The Mac.Rob Foundation

Sometimes, potential isn’t the problem.
Opportunity is.

Every year, the Foundation helps students access the experiences that shape confidence, connection and future direction – in the classroom and beyond it. 💫

Because a full senior school experience is about more than education.
It’s about discovering what you’re capable of.

That’s the difference our donors make. 🫶

If you can, please consider supporting the Foundation this end of financial year. As a registered charity, all donations over $2 are tax-deductible.

https://www.macrobfoundation.com.au/donate

Olyvia Nikou KC’s story is one of determination, intellect and an enduring pursuit of justice.

After migrating to Australia from Greece as a baby, Olyvia’s early years were shaped by the sacrifices and resilience of her parents, whose commitment to education laid the foundations for future success.

At Mac.Rob, she found the ideal environment to nurture her love of learning and critical thinking – qualities that would define a distinguished legal career.

Following studies in economics and law at Monash University, Olyvia built a respected career as a barrister, later becoming the first Greek-born person appointed King’s Counsel in Australia.

She has appeared in significant Hague Convention and family law matters both in Australia and internationally, while also lecturing, presenting and mentoring across Australia, the UK and the United States.

Beyond the courtroom, Olyvia is passionate about supporting and mentoring the next generation of lawyers; something she describes as one of the great joys of her career.

Congratulations to Olyvia on her 2026 induction to the Portrait Gallery. ✨

https://www.macrobfoundation.com.au/olyvia-nikou

Education is everything! If you’re a pre-service teacher, recent grad or maths teacher, this is your chance to empower the next generation of students. ⭐️

Attention all pre-service teachers, recent graduates, and Maths teachers! Are you looking for the opportunity to teach some of the most inspiring and motivated students in Victoria? Mac.Rob warmly invites you to attend our Graduate & Maths Teacher Open Day on Wednesday, July 15th, to learn more about our school, meet our staff and students, and discover how a role at Mac.Rob can help your teaching career flourish! Places are limited; register here now: www.trybooking.com/DMWQR

Congratulations to our 2026 Academic Excellence Scholarship recipients (pictured left to right), Salma and Mackenzie! 🎓✨

For Salma, the scholarship will support her journey towards a future career in medicine, helping reduce some of the practical barriers associated with the admissions pathway.

For Mackenzie, it will help advance her biomechanics and neuroscience research into jaw-tongue coordination and neuromuscular dysfunction – work she hopes will contribute to future clinical rehabilitation outcomes.

Their stories remind us that excellence takes many forms: curiosity, compassion, and the courage to chase big dreams!

Thank you to the wonderful donors helping create opportunities for Mac.Rob students. 💜

Read more here 👇
https://www.macrobfoundation.com.au/2026-academic-excellence-scholarship-recipients

Gayle Hardie’s career has been shaped by a deep commitment to people, emotional wellbeing and leadership.

A passionate musician and performer during her years at Mac.Rob, Gayle later studied teaching before discovering her true interest lay not only in supporting children, but also the families and communities around them.

Her professional path would take her from education into organisational leadership, including senior people and culture roles during periods of major growth and transformation.

In 2003, Gayle co-founded Global Leadership Foundation – a for-purpose organisation dedicated to raising emotional health levels across communities, workplaces and leadership settings worldwide.

Her expertise and trusted leadership were recognised through her role as co-facilitator for the Royal Commission into Family Violence.

Congratulations to Gayle on her 2026 induction to the Mac.Rob Portrait Gallery. ✨

https://www.macrobfoundation.com.au/gayle-hardie

Families and friends of Mac.Rob are warmly invited to join us for the annual Winter Concert - a night of magnificent music, performed by students of Mac.Rob and Melbourne High School! Held on Monday, July 13th, at the iconic Hamer Hall, the Winter Concert is part of a proud and long-standing collaboration between Mac.Rob and MHS. Tickets for this sumptuous celebration of school spirit, student talent, and community partnership are now on sale! Visit: tinyurl.com/MacRobWinterConcert2026

The latest edition of the Mac.Rob Foundation newsletter is out today ✨

Inside this edition:

🎓 Meet our Academic Excellence scholars
💜 Hear the impact of your support
🌟 Read inspiring alumni stories
📚 View grant updates.

Whether you’re a donor, alumni, student or supporter, thank you for helping create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.

Read the full newsletter here. 👇
https://mailchi.mp/macrobfoundation/june-2026-news-10345489?e=6c366bcd9e

And if you’d like to receive Foundation news direct to your inbox, sign up today. 👇
https://www.macrobfoundation.com.au/sign-up

Are you a Mac.Rob alumni aged 30 or under, undertaking undergraduate or postgraduate study at globally recognised Australian institutions? Then you may be eligible to apply for the 2026 Mac.Rob Foundation Graduate/Postgraduate Scholarship, valued at $2500 🖤 Even better, applications have been extended until 7th July 2026 ✒️🎓

Whether you’re pursuing research, professional development, conferences, placements or other study opportunities, this scholarship is designed to help you take the next step 👣

Take a peek into how the Foundation scholarship supported last year’s recipient, Jen Wong, in her PhD research at the University of Melbourne and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute 🩺 You can also read more about her story here: https://www.macrobfoundation.com.au/2025-postgrad-grant-recipient-jen-wong

For more information about the scholarship, head to the Mac.Rob Foundation page here: https://www.macrobfoundation.com.au/gradpostgrad

Click this form, or scan the QR code below, to directly fill out your application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSduomGnI8QCZnwjJ9ZI6X0y8-2ErpiQHw63VSn78yvFNQDsiw/viewform

Not every barrier is visible.

✖️ Sometimes it’s the camp you can’t afford.
✖️ The subject you don’t choose.
✖️ The opportunity you step away from.

And that's where we step in.

Our bursaries, scholarships and grants don’t just ease pressure, they open doors. 🌻

They make sure students can say yes to the full experience of senior school, not just the parts within reach. 🙏

As EOFY approaches, your donation helps turn potential into possibility.

Donations — Mac.Rob Foundation The work of The Foundation cannot be undertaken without the vision and generosity of our donors, whom we cannot thank enough.

Dr Vicky Au has built a remarkable career connecting industry, research and government to help shape the future of energy, innovation and emerging technologies.

After graduating from Mac.Rob, Vicky completed degrees in science and arts before earning a PhD in physics from the Australian National University. Her career has since taken her across Australia and around the world through pioneering roles with organisations including PwC, CSIRO and global engineering firm Wood.

Named in the Hydrogen Economist’s Women in Hydrogen 50, Vicky has become a recognised voice in energy transition and leadership, speaking at more than 55 national and international conferences.

Alongside her professional achievements, she remains deeply committed to mentoring, community connection, music and lifelong learning.

Congratulations to Vicky on her 2026 induction to the Mac.Rob Portrait Gallery. ✨

https://www.macrobfoundation.com.au/vicky-au