STEVE BRACKS PUTS DEAKIN UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION INTO PREMIER LEAGUE

Former Victorian Premier, the Hon. Steve Bracks, will be the inaugural Honorary Chair of a new Foundation to be established by Deakin University.

Deakin's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sally Walker, said today that the Deakin Foundation would be launched in October this year. "Deakin University is delighted that Steve Bracks has accepted our invitation to chair the Deakin Foundation. Under his leadership, Deakin will encourage philanthropic individuals, foundations and the business sector to develop partnerships with the University."

"Deakin has core commitments to rural and regional engagement and to access and equity. When he was Premier, Mr. Bracks made a major contribution to regional Victoria and to education. His role with the Deakin Foundation is consistent with that contribution and he will provide the Foundation and its Board with excellent leadership as the Foundation develops."

"Initially, the Deakin Foundation will focus on supporting Deakin's Medical School to undertake research which addresses health issues that have an impact on rural and regional communities. It will also support Deakin's access and equity program by assisting us to offer more scholarships to students from rural and regional areas who otherwise might not have an opportunity for a tertiary education."

"The Foundation will support Deakin's Indigenous education program in which more than 400 Indigenous students from all over Australia attend Deakin's Institute of Koorie Education. We want to emphasise that giving to Deakin University is an investment that facilitates long-term cultural, social and economic benefits," Professor Walker said.

Mr Bracks said "I am pleased to accept the invitation as the Honorary Chair of the Deakin Foundation, which will enable me to assist the development and nurturing of effective philanthropic partnerships. This new role will also allow me to continue my long association with regional communities and the education sector and continue to contribute in a meaningful way to what will be an outstanding Foundation."

"I look forward very much to working with Professor Sally Walker and the Board and being part of this exciting development at Deakin University," he said.

The Deakin Foundation will focus on building partnerships with local, state and federal governments, individuals, philanthropic trusts and foundations, and businesses.

Professor Walker said "Deakin University has always placed emphasis on acting in partnership; we have built successful relationships with industry, government, the professions, other education providers and the wider community - all based on genuine partnerships. We look forward to continuing this tradition with the Deakin Foundation."

The Deakin Foundation will be formally launched at Deakin University's Chancellor's Circle Dinner in October. The Deakin Foundation Board will include external Directors, who will be invited to join over the coming months.