MARIST COLLEGE CANBERRA FOUNDATION
IMPACT OF GIVING
REPORT TO DONORS 2025
Since 1968 Marist College Canberra has been part of and had its footprints on the land of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples. As a College we acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we stand We pay our respects to them and for their care of the land We acknowledge the continued deep spiritual attachment and relationship they have to this land and commit ourselves to the ongoing journey of Reconciliation May we walk gently and respectfully upon the land.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware that this publication may contain the images, words and/or names of people who have passed away
We are, as Marists, an inclusive and welcoming community. We acknowledge that all are created in the image of our loving God and called to live our lives glorifying the Lord People of all faiths, genders, sexualities, and cultures are therefore welcome and respected equally in the Marist Catholic community
It is with heartfelt gratitude that I share this year’s Impact of Giving report on behalf of the Marist College Canberra Foundation.
Each year, we are humbled by the generosity of our community - Old Boys, families past and present, staff, and friends, who continue to invest in the future of Marist boys. Your support transforms lives, providing opportunities for young men to flourish in an environment that values our Catholic and Marist heritage, creating lasting change through the gift of education.
2025 has been a year of renewal and forward planning for the Foundation We were delighted to welcome our new Director of Advancement, Christina Gilmour, whose energy, vision, and experience are already making a significant impact Our goal is to steadily build our endowment fund, so that bursaries and other forms of support can be sustained in perpetuity, ensuring that the Marist experience remains accessible for generations to come
A key focus for the coming years is deepening the connection between our donors and the tangible outcomes their generosity makes possible, whether that be a bursary recipient thriving at Marist, or thriving in the world after their school years, enriching the communities of which they are a part
Another major area of focus will be the development of our bequests program. Planning for the future is a profound act of faith, and we are working to ensure that those who wish to leave a legacy to the College can do so with confidence and clarity
We know that behind every gift is a story of gratitude, of values passed on, of hope for the future On behalf of the Foundation Board, I extend our deepest thanks to each of you who has chosen to support our mission this year Your faith in our work affirms our shared belief that the gift of a Marist education is one worth passing on
With warm regards and sincere thanks,
Cade Brown
Chair,
Marist College Canberra Foundation
“Your support transforms lives, providing opportunities for young men to flourish in an environment that values our Catholic and Marist heritage.”
Each year, the Impact of Giving report gives us a moment to pause and reflect, not just on what has been achieved, but on the spirit of generosity and trust that makes it all possible
In 2025, we have continued to witness the profound difference that philanthropy makes in the lives of our boys Our growing number of bursaries have created something meaningful, the opportunities have had an exponential effect and provided life-changing experiences for boys who will now look to the future with audacity and hope
This year, we also welcomed Christina, our new Director of Advancement, who brings a clear passion for building relationships and connecting the intent of our donors with the lived experience of our students. It’s an exciting time for the Marist Foundation as we look to strengthen these bonds and share how your contributions are helping to shape young lives We are also in the early stages of developing a renewed bequests program, part of a broader vision to grow the Foundation’s endowment so that bursaries can be funded in perpetuity Our hope is that, over time, this will allow us to support even more families who seek a Marist education for their sons but may face financial barriers
At the heart of all of this is our mission: to form fine young men with strong minds and gentle hearts Your generosity enables us to do this in ways that are both practical and profound On behalf of the entire College community, I extend my deepest thanks for walking this journey with us
With every blessing,
Matthew Hutchison Headmaster, Marist
College Canberra
It is a genuine privilege to step into the role of Director of Advancement at Marist College Canberra Though I have been part of this incredible community for just six months, I have already experienced the warmth, generosity, and deep commitment that is at the heart of our Foundation’s success
Building on the strong groundwork laid in 2023 and 2024, my focus has been on building and nurturing meaningful relationships, connecting our donors, families, students, and Old Boys to the College in ways that resonate personally with them Every gift tells a story, and every connection strengthens the Marist community, bringing us closer to our shared mission.
One of our main priorities is to grow the endowment fund, which will provide long-term support for bursaries and opportunities across the College. As part of this work, we are developing a bequests program to encourage our community to consider leaving a lasting legacy By doing so, we hope to ensure that future generations of young men can continue to benefit from a Marist education, supported by a stable and sustainable source of funding
I am excited to work alongside the Foundation Board, staff, and our generous supporters as we continue to build on Marist’s legacy of giving Together, we can create a vibrant community where every member feels valued, connected, and inspired to make a difference
Thank you for welcoming me so warmly into this community I look forward to the journey ahead
With gratitude,
Christina Gilmour Director of Advancement, Marist College Canberra
CHRISTINE ROBERTSON’S LEGACY: A LIFE OF PURPOSE, A LEGACY OF CARE.
This year, the Marist College Canberra Foundation received a deeply meaningful gift from the estate of Christine Robertson Christine was a long-serving teacher, mentor, and friend to generations of Marist boys and staff
Christine’s bequest will significantly strengthen the refugee component of the Brother Mark May Bursary Fund, helping ensure that boys from refugee backgrounds can be supported through their Marist education. In recognition of her generosity and her lifelong commitment to equity and education, this part of the fund is now known as the Christine Robertson Bursary
Christine joined Marist in 1979 and taught in the Social Sciences Department before becoming Assistant Dean of Studies She worked at the College for more than 30 years A meticulous and passionate educator, she was known for her deep subject knowledge and her unwavering belief in each student’s potential For Christine, a bursary wasn’t just financial support, it was a way of unlocking opportunity for a boy who might never have thought Marist was within reach.
She had a particular interest in supporting students who had experienced disadvantage Social justice was a cause close to her heart, reflecting her values of compassion, fairness and inclusion This legacy gift quietly ensures that boys from refugee families, many of whom have already faced significant hardship, can step into the Marist community with dignity, stability and hope
Christine’s own story was shaped by educational opportunity She received a scholarship to complete high school and a Commonwealth Scholarship to attend university, the first in her family to do so. She understood the power of this sort of support, and spent her life offering that to others, both in and out of the classroom
Her bequest to the Marist Foundation reflects this enduring commitment It’s a thoughtful act of generosity, one that fits perfectly with Christine’s character. Practical. Purposeful. Quietly powerful.
Christine’s gift has also been beautifully honoured and amplified by her sister, Jenny, whose own generosity has ensured that Christine’s legacy is not only realised but strengthened Jenny’s decision to add to the fund is a moving act of love and remembrance – a way of keeping her sister’s spirit alive while extending the reach of her vision Together, their gifts form a lasting tribute that will continue to open doors for young people and transform lives for generations to come
We are proud to honour Christine’s memory by naming this bursary fund for her. Through it, she will continue to change lives in the same way she did in person: through care, conviction, and a belief that every boy deserves the chance to thrive
IMPACT SNAPSHOT
Your Generosity in Numbers
Since 2022, our community has contributed over $1 2 million to open doors for Marist boys and their families
BURSARY BREAKDOWN
In 2025, this has provided a Marist Education for:
14 BURSARY RECIPIENTS
The Marist College Canberra Foundation was established to extend the opportunity of a Marist education to students who might not otherwise have access due to financial constraints Through the administration of funds such as the Br Mark May Bursary Fund and the Capital Appeal Fund, the Foundation aims to provide students with outstanding infrastructure and facilities, ensuring they receive a holistic and enriching educational experience.
Beyond individual student support, the Foundation envisions a broader societal impact By fostering the development of young men who are compassionate, intellectually aware, and faith-filled, the Foundation contributes to shaping individuals who can positively influence their communities and society at large. The goal is to cultivate men who embody the values of Marist education and serve as agents of change in the world
Looking ahead, the Foundation has set an ambitious goal: to fund three students in each year group from Year 4 to Year 12. Achieving this vision requires an endowed fund totalling approximately $12 million An endowed fund is a financial asset where the principal amount is invested, with part of the income generated being used for its designated purpose and some reinvested into the same fund This model ensures that the fund can support its objectives in perpetuity, providing a sustainable source of funding for future generations of students. By building such an endowment, the Foundation aims to create a lasting legacy that continues to offer the benefits of a Marist education to deserving students for years to come.
How the Br Mark May Bursary Transforms
Lives and Strengthens Our Community
At Marist College Canberra, we believe every boy carries potential within him But potential doesn't always appear early, and it doesn’t flourish equally, especially when opportunity itself is unequal.
Success isn’t always a sign of talent, it’s often a reflection of access At Marist, we choose to invest in what might be, not just what already is This is why we offer bursaries rather than scholarships
Where scholarships are traditionally based on merit, rewarding those who already excel, bursaries respond to financial need, creating the conditions for talent to emerge, for confidence to grow, and for a young man to discover who he might become
As educators and donors, we cannot always predict when a boy will find his voice, or when his moment will come Sometimes it’s in Year 7, sometimes Year 12 or even long after he’s left the College gates But a bursary ensures he gets the chance. Without that, the spark might never ignite
The Br Mark May Bursary Fund, supported entirely by donors like you, stands firmly on the principal that ‘you love a boy for what he can become’ It exists:
To make a Marist education possible for families facing genuine financial difficulty To uphold the dignity of those quietly doing it tough
And to strengthen our entire community by welcoming boys from diverse backgrounds, whose presence and journey enrich us all
Our bursaries are not just financial support, they are acts of faith Faith in possibility Faith in the idea that with care, consistency, and community, boys grow into good men A Marist education shapes young men of strong minds and gentle hearts; qualities that influence families, communities, and society Bursaries circulate that impact back into the broader world.
As Headmaster Matthew Hutchison puts it:
"We offer bursaries not because we know what a boy will achieve, but because we believe in who he can become."
Your generosity doesn’t simply support one student It lifts up families, affirms Marist values, and creates a ripple effect of compassion and inclusion across our school It gives these boys the chance to reach their full potential and, in doing so, to maximise their positive impact on the world around them
Thank you for helping us open the door so that every boy, regardless of his starting point, has the opportunity to walk through it
A GIFT UNSEEN
Every gift to the Marist College Canberra Foundation changes a life, sometimes in ways that are seen and celebrated, and sometimes in quiet, deeply personal ways.
Some of our bursary families choose to share their stories, while others prefer to keep their journey private We completely respect that choice For some, it’s simply where they are at this moment in time - focusing on finding stability, or allowing their son to grow and flourish without the weight of their circumstances In time, when life feels more settled, it may feel right to share their story.
Many families want to find a way to express their gratitude and give back and sharing their experiences anonymously is one meaningful way to do so Behind each bursary is a family doing their best through challenging times, and a young person whose life is being shaped by care, opportunity and community. Protecting their privacy is one of the ways we show our gratitude and uphold the trust that sits at the heart of every act of generosity
The following reflections come from one such family, whose son remains unaware he was a bursary recipient
I am extremely grateful to the College for affording me the opportunity of a Marist education for my son He certainly is a ‘fine young man’. He has formed strong bonds with his Marist peers and connections made at the College
This is all I had hope for. I always admired that about Marist
I am so very proud of him, for all he has been through at such a young age.
Please know that the Bursary Program and the College staff have helped him become the young man he is today. I will forever be extremely grateful
Their quiet gratitude is a constant a reminder to us that Christ often walks among us unrecognised, yet is always present as grace in acts of love, humility and generosity
Paul Singer’s journey to the Marist College Canberra Foundation Board has been shaped by service, leadership, and a deep commitment to giving back With a distinguished military career and a passion for supporting children through education, Paul brings both experience and heart to his role as a new Board member
I took the opportunity to have a long conversation with Paul and am delighted to share his thoughts with our donor community
1) What inspired you to join the Marist College Canberra Foundation Board?
I was moved to join the Foundation Board as an opportunity to give back to the community that has offered so much to my family To see my son enjoy and value his Marist education, and make the most of the many opportunities available through the school, is a daily joy The Foundation’s mission to open doors through bursaries also aligns with my own belief that education transforms lives, and I wanted to contribute to that mission within the Marist community As a parent, I’ve had the privilege of seeing first-hand the spirit, values and sense of belonging that Marist instils in its students. The warmth of the community and the commitment to nurturing young men of character has left a lasting impression on me and my family
2) You also founded the charity Make A Mark Australia. What motivated you to take on that project and what have you learned from it?
I co-founded Make A Mark Australia in 2009 to help empower children in need through improved access to education Over the last 16 years, we have completed 16 projects in 7 different countries and helped to empower and support over 80,000 children What motivated me was the belief that every child deserves the chance to learn and thrive
3) Why do you believe education, and bursaries in particular, are so important to support?
Education is the most powerful gift - it gives young people the tools to shape their future, no matter their background. Bursaries are the great equaliser. They make sure that financial or personal circumstances don’t stand in the way of a child receiving a quality education that can change their life It’s not just about academic opportunity - it's also about confidence, dignity and hope
4) How do you see philanthropy making a difference in the lives of young people here at Marist and beyond?
Philanthropy creates opportunities that can have an incredible ripple effect For a student at Marist, a bursary can be life-changing But the impact doesn’t stop there - those same students go on to serve, to lead, and to give back to others That’s how philanthropy creates a cycle of generosity that extends well beyond Marist’s school gates
5) What would you say to others in the school community who are thinking about supporting the Foundation?
Every donation, no matter the size, contributes to opening doors for a young person who might otherwise miss out on a Marist education It’s a chance to invest not only in education, but in the kind of future we all want to see - one built on opportunity, compassion and community
6) On a personal note what gives you the most satisfaction when you see the impact of giving on students and their families?
For me, it’s seeing the joy and pride on the faces of families who know that someone believes in their child’s future. It’s the quiet humility of a student who knows they’ve been given an opportunity they may never have imagined possible, and doing everything within their power to make the most of it. That human connection, the hope and dignity it provides, is what makes it all worthwhile
For Paul, the real reward comes in seeing the difference that generosity makes in the lives of young people With his leadership and commitment, the Foundation is strengthened in its mission to ensure more boys have the chance to grow, learn, and thrive at Marist now and into the future.
MARIST COLLEGE CANBERRA OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION
Strengthening Community and Supporting Future Generations
The Marist College Canberra Old Boys Association (MCCOBA) plays a vital role in keeping former students connected to the College while fostering a community that supports current and future students
Through its events and initiatives, MCCOBA nurtures lifelong connections among old boys and encourages a spirit of generosity that benefits the broader College community
Supporting the Next Generation
Recent Highlights
Over the past year, MCCOBA has hosted several events that brought Old Boys together while raising funds for the Old Boys Bursary:
Whiskey Night: Hosted by Brendan Smyth (Old Boy 1977) and supported by Damon Smith (2000) and Geocon, the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, and Paul Cains (1995) and Prohibition Urban Cellars Curtin, this event raised $1,200 for the bursary fund
Old Boys Bursary Luncheon: This luncheon attracted 180 guests and raised approximately $60,000 demonstrating the strong commitment of the old boys community to supporting students
Super Reunion: Celebrating the classes from years ending in 5, this reunion brings together over 150 Old Boys and guests, reinforcing connections across generations and deepening engagement with the College.
The Old Boys Bursary Fund was established to provide financial support to students and sons of old boys who face financial barriers to accessing a Marist education MCCOBA is actively fundraising with the goal of raising $400,000 to fully fund one student per year in perpetuity, with aspirations to grow this support over time
MCCOBA also oversees the Wall of Honour, recognising the achievements of old boys across all fields Celebrating these accomplishments not only honours past students but also inspires current students, highlighting the potential within all of our boys to strive, achieve, and reach their own goals
This focus on excellence and aspiration reinforces the values of the College and strengthens the connection between generations of students.
Beyond fundraising and recognition, MCCOBA is committed to building a strong, connected community of past students. Through events, reunions, and initiatives, the Association keeps Old Boys engaged with the College and each other, ensuring they continue to play an active role in supporting current students and contributing to the life of the College.
At Marist College Canberra, our community is at the heart of everything we do. Throughout the year, events and gatherings provide moments to come together, celebrate shared values and strengthen the bonds that make our College such a special place These occasions also highlight the generosity and commitment of families, friends and supporters whose care helps ensure every boy has the opportunity to thrive.
Blue and Blue Dinner
This year’s Blue and Blue Dinner was a wonderful celebration of Marist spirit and community, bringing together parents, Old Boys, staff and friends of the College for an evening of connection and purpose. With the joyful theme Rock Around the Clock, guests embraced the energy and optimism of the 1950s, reminding us that generosity, like good music, never goes out of style The dance floor was full, the laughter contagious and the spirit of giving shone brightly throughout the night. Thanks to the incredible support of those who attended, funds were raised for the Br Mark May Bursary, helping ensure that more young men can experience a Marist education regardless of their family’s circumstances. It was an inspiring night that reflected the very best of who we are, united in friendship, faith and service to others
Mothers and Grandmothers Afternoon Tea
This year’s Mothers and Grandmothers Afternoon Tea was a joyful celebration of the vital role women play in the lives of Marist boys, offering care, guidance and encouragement that help shape the men they will become The occasion was made even more special by guest speaker ACT Justice Louise Taylor, who shared her reflections on the power of education to transform lives and create opportunity. Bringing together mothers, grandmothers and friends of the College in such a spirit of fellowship was a powerful reminder of the strength of our community and its shared commitment to supporting the Foundation
Foundation Appreciation Night
The 2024 Foundation Appreciation Night was a warm and celebratory evening recognising the generosity of those who support the College through the Foundation Guests enjoyed connecting with staff, students, and fellow supporters while hearing stories that highlighted the real impact of their contributions.
We were incredibly blessed to hear from Dabora Deng, whose sons Deng (Year 11) and David (Year 8) are both recipients of a Br Mark May Bursary. Their story of making their way from wartorn Sudan to Australia, after almost two decades in a Kenyan refugee camp, is inspirational The event was a meaningful opportunity to express our gratitude and to share how philanthropy continues to shape the lives of Marist students.
A CHANCE THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING
For Justice Louise Taylor, the difference between disadvantage and opportunity can be summed up in one word: education. When ACT Supreme Court Justice Louise Taylor addressed the Mothers’ and Grandmothers’ Afternoon Tea, she spoke of the profound impact education can have, not just on individual lives, but on communities
“Fairly early on I understood that an education was a golden ticket,” she recalled, reflecting on her own father, the first in her family to complete high school and later attend university as a mature-age student That sense of opportunity, she said, shaped her own journey into the law and her commitment to making a difference Justice Taylor subsequently became the first Aboriginal woman to be appointed to a superior court in Australia (not just the ACT)
In her courtroom, however, Justice Taylor sees the devastating consequences when such opportunities are denied She described a young man taken into care as a baby, whose life became marked by disadvantage, drug use and instability At just nineteen, “he does not have one single relationship of love and support with an adult from any time in his life He is completely untethered ” For Justice Taylor, his story is a powerful reminder that “the lottery of birth, not unlike the privilege of a good education, can set a young person on a pathway before they even know they’re on it.”
It is this reality, she explained, that makes the work of the Marist College Canberra Foundation so important. “The Br Mark May Bursary Fund has the capacity to lift a boy out of a circumstance of disadvantage and provide to him the kind of quality
education that could transform his life The kind of educational experience that might have transformed the life of that nineteenyear-old young man I deal with in my courtroom ”
Justice Taylor has witnessed the bursary in action “I can tell you with certainty that the effects of inclusion in the Marist community because of the bursary include improved confidence, a stronger sense of selfassurance, a deeper level of curiosity, an authentic sense of belonging, an expanded imagination of what might be possible ”
She spoke too of the intangible but enduring benefits: “What Joe Roff (ex-Wallaby and Old Boy) referred to at this year’s rugby presentation as the ‘unknown’ effects of a Marist education such as a lifelong network of contacts to draw upon and membership to the broader Marist community; the benefits of which may not be realised for many years to come ”
Her message to the Marist community was clear: “A strong mind and a gentle heart, the foundations of a fine young man, require an appreciation of your place in the world and your capacity to lift others up by extending to them the benefit of your own opportunity The work of the bursary exemplifies that approach.”
For Marist, and for the boys it supports, that opportunity is a chance that truly changes everything.
“A strong mind and a gentle heart, the foundations of a fine young man, require an appreciation of your place in the world The work of the bursary exemplifies that approach.”
Judy’s Story
When Justice Louise Taylor spoke at the Mothers’ and Grandmothers’ Afternoon Tea, her words about compassion, justice and community stirred something in Judy Taylor. Sitting among other Marist women, she felt a quiet desire to give back and to carry forward what had carried her family
Judy’s decision to give is personal, shaped by both grief and love In 2023, she lost her daughter Cassandra “Cass” Bennett after a brave fight with a brain tumour. Cass was a devoted mother, daughter and friend Even as she faced her illness, she remained determined to help others
During her treatment, Cass realised that many people with brain cancer struggled to find clear, practical information to guide them through the process With her friend Ana, she created The Survivorship Diary, a resource to help patients and their families understand what to expect and how to manage each stage of treatment The diary has since been used by The Brain Cancer Group to support others facing the same diagnosis. Cass also served as an ambassador for the organisation, sharing her experience and hope with others
Even as she faced exhaustion and uncertainty, Cass held fast to her sense of purpose Judy remembers her saying that she wanted whatever she left behind to matter - something that would ease the journey for others Judy’s gift is part of that legacy
In her final months, one of Cass’s greatest comforts was seeing her two young sons begin their journey at Marist. Knowing they were in a place of care, faith and community gave her peace
Judy saw how the school surrounded her grandsons with kindness and support, helping them to grow in confidence and resilience She witnessed how, even in tragedy, a Marist education can be a foundation of strength.
That experience inspired Judy to make a gift to the College She wanted other families to feel that same sense of care and belonging, especially in difficult times Her generosity helps ensure that a Marist education remains within reach for families who might otherwise miss the opportunity Judy’s connection to the College runs deep. Her other daughter also has a son at Marist, and the family feels a strong bond with the school community Giving is her way of expressing that connection and honouring the spirit of her daughter, whose courage and compassion continue to inspire her
Through her support, Judy hopes to create something lasting: an opportunity for other young people to thrive, and a way for Cass’s kindness and love to continue touching lives
Judy gives from gratitude for what Marist has done for her grandsons, and from the legacy Cass began - a legacy of turning hardship into service and transforming pain into something that helps others Through Judy’s giving, Cass’s voice still speaks, still guides, and still opens doors for new families, new boys and new hope.
INTENTION
AT THE HEART OF IMPACT
At the Marist College Canberra Foundation, we often speak about impact, the tangible results of generosity that can be seen in bursaries funded, opportunities created, and lives changed Yet just as important is intention, the spirit that drives those gifts and the purpose that underpins our work
In the Marist tradition, intention sits at the heart of all we do. Saint Marcellin Champagnat taught that good works begin in the heart, guided by love, humility and service Our donors embody this every time they choose to give, not out of obligation, but from a sincere desire to make a difference in the life of a young person or a family in need It is this shared intention that makes our impact meaningful.
When we measure the success of the Foundation, we do so not only through the outcomes we achieve, but through the integrity, generosity and care with which they are pursued Impact shows what we have accomplished. Intention reminds us why we do it. Together, they define the true success of the Foundation and the enduring strength of our Marist community
FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS
The Marist College Canberra Foundation is guided by a dedicated Board of Directors who bring a wealth of experience and a shared commitment to the College's mission The current Board members are:
Cade Brown – Chair
Betty Domazet
Natalie Hyde
Doug O’Mara
Paul Singer
Ben Weber
Matthew Hutchison – Ex-Officio member
David Perceval – Ex-officio member
These individuals are responsible for overseeing the Foundation's strategic direction, ensuring the effective management of its funds, and fostering relationships within the broader Marist community. Their collective expertise and dedication play a crucial role in advancing the Foundation's goals and sustaining its impact