GJK Facilities Scholarship Helps Student Overcome Challenges

With the support of the GJK Facilities Scholarship, Isabelle Mountjoy-Austen is overcoming obstacles to pursue a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering at RMIT.

Australia, 28th Oct 2025 – Isabelle Mountjoy-Austen’s story is one of perseverance and determination. Despite facing significant challenges throughout her life, Isabelle remains committed to her education and career goals, thanks in part to the GJK Facilities Scholarship, which has allowed her to pursue a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering at RMIT University.

Growing up as the second eldest of seven children in a single-parent family, Isabelle took on a major role in parenting alongside her mother. Balancing this responsibility with her studies made her academic journey uniquely difficult. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, she completed Year 12 over two years while also homeschooling her younger siblings.

“I remember being in an online English class, and my little sister was just running around my bedroom,” Isabelle shares. “It was stressful, but when you have so many siblings, you don’t know any difference. You just get used to it.”

Despite these early challenges, Isabelle discovered her passion for science and mathematics during Year 8. She began attending Women in STEM events, which sparked her desire to pursue a career in engineering. Her dedication paid off, and after completing her VCE, she is now in the third year of her four-year Bachelor of Engineering (Aerospace Engineering) (Honours) at RMIT University.

Overcoming Challenges in Her First Year at University

Isabelle’s first year at university was marked by a series of unexpected difficulties. After relocating from Bendigo to Melbourne, she initially lived in student accommodation in Footscray, but this was soon disrupted when the accommodation caught fire. This led to multiple moves throughout the year, with Isabelle relocating four times in total.

To make matters worse, Isabelle’s partner’s mother was diagnosed with cancer and passed away during this tumultuous year. Isabelle had a close relationship with her, and her loss was a heavy emotional blow.

“It was a lot to handle in such a short time,” Isabelle reflects. “Moving so many times and dealing with the loss of someone who was a huge support to me was incredibly difficult.”

A Life-Changing Scholarship

Despite these challenges, Isabelle found hope in the form of the GJK Facilities Scholarship. “I was in the car, driving back to Bendigo, when I received the email,” Isabelle recalls. “I couldn’t believe it. It’s such a lot of money, and it really changed my life.”

Before receiving the scholarship, Isabelle had just $50 left after paying rent each week. The financial relief provided by the scholarship allowed her to focus more on her studies and to prioritize her mental health, something that had been difficult to manage in her earlier university experience.

“Being able to actually fully function and not just be constantly in the pattern of being a broke uni student has increased my overall mental health,” she says.

Helping Others Navigate the Path to University

As the first in her family to attend university, Isabelle knows firsthand the challenges faced by students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. She now works with RMIT’s Schools Network Access Program (SNAP) to help others overcome these same barriers. The program provides adjusted entry criteria and support to students whose academic potential may not be reflected in their results, enabling them to gain access to higher education.

“A lot of these kids don’t know anyone who’s been to uni,” Isabelle says. “I was the same. Now I get to be that person who shows them it’s possible.”

Looking to the Future

Isabelle’s future is focused on securing a summer internship, with a particular interest in flight testing. “Flight testing is fascinating because it involves pushing aircraft components beyond normal conditions to ensure they’re safe,” she explains. “I’d love to work in any role that helps make flying safer. It’s just so cool.”

Determined to make an impact in the aerospace industry, Isabelle is thankful for the scholarship that has made this journey possible.

Deep Gratitude for the Scholarship

Isabelle expresses her deep gratitude for the GJK Facilities Scholarship. “I met the donor, Elias Stamas, CEO of GJK Facility Services, and even though he doesn’t know much about aerospace engineering, he showed so much interest in me. He’s the nicest human alive,” Isabelle says. “It’s so special to know that there are people who believe in the power of education and want to give back.”

She adds, “Education can sometimes feel like it’s behind a paywall, and many people can’t see a way around it. Giving people the opportunity to go to uni is just such a generous thing to do.”

Statement from the Donor

Mr. George Stamas AM, Founder and Executive Chair of GJK Facility Services, emphasized the importance of supporting students like Isabelle. “When you give a young person security, you give them the freedom to achieve their potential,” he said. “Scholarships like this are not charity, they are about opening doors that talent alone cannot unlock when financial barriers stand in the way.”

About the Scholarship

The GJK Facility Services Scholarship is part of the company’s broader commitment to social impact and education access. In celebration of its 40th anniversary, GJK initiated 40 Acts of Kindness, supporting initiatives that promote dignity, opportunity, and long-term community benefit.

About George Stamas AM

Mr. George Stamas AM is the Founder and Executive Chair of GJK Facility Services, one of Australia’s largest privately owned integrated facility service providers. A self-made entrepreneur who began his career cleaning office buildings, he has spent four decades building both a national company and a legacy of social investment in education, employment, and community support. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his service to industry and philanthropy.
GJK Facility Services Website

Company Details

Organization: GJK Facility Services

Contact Person: Media @ GJK

Website: https://gjkfacilityservices.com.au/

Email: Send Email

Country: Australia

Release Id: 28102536177