FOUNDATION
The Foundation Board brings together the skills and expertise of individuals who are committed to securing the school’s future and providing a College education to aspirational students that could not otherwise afford the opportunity.
OUR FOUNDATION MISSION
The Foundation honours the past and secures the future of The Hamilton and Alexandra College, enhancing a culture of giving and raising funds by implementing strategic philanthropic initiatives to provide the best opportunities for students.
The Foundation actively fundraises to secure the school’s future by honouring three core pillars of philanthropy:
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Heritage and History
Ensuring our rich history is respected, maintained and celebrated.
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Facilities and Infrastructure
Providing modern and flexible learning environments for students and teachers to challenge and excel.
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Scholarships
Offering Tower Scholarships to students who aspire and prioritise a quality, independent education.
MEET OUR FOUNDATION BOARD
All members of the Foundation Board are keenly aware of the benefits that an independent school brings to the region and the service that College provides for local professionals. Members are passionate about the vital role that the College plays in supporting the growth and economic development of the region.
Penny Adamson
– President
Penny joined the Foundation Board as President in June 2022 and was on the College Board for four years prior to this. Penny is currently a Licensed Real Estate Agent, specialising in high-end residential and lifestyle property sales and marketing strategy throughout Warrnambool, Port Fairy, and South West Victoria.
Penny (Satchell 1988) and her husband Nick (1979) are both Old Collegians and live on a farm at Yambuk. They have four children, Jock graduated in 2020, Mitzi in 2021, and Tobe and Izzi currently attend College. Penny is passionate about contributing to this wonderful School, of which four generations of her family have enjoyed.
Graeme Linke
– Vice President
Graeme is a past parent and joined the Foundation Board in 2022. Graeme owns a local real estate and property valuation business and has worked across South West Victoria for over 30 years. He bring great local knowledge and contact with the College community.
Natalie Bawden
Natalie is a Director of a law firm in Hamilton, having previously worked at top-tier firms in Western Australia and Queensland and has resided in the Hamilton area for the last 15 years. Her son, Adam, is currently a student at the College and her daughter, Finlay, having previously attended The College, was School Captain in 2022. Natalie is from a farming background, and her family relocated to the Hamilton area in 1985 from South Australia. She has over 30 years’ experience in the conveyancing/commercial legal sector.
James Callinan
James is an Old Collegian and joined the Foundation Board in 2023. James has tertiary qualifications in both Science and Commerce from The University of Melbourne. After holding senior finance and management roles within various small companies and multinational consumer goods and dairy organisations, he founded an animal nutrition company in 2021. James has a strong interest in education and maintains a close association with the school with his wife, Penny, teaching Year 1 at Myrniong.
Adam Dickson
Adam joined the Board in 2024. A Certified Practicing Accountant, Adam is an Accounting and Taxation Principal for a local firm, Sinclair Wilson, based in their Warrnambool and Hamilton offices. Adam’s experience in both audit and business advisory has honed his financial reporting skills and knowledge, and he works with clients across the region to identify and analyse trends and performance opportunities, cost drivers and budget forecasts. Adam also provides extensive support in the community and not-for-profit sectors. Adam’s skillset is a great asset to the Foundation Board.
Jen Hutton
Jen joined the Board in 2023, and she is a past parent and was Director of Community Relations and Development at the College from 2000 until 2018. During that time, she managed a number of Capital Campaigns, which included The Helen Handbury Science Centre, The Geoff Handbury Sports Centre, The Kantor Family Music and Performing Arts Centre and the Middle Years Centre. She has also had considerable experience in governance during her time as a Board Director at Western District Health Service from 2002- 2016. Having lived in the district for over 40 years, Jen has a deep knowledge of the College and wider Hamilton community.
Hugh Macdonald
Hugh (1977) is an Old Collegian, past parent, Trustee of the Old Collegians and has been on the Foundation Board for over 20 years. Living locally at Bochara, Hugh is a primary producer and has a BBAcc. Hugh has been involved in managing and part owning companies, lending and investing in the local regions and has held as governance positions, including chair of Western District Health Service.
The Macdonald family has four generations of history at College and Hugh’s mother, Anita, was extensively involved in raising funds to extend the boarding facilities. The girls’ house is now aptly called Macdonald House.
Alex Robinson
Alex joined the Foundation Board in 2022 and is a current parent of two boys at the Senior School, who reside at the Boarding House during the week. Alex lives in Warrnambool and is the owner/director of a building materials business in South West Victoria that produces bespoke architectural windows.
Marcus Winter Cooke
Marcus (1978) has been on the Foundation Board since its inception in early 1992. An Old Collegian, Marcus attended Hamilton College from Prep to Year 12, and his family has had an ongoing connection with the school since 1965. Marcus is a farmer at Tahara. His wife Julia taught at the College for 35 years, and their three children are alumni.
Marcus and his family are passionate about the vital role that the College plays in supporting the region's growth and economic development.
Giving - The gift of education
Through a culture of giving, we will build upon the extraordinary 150-year history of The Hamilton and Alexandra College and honour the philanthropic support of our founders and connected community members.
