Question 1

Who is the ACS Foundation?

Accepted Answer

The ACS Foundation is a registered charity with the ACNC. We are dedicated to advancing Australia's technology sector through education and research. The ACS Foundation was founded by the Australian Computer Society in 2001 for the purpose of developing the next generation of Australia's IT Talent.

Question 2

What does the ACS Foundation do?

Accepted Answer

The ACS Foundation runs developmental programs for students that align with the strategic goals of Australia's  technology sector.

We engage with governments, industry groups, tech firms, educational bodies, and sponsors to create, fund, and deliver STEM initiatives throughout Australia.

Currently, the ACS Foundation offers five key programs:

Scholarships for university students: Administered as per our sponsor's guidelines, these scholarships provide financial aid in the form of academic grants, and 'work integrated learning' (WIL) placements. Students must apply and meet the criteria for each scholarship.
Foundation Jobs for emerging IT professionals: These are fixed-term employment opportunities for those starting their careers in technology.
The Big Day In for primary and high school students: This event connects industry professionals with students interested in technology, fostering early career inspiration.
Career Wheel for high school students: A visual tool that outlines various tech-related careers, helping students to identify which technology path aligns with their interests.
Women of STEM scholarships for female year 12 students: An annual scholar program supporting women pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.

Question 3

What has the ACS Foundation Achieved?

Accepted Answer

Over the past 24 years, the ACS Foundation has:

- Generated more than $85 million in contributions for Australia's technological advancement.

- Granted over 8,500 scholarships to assist students in beginning their careers.

- Collaborated with more than 250 sponsors and companies to enhance industry capacity.

- Developed pathways for students from school to TAFE/university and into employment.
- Merged work and life experiences with academic and university curricula.

- Improved the prospects of Australia's technology sector.

- Initiated scholarships, research grants, and innovation development programs.

Question 4

Who are the ACS Foundation Board?

Accepted Answer

The ACS Foundation is administered by its Trustees, who are empowered to make decisions relating to the allocation of funding and the strategic direction of the organisation:

John Debrincat, Chairman ACS Foundation 
John is the founder, Managing Director and CEO of eCorner Pty Ltd; he is also the Managing Director of In House Consulting Pty Ltd. John Debrincat has over 32 years of experience in business in the Asia Pacific. He is a Fellow of the Australian Computer Society, a member of the Company Directors Association, a member of the Australian Institute of Management and an Associate Member of Australian Human Resource Institute. John is also an Honorary Life Governor and board member of Sydney University Foundation for Information Technologies.

Philip Argy, Deputy Chairman ACS Foundation 
Philip Argy is an experienced mediator, arbitrator, negotiator and strategist and is Principal and CEO of ArgyStar.com. He was with the law firm Mallesons Stephen Jaques for nearly 32 years. Philip qualified at the University of New South Wales for a Bachelor of Commerce (Information Systems) degree in 1975 and a Bachelor of Laws the following year. He is a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Courts of New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria and Western Australia. Philip is a Past President, Fellow and Honorary Life Member of the ACS as well as a past president and founding member of the NSW Society for Computers and the Law.

Karim Barbara 
Karim Barbara has 25 years+ experience in the ICT Industry. He has contributed to ICT policy and industry development within a federal government context, to ICT market segmentation and niche development at a national level within Telstra and to the commercialisation of ICT IP within R&D and corporate environments. Karim is a Co-founder and co-owner of CSN Technology Pty Ltd, a Cloud Services & Networking Start-up, and Managing Director of Barbara & Co Consulting Pty Ltd, focusing on the application of telecommunication and Information technologies to the Health, Aged Care and Social Services markets and is currently Program Director of the ‘Corporate Services 2018’ transformation initiative at the NSW Department of Family and Community Services.

Penny Coulter
Penny Coulter has 25+ years' experience in IT recruitment covering contract, permanent recruitment and executive search, and an unparalleled network of contacts across the industry. In 2007, Penny together with her business partner created an IT recruitment services company, Taylor Coulter. In 2002, Penny Coulter joined the Board of ITCRA (Information Technology Contracting Recruitment Association). In March 2004, Penny was appointed Vice President of ITCRA and in August 2004, elected President, a position she held for 4 years until August 2008. Penny remains a Board member and an active member of ITRA Committees. In 2005, Penny became a member of an ICT Advisory Group assisting the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA) in preparation of an ICT Participation Summit held September 2005. In 2006, she participated as an Industry Panel Expert (“Is ICT a Career?”) at the National ICT Skills Summit, hosted by Queensland Government and has presented “A Career in ICT, Now and the Future” to the ACS Young IT and to AIIA/FITT members.

John Price
John Price is a 30-year veteran of the ICT industry and a long-time contributor to industry growth through his involvement with the Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA). When he stood down from the AIIA Board in late 2007 John was the longest serving Board member (15 years) including three years as Chairman. He also spent 20 years on the NSW Branch Committee. John remains a mentor on the AIIA MGSM entrepreneur development program. He is a Fellow of the Australian Computer society (ACS) and Australian Institute of Directors (AICD) and current Board Member of the ACS Foundation. John has a passion for the development of the ICT industry in particular Education and Training.

John Ridge AM
John Ridge was appointed Executive Director in January 2005. John Ridge was the inaugural Chairman of the Foundation and was president of the ACS in 2000 and 2001. He worked tirelessly to ensure the ACS Foundation was established and has since played a substantial role in the successful development of the Foundation. John was recognised for his contribution to IT by his being awarded with an Order for Australia award. Since joining the ACS in the 1970s, John has served in varying capacities, initially as an Executive Committee Member of the NSW Branch, then serving as NSW Branch Chair, National Vice-President prior to his election as President for 2000-1 and more recently as National Marketing Director.

Dennis Furini:
Dennis Furini was CEO of the ACS from 1999 - 2007, having joined the Society in September 1999 after 10 years with Sydney Water where he earned a reputation for strong leadership, effective management, quality focus, communications and customer skills. He has over 35 years' experience in the IT industry in a career that has encompassed a diverse range of positions and working environments. Dennis began his professional life with Philips, where he spent 26 years in various national and international positions, including National Manager Information Systems and Automation. During the 1980s, he also established and managed a successful marketing and professional services business. He is a Fellow of the ACS.

About the ACS Foundation

Who is the ACS Foundation?

What does the ACS Foundation do?

What has the ACS Foundation Achieved?

Who are the ACS Foundation Board?

A Welcome Message from Our Executive Director

What Does the ACS Foundation Do?