Generation Australia: 5 Years of Transforming Lives

On July 29th, Generation Australia marked a significant milestone: our 5th anniversary. The event, hosted by our esteemed founders at McKinsey & Company, brought together benefactors, supporters, employees, and media representatives to celebrate the transformative impact we’ve had on individuals and businesses alike.

Malcolm Kinns, CEO, Generation Australia

A Journey of Impact

The afternoon commenced with a warm welcome from Joseph Tesvic of McKinsey & Company, who reflected on the journey of Generation Australia and the enduring partnership with McKinsey. Our CEO, Malcolm Kinns, then took the stage to share key achievements over the past five years. From empowering over 1,400 graduates, to building a network of more than 400 employer partners who have opened doors to fulfilling roles and lifelong opportunities, our journey has been one of growth, impact, and meaningful connections.

A highlight of the event was the captivating spotlight discussion. A distinguished panel, including employment partner Jess Magro from Westpac, funding partner Anna Le Masurier from Macquarie Group Foundation, and beneficiaries Carrie Grimes from Accenture and Emily Jiang from Commonwealth Bank, shared their perspectives on the program’s impact.

Inspiring Stories and Partnerships

Jess Magro, Executive Manager, DEI at Westpac

Employment Partner Perspective: Jess Magro, Executive Manager, DEI at Westpac, discussed the valuable partnership with Generation Australia. She emphasised how Generation graduates have brought diverse skills and perspectives to Westpac, driving innovation and inclusivity within the organisation. Jess shared success stories of standout graduates who have made a significant impact at Westpac, reinforcing the importance of supporting non-traditional talent pipelines.

Anna Le Masurier, Regional Head of Macquarie Group Foundation

Funding Partner Perspective: Anna Le Masurier, Regional Head of Macquarie Group Foundation, shared the inspiration behind Macquarie’s decision to fund Generation Australia. She highlighted the positive social impact of the partnership and the lessons learned along the way. Anna provided valuable advice for potential future donors and partners, encouraging them to invest in programs that drive tangible, life-changing outcomes

From left to right, Carrie Grimes from Accenture and Emily Jiang from Commonwealth Bank

Beneficiaries’ Stories: The discussion also featured heartfelt stories from two Generation Australia graduates, Carrie Grimes from Accenture and Emily Jiang from Commonwealth Bank. Both Carrie and Emily shared their journeys before joining Generation’s tech program, the challenges they faced, and how their lives have changed since completing the program. Their stories were a powerful reminder of the life-changing opportunities that Generation Australia provides and the lasting impact it has on individuals and communities.

An image of Generation Australia stats of individuals we serve
To date, Generation Australia has proudly served a diverse community, with 60% of our graduates being women in tech and a significant portion coming from marginalised backgrounds. Our programs are designed to empower individuals from all walks of life, helping them gain the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in today’s workforce.

As the event concluded, John Lydon, Chair of Generation Australia, delivered the closing remarks, emphasising the organisation’s ongoing commitment to empowering individuals and addressing the skills gap in Australia. John urged attendees to remain engaged and continue supporting Generation Australia’s work in the future.

We are filled with gratitude for the steadfast support of our partners, benefactors, community, instructors, mentors, and employees. Together, we have made a difference, and together, we will continue to transform lives and build a more inclusive and equitable future for all. Here’s to the next five years and beyond!