setting not only continues to draw strong attendances, but generates vital funding to support the Indigenous Education Program.

Seven breakfasts were held throughout 2015 and these hosted a total of over

4,000 attendees. Guests enjoyed what has now been established as a high standard of informative and entertaining speakers from a wide range of backgrounds. This year’s line-up included:

Mr Bernard Salt, Australia’s leading Demographer and Social Commentator; Colonel David Thomae, speaking on Queenslanders’ contribution to Australian Military Service; Mr Michael Knox, Director of Strategy and Chief Economist at Morgans; Mr Christopher Rex, Managing Director and CEO, Ramsay Health; Prime Minister, Mr Tony Abbott (attracting 1,560 attendees);

Ms Fiona de Jong, CEO Australian Olympic Committee; and Mr Terry Morris, Chairman and Managing Director of the family owned Morris International Group.

FRIENDLY FIRE EXCHANGED ON THE FAIRWAYS The Foundation’s Annual Golf Day has attained legendary status, with players joining friendly but fierce battle for the bragging rights associated with winning one of the coveted cups.

The weather held off again this year, allowing 104 parents, friends and Old Boys to once again enjoy an extremely competitive day at RACV Royal Pines. The day was widely applauded as a huge success and due congratulations go to the winners. The Foundation Cup was captured by Vaughan Oxenford, Grant Oxenford, Chris Oxenford and Dave Pervical. That ultimate Holy Grail – the McWhirter Cup – came down to a win (by the smallest of margins) for previous winners on many occasions, Jim Twentyman, Murray Elks, John Elks and Malcolm Elks.

Our sincere thanks go to all our sponsors and players for once again making The Annual Golf Day such a memorable occasion.

INVESTING CAPITAL TO ADD FINANCIAL MUSCLE The TSS Foundation Capital Investment Account was established in July 2012 for the purpose of adding depth and strength to the financial resources of the Foundation. Funds are invested on a long-term basis in high-quality shares and fixed-interest products, providing both capital growth and improved income returns.

Advice on the investments is provided to the Board by Mr Rob Gibson and Mr Angus Douglas, Senior Advisors with Morgans Financial Ltd.

THE BOARD STEERS A STEADY COURSE Managing the Foundation to ensure it stays well on course to achieving its goals remains always relevant, and plans for the future is a task of considerable responsibility that requires commitment, vision and acumen.

Shouldering this responsibility in 2015, accolades and gratitude are due for the the significant contributions of the following members of the Board of Management: President, Mr Rob Gibson

Headmaster, Mr Greg Wain Company Secretary, Mr Ross Cardiff Board Members: Mr Fraser Perrin Mr David Statham Mr Tom Ray

Mr Angus Douglas Mr Brett Frizelle Mrs Thea Jeanes-Cochrane