A morning of meaningful conversation, community connection and women’s health advocacy has raised more than $10,000 for the Gippsland Grammar Foundation.
Held at the picturesque Mewburn Park in Maffra last month, the inaugural Brunch for Better brought together more than 110 guests – including mothers, grandmothers, Old Scholars, friends and students for a Mother’s Day-inspired celebration with purpose.
The sold-out event featured an engaging ‘In Conversation’ panel hosted by foundation chair Jessica Cane, with East Gippsland clinical psychologist Dr Briohny Cotter and women’s health GP Dr Stacey Smith.
Both speakers, also Gippsland Grammar parents, tackled important topics facing women today, including the mental load, mental fitness, self-care and perimenopause.
“We were just blown away,” Ms Cane said.
“I just loved seeing women from across each of our three campuses meet each other and form new connections.
“And while the event was a lovely occasion to frock up and enjoy a weekend cocktail, it was also a valued opportunity to delve into some important issues that all women are facing.”
Garnsey parent Tanya Preston described the brunch as “memorable”.
“I loved listening to the beautiful speakers Stacey and Briohny,” Ms Preston said.
“They spoke so many truths and, in some ways, actually gave us all permission to put ourselves first.”
The Brunch for Better was the Foundation’s first fundraiser for 2025 and sets the tone for a year of meaningful giving.
Upcoming initiatives include the School’s annual Giving Week from June 23–27, and an inaugural Father’s Day Breakfast on Friday, August 29.
Founded 40 years ago as the fundraising arm of Gippsland Grammar, the Gippsland Grammar Foundation supports the school through spearheading capital improvements, such as the recent Art and Design Centre at the Garnsey Campus, as well as scholarships for those who may not otherwise be able to access an education at the Gippsland independent school.
Gippsland Grammar acting principal, Bo Power said the Foundation’s role is pivotal to enriching the school experience.
“Many independent schools have similar avenues for fundraising and giving has been a part of our School Community since it was founded more than 100 years ago,” Mr Power said.
“Some of our earliest fundraisers included car rallies and in the 1950s the Saxon family even donated the profits from a local pine plantation to the school.
“Events such as a women’s health brunch or a targeted Giving Week represent a new era in families creating a legacy and supporting future generations of Gippsland students.”
One standout historical fundraiser is the 1966 publication Is Emu on the Menu?, a cookbook created by dedicated school supporters.
Combining local recipes with sketches of Gippsland homesteads, the book received acclaim, including a review by the BBC.
Republished nine times over 21 years, it remains available today for $15 from Collins Booksellers in Sale, the School’s Garnsey Campus reception, or via email.
Looking ahead, the foundation’s next major capital focus is a new Early Years precinct at the St Anne’s Campus.
This project, foreseen to commence construction in 2026, will include a larger Early Learning Centre with enhanced connection to Foundation classrooms and expanded kindergarten offerings for local families.
