A Carey first: new diversity and inclusivity scholarship

Stuart Galbraith, Head of Advancement

Inclusivity matters at Carey, not just to the School but to its broader community of parents, alumni, staff and friends. As expressed in our Inclusivity Statement:

We respect, celebrate and nurture individual, cultural and societal diversity. We recognise that individuals are unique and positively acknowledge and affirm the oneness and equality of humankind in all its dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, physical ability and religious or political beliefs.

This was clearly and generously demonstrated by Mary Cairns last year, with the provision of a bequest to establish Carey’s first ever diversity and inclusivity scholarship on behalf of her late son, Fraser Cairns (1979).

Fraser Cairns with his grandmother, affectionately known as Nan, and his mother, Mary.

Fraser is remembered fondly by his fellow classmates, including his friend Peter Ikin (1979):

‘Fraser and I started at Carey in Year 7 in 1974 and were close friends until he died in 1994. He loved history and politics, but really shone in German, encouraged by his favourite teacher, Meagan Edwards.

‘Fraser loved being a Prefect and took the responsibilities very seriously, which naturally led him to becoming a teacher. He taught mainly humanities subjects and German at Brighton Grammar and was always diligent with class preparation and homework correction!

‘Fraser was an excellent best man at my wedding, and a dear friend. Mary’s bequest for a Carey scholarship is a fantastic tribute to her son Fraser.’

The establishment of the Diversity and Inclusivity Scholarship complements Carey’s Access and Equity Scholarship, which supports students experiencing hardship and financial disadvantage – in recent years this has included refugees from war-torn and troubling backgrounds. We are most grateful for this support and belief that Carey can provide a truly transformative education regardless for all students.

The gift of education is one of the greatest contributions you can make to empower the future generations of young people. Philanthropic support, in the form of a gift in your will, is also an enduring way of empowering current and future Carey students and strengthening the School’s future.

If you would like to learn more about leaving a gift in your will, contact Stuart Galbraith, Head of Advancement, at advancement@carey.com.au

Can you change the life of a disadvantaged student?

One of our key projects in this year‘s Community Giving appeal is to further the Access and Equity Scholarship and provide an education for a disadvantaged student. For more information, go to giving.carey.com.au