Keith Irvine

Keith Irvine OAM (GradDipAcctg, 1981) has been giving to Swinburne’s Rural and Regional Scholarships and Achievement Awards for many years, and last year, for the first time, had the special experience of meeting the recipients face to face.

“I was just thrilled to see these young people, who are trying so hard.”

Amongst the recipients, Keith was delighted to meet Matthew Ward, a second year Bachelor of Computer Science student and champion Paralympic swimmer. Though missing 90% of his left hip, Matt has been a keen swimmer for over a decade and made a qualifying time for the 2016 Paralympics placing him in the top 10 in the world, which he continues to maintain.

Receiving a Student Achievement Award made a huge difference to the Albury boy, who juggles studies with daily 5am training sessions and working as a swim and piano teacher.

Keith himself was born in Tallangatta, in north-eastern Victoria, and left school at 15, with no opportunity to go to university—but this did not prevent him from pursuing an extremely successful business career, moving from banking to senior administrative roles with Coles Myer. He has also held many voluntary roles, including a 20-year association with Epworth Health, for which he received the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to community health.

Keith’s country roots give him a special affinity for supporting country students.

“I’m lucky—I’ve had a good life, I’m in a position where I can give a bit back.”