The Mirboo North & District Community Foundation is delighted to announce the establishment of the Foster Family Endowment Fund, made possible through a significant and generous donation from Rob and Robyn Foster.
Investing in Future Generations
This durable fund has been created to support the education, health and wellbeing of students at both Mirboo North Primary School and Mirboo North Secondary College, providing opportunities for local students to enhance their learning and development for generations to come.

Rob attended Mirboo North Primary School and Mirboo North Secondary School before studying pharmacy and building a successful career in the profession. He has lived and worked in Melbourne for many years but maintains a connection with Mirboo North.
“Growing up in Mirboo North, I had a good education at the primary and secondary schools, which enabled me to continue studying and establish my career,” explains Rob Foster. “I am now in a position where I can give back and I am pleased to support the students of the Mirboo North schools in achieving their potential.”
Creating Opportunities for Local Students
The donation has been made in recognition of Rob’s parents, Clarrie and Pat Foster, whose contribution to the Mirboo North community over many decades (1951-1992) left a lasting legacy. Rob notes the fund reflects the values instilled in them by Clarrie and Pat.
Clarrie and Pat moved to Mirboo North in 1951 with their young family after purchasing a local drapery business. Over the following decades, they became deeply involved in community life, with Clarrie in particular dedicating countless hours to local schools, sporting clubs, service organisations and community projects.

Among his many contributions, Clarrie served for more than 20 years with Mirboo North Primary School and 30 years with Mirboo North High School. Clarrie and Pat also personally funded annual scholarships for students and were known for quietly assisting young people in need. In recognition of his outstanding service Clarrie was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1988.
“Through their parents, Rob and Julie learned the value of giving, whether as a volunteer in community activity or giving financially to support those less fortunate than themselves,” says Executive Officer of the Mirboo North & District Community Foundation, Ruth Rogan.
A Legacy of Education, Community and Giving
“Rob and Robyn have chosen to honour that legacy in a way that will assist local young people now and in the future, through a durable donor advised fund. Their fund will earn on average $7-8k a year in investment earnings, most of which will go back into enabling educational opportunities. Each year half will go to the Education Support Fund to support students transitioning to tertiary education and half will go to the Mirboo North schools for equipment.”

The Community Foundation is honoured to partner with the Foster family in creating a lasting legacy that reflects both the remarkable contribution of Clarrie and Pat Foster to the community, as well as their enduring belief in the power of education, community service and generosity.
For more information about establishing a donor advised fund, check out our website or call in to CoSpace at 96 Ridgway.
Keeping it local
The Mirboo North & District Community Foundation is delighted to announce the establishment of the Foster Family Endowment Fund, made possible through a significant and generous donation from Rob and Robyn Foster.
Investing in Future Generations
This durable fund has been created to support the education, health and wellbeing of students at both Mirboo North Primary School and Mirboo North Secondary College, providing opportunities for local students to enhance their learning and development for generations to come.

Rob attended Mirboo North Primary School and Mirboo North Secondary School before studying pharmacy and building a successful career in the profession. He has lived and worked in Melbourne for many years but maintains a connection with Mirboo North.
“Growing up in Mirboo North, I had a good education at the primary and secondary schools, which enabled me to continue studying and establish my career,” explains Rob Foster. “I am now in a position where I can give back and I am pleased to support the students of the Mirboo North schools in achieving their potential.”
Creating Opportunities for Local Students
The donation has been made in recognition of Rob’s parents, Clarrie and Pat Foster, whose contribution to the Mirboo North community over many decades (1951-1992) left a lasting legacy. Rob notes the fund reflects the values instilled in them by Clarrie and Pat.
Clarrie and Pat moved to Mirboo North in 1951 with their young family after purchasing a local drapery business. Over the following decades, they became deeply involved in community life, with Clarrie in particular dedicating countless hours to local schools, sporting clubs, service organisations and community projects.

Among his many contributions, Clarrie served for more than 20 years with Mirboo North Primary School and 30 years with Mirboo North High School. Clarrie and Pat also personally funded annual scholarships for students and were known for quietly assisting young people in need. In recognition of his outstanding service Clarrie was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1988.
“Through their parents, Rob and Julie learned the value of giving, whether as a volunteer in community activity or giving financially to support those less fortunate than themselves,” says Executive Officer of the Mirboo North & District Community Foundation, Ruth Rogan.
A Legacy of Education, Community and Giving
“Rob and Robyn have chosen to honour that legacy in a way that will assist local young people now and in the future, through a durable donor advised fund. Their fund will earn on average $7-8k a year in investment earnings, most of which will go back into enabling educational opportunities. Each year half will go to the Education Support Fund to support students transitioning to tertiary education and half will go to the Mirboo North schools for equipment.”

The Community Foundation is honoured to partner with the Foster family in creating a lasting legacy that reflects both the remarkable contribution of Clarrie and Pat Foster to the community, as well as their enduring belief in the power of education, community service and generosity.
For more information about establishing a donor advised fund, check out our website or call in to CoSpace at 96 Ridgway.