The David Burgess Foundation was established in 1991 in memory of the late David Burgess MBE, a larger than life character and immensely proud Australian who was a significant contributor to youth, education and the Australian community in general.

The Foundation assists young people from Victorian State Secondary Colleges who have had to struggle to overcome adversity, who have shown commitment to their goals and those of the community, and who with some help will achieve those goals. To this end the Foundation will make annual awards to Year 12 students who gain entry to tertiary courses at Victorian Universities and/or TAFE Institutes. The Foundation is precluded from funding courses outside Victoria.

Under this scheme each award-winner may be eligible to receive approximately $5,500 each year towards the cost of his/her course, as well as support and guidance from mentors. The Foundation aims to help financially disadvantaged students with little or no support system of their own to make the transition from a supportive school environment to a tertiary educational setting. The mentor system is a non-professional service which provides friendly, concerned help to award winners throughout their tertiary studies.

This is a comprehensive package of services for deserving students in our State Education System and is a fitting tribute to David Burgess, who was a strong advocate of State Schools. Over 70 scholarships have been awarded so far, and those students who have completed their tertiary studies have found employment in Australia and overseas. 

2023 Granting round closed