It’s a program for young LGBTIQ+ Australians offering scholarships and mentoring to help them reclaim their path.  Now, with BHP’s continued support, more young people in regional Australia will also have opportunity to realise their potential.

The scholarship program was established by national charity, The Pinnacle Foundation, to provide young LGBTIQ+ people with encouragement, mentoring and financial support to help them pursue educational or vocational qualifications in any profession, trade or the arts.

And it’s benefiting people like David Edwards, Isabella Kotasek and Oliver McGrath.

David’s scholarship made it possible to take the leap and enrol at university. David is now studying media and communications at Edith Cowan University and majoring in broadcast journalism.

“I’m so grateful to be here, I never would have done it without Pinnacle,” says David.

For Isabella, now in her fourth year of veterinary medicine at Adelaide University, the scholarship has given her a wonderful mentor and opportunities to advocate for the LGBTIQ+ community.

While Oliver, a final year medical student at Griffith University, has gained access to a support network of LGBTIQ+ community members and professionals who want them to succeed. 

This year, BHP extended our partnership with The Pinnacle Foundation to 2025, with a commitment of AUD$200,000 towards multi-year educational scholarships in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia (including a new scholarship to cover the Goldfields region). BHP is now a Pinnacle Principal Foundation Partner.

CEO of The Pinnacle Foundation, Andrew Staite, says he’s extremely grateful for BHP’s continued support.

“This will help young LGBTIQ+ Australians overcome the challenges arising from their identity, become self-reliant, maintain their dignity and give back themselves.”

BHP’s partnership with the Pinnacle Foundation began in 2019 through the great work of Jasper, our LGBT+ employee resource group.

Jasper’s Executive co-sponsor and NSWEC and BMC Asset President, Elsabe Muller, said the partnership is about creating a culture of belonging for young LGBTIQ+ people, especially in regional Australia.

“Everyone deserves to have the opportunity to feel safe and supported to pursue their dreams,” says Elsabe. “We can’t wait to see how these inspirational scholars make their mark in the world." 

Discover more about The Pinnacle Foundation’s scholarships and LGBT+ inclusion at BHP.