Our FOUNDATION HISTORY and
current Committee members
Graeme Glasson – Founder of the Young Achievers Foundation in 2001
In 2001 Graeme Glasson established “The Young Achievers Foundation’, initially called ‘The Sanctuary Lakes Foundation’. Graeme’s vision was to create a ‘Not for Profit’ foundation to fundraise and provide financial support for junior golfers at the newly opened Sanctuary Lakes Golf Course. Throughout the years the foundation has supported more than 30 golfers in achieving their golfing aspirations. Our Golfing alumni includes Stacey Peters (nee Keating), Charles Wright and Daniel Valente each of whom has been successful on the professional circuit.
Today the foundation continues to be a key supporter of the Junior Golf programs at Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club. In 2004 the Foundation, changed its name to the ‘Young Achievers Foundation’ and broadened its purpose to provide cadetships (bursaries) for elite juniors across other sports and the arts residing in the Western municipalities of greater Melbourne. The Foundation has since supported more than 35 young people playing or performing in the following sports and the arts, but not limited to: hockey, baseball, tennis, football, soccer, athletics, sailing and ballet and dance. In 2024, following a review of the Foundations strategic purpose, the Governance Committee has decided to return to its golfing origins and address the need to encourage more juniors into golf in the Western Suburbs of Melbourne and to continue to support elite junior golfers attain their golfing ambitions through the continuation of our Cadet bursaries.
Accordingly, with effect from July 1, 2024 the purpose of the Young Achievers Foundation Inc. is now:
To encourage juniors in the Western suburbs of Melbourne to actively participate in golf, making the game more accessible for juniors through the offering of tailored support packages:
- For juniors currently playing golf at an advanced level and actively involved in competitions, we will offer the opportunity to apply for bursaries to support their advancement in the game. Bursaries are to be used to pay for but not limited to golf related: coaching, equipment, entrance fees into competitions, travel to competitions, uniform purchases.
- For juniors not currently playing golf but interested in trying the game we will encourage participation through the arrangement of initiatives which will provide introductory courses and information of how to get involved.
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For juniors already playing golf as a hobby / interest, we will offer special offers for group coaching and training opportunities.
Our current committee members
Sam Vailmuthu
President
My joy is to see young children grow and reach their potential in sports. As a keen golfer, I see the value in encouraging more youngsters to the game, our Young Achievers Foundation vision is to make golf more accessible and through a group of like minded people on our governance committee, we will make this happen.
Andria Pugh
Governance & fundraising Lead
I am a member of Sanctuary Lakes Golf club and always amazed at how quickly junior members are able to pick up the game and play so well after such a short time. It would be great to support more juniors getting involved, therefore I am committed to making the game more accessible for juniors who just don’t know where to start.
Mel Parker
Secretary
I am a career investigator working in the Commonwealth public service. An avid golfer since I was a teenager caddying for my father who played off single figures. I have been part of Sanctuary Lakes since buying land and building a family home in 2003. I have managed the Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club Pennant team for several years and an advocate for developing young members. I joined the Young Achievers Foundation to inspire, promote and encourage our western suburbs youth to learn the greatest game of all, golf.
Alan Seedsman
Treasurer
I am a retired Management Accountant/ Internal Auditor living in Point Cook and a member of Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club. I’m a keen traveler, photographer and book reader. I joined the Young Achievers Foundation as treasurer in 2023 and I look forward to seeing the Foundation grow and open up further Cadet opportunities for the talented juniors in the Western suburbs.
Byron Dodds
Cadet Lead
As a Ready Steady Go Kids franchisee for 15 years, I have invested in the growth and development of kids to make my business a success. As a parent recipient of a YAF cadet, its now time to give back and utilise my board experience and passion to assist in the further development of juniors in their golfing journey.
Joyce Jie
Tech & Digital
Having seen the positive impact of YAF through my son’s journey as a cadet, I’m willing to extend that support to the broader west junior golfer community.
With 20+ years in IT and Digital, I’ll enhance our digital presence by maintaining the website, supporting social media, and strengthening YAF’s branding and engagement with junior golfers and sponsors.
OUR VALUED VOLUNTEER SUPPORTERS
Sue Law
Coordinating and organizing the YAF Australia Day event, with attention to detail and commitment ensured the event was executed smoothly and successfully, creating a meaningful experience for all attendees.
Yizi Zhao
With her creative talents by designing the official YAF logo and promotional posters, the artistic vision played a key role in shaping the visual identity of Young Achiever Foundation.
Viji Karol
Crafted compelling digital marketing content and designed engaging posts, contributing to the growth of YAF’s online presence and outreach.
Yifan Wang
Supported website updates and maintenance. The behind-the-scenes work ensured the platform remained current, accessible, and functional for the community.
