MLC Foundation

The MLC Foundation is the philanthropic heart of our College, bringing together the generosity and support of our community to help shape an inspiring future for every MLC girl. Through fundraising, stewardship and strategic initiatives, the Foundation ensures MLC continues to offer exceptional opportunities, innovative facilities and lifechanging scholarships for generations to come.

WHO WE ARE

Established in 1987, the MLC Foundation fosters a strong culture of philanthropy within the MLC Community to strengthen the College’s longterm future. The Foundation provides vital financial support for new facilities, scholarships and strategic initiatives that enhance the educational experience of every student.

Our mission is to create a sustainable source of income that secures the ongoing excellence of the College. The opportunities enjoyed by our students today — an outstanding education, a diverse cocurricular program, modern learning environments and access to scholarships — are the direct result of decades of generosity from the MLC Community.

While donations are welcomed at any time, the Foundation actively engages our community through a range of events and campaigns, including:

• The biennial MLC Foundation Gala
• The Tuition Fee Raffle
• The Foundation Future Levy
• Giving Day

Meet the Foundation Board & Committee

The MLC Foundation is guided by a committed and experienced Board that provides strategic direction and strong governance through a transparent and sustainable business model. The MLC Principal and the Chair of MLC Council serve as ex officio members, ensuring alignment with the College’s vision and long-term planning.

Rob Bentley – Chair

Role on Foundation

Chair

Council Positions and Committees

Chair of the MLC Foundation Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee
Former Foundation Treasurer

Professional

Chartered accountant
Admitted to practice law in the Supreme Court of Western Australia
Partner with PricewaterhouseCoopers having worked with PwC for over 24 years in Melbourne, Washington DC and Perth
Significant experience in the not-for-profit sector being involved in a number of NFP Boards in the Education and Arts sectors

School Associations

Father of two current MLC students

“Quality education has the ability to change a person’s circumstances, perhaps more than any other single thing. It is critically important that girls have a fantastic education to drive equal opportunity and so they can make an even bigger contribution to our country and our communities in the years ahead including investing in MLC students a sense of purpose and philanthropy. The Foundation has the ability to have a major impact on this. The gap between boys’ schools and girls’ schools in this respect is sometimes vast and I am passionate about playing a role in closing this gap.”

Jason Pentony – Board & Committee Member

Role on Foundation

Board & Committee Member

Council Positions and Committees

Chair of the Development Committee
Member of the Development Committee since 2018
Member of the Foundation Board since 2022

Professional

Bachelor of Business from Curtin University
Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors
Associate Vice President with Infosys, a global IT services and digital consulting firm
Over 30 years’ experience working with organisations to maximise their value from investments into digital technologies, having worked across Australia and internationally in Europe and Africa
Industry Panel Advisor to The University of Western Australia – Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering

School Associations

Father of one current MLC student and one current Scotch College student

Matthew Fry – Board Member

Role on Foundation

Board Member

Council Positions and Committees

MLC Foundation Board Member

Professional

Seasoned entrepreneur and CEO with 25 years in healthcare and diagnostics
Head of AM Diagnostics and Fry Holdings Pty Ltd, successfully expanding his influence across industries like green energy, real estate and precious metals
Highly skilled in global commercialisation, regulatory navigation and strategic capital investments

Achievements

Secured Australia’s first COVID-19 diagnostic test approval, expanding AM Diagnostics into the U.S. market
Leads Fry Holdings’ diverse investment

School Associations

Father of three current MLC students

Landy Kermode – Board Member

Role on Foundation

Board Member

Council Positions and Committees

MLC Foundation Board Member

Kate Kirwin – Board Member

Role on Foundation

Board Member

Council Positions and Committees

MLC Foundation Board Member

Professional

Over a decade of experience crafting impactful programs and building thriving communities at Spacecubed, Plus Eight and She Codes
Founder of She Codes Australia, empowering women with the skills, networks and confidence to enter tech careers
Background in charity and tech events
Strong advocate for creating pathways that increase female participation in the technology sector and, more broadly, in industries of the future

Achievements

Winner of the Business News 40 Under 40 Award
Winner of the Women in Digital Champion of Change Award
Winner of The West Australian’s Rising Star Award
Winner of WA’s 2024 Young Australian of the Year
Provides coding education to thousand and issued over $2.5 million in scholarships

School Associations

MLC Collegian (Class of 2010)

Evangeline Athanasiou – Board Member

Role on Foundation

Board Member

Council Positions and Committees

Served as President of the MLC Collegians’ Association from 2023 to 2025
MLC’s first moderator for its International Women’s Day event
Current MLC Foundation Board Member since 2025

Professional

Over 25 years of experience as a legal professional
A decade specialising in employee relations law at Herbert Smith Freehills as a Senior Associate, advising major Australian employers on workplace relations and industrial litigation
15 years focused on family law where she’s a partner at boutique family law firm Ferrier, Athanasiou & Kakulas, acting in both negotiated and court-based matters and advising on complex parenting and financial pursuits
Published author on taxation issues in family law
Regularly invited to guest lecture and present on challenging family law topics

School Associations

Mother one of CCGS Old Boy, MLC Collegian and current MLC student

READ OUR REPORTS

Year	Report
2022	Read here
2021	Read here
2020	Read here
2019	Read here
2018	Read here
2017	Read here

SHAPING THE FUTURE, TOGETHER

The strength of MLC has always come from the people who believe in the power of girls’ education. Together, we can continue shaping a future where every MLC girl is empowered to learn, lead and thrive.

Make a Lasting Difference