GJK Facility Services philanthropy supports healthcare, education, research, and community initiatives that create lasting social impact.
It began with a shared commitment to making a meaningful difference beyond the workplace. Through strategic partnerships, charitable support, and community engagement, GJK Facility Services philanthropy has become a powerful expression of the company’s belief that business success should create positive outcomes for society. Today, that commitment continues to connect people, organisations, and causes that are working to improve lives and strengthen communities.
A Business Built From Humble Beginnings
GJK Facility Services philanthropy has grown into a defining expression of how the company operates beyond commercial success. Under the leadership of Founder and Executive Chair George Stamas AM and his wife Jaqui Maree Stamas, the organisation continues to align business achievement with meaningful social contribution. Their approach reflects a belief that enterprise should create opportunity not only within the workplace but across entire communities.
From its beginnings as a one person cleaning operation, GJK Facility Services has evolved into one of Australia and New Zealand’s leading facility services organisations, now employing more than four thousand people. This transformation was not built on scale alone but on a consistent commitment to responsibility, inclusion, and long term thinking. At every stage of its growth, GJK Facility Services philanthropy has remained embedded in its identity.
Creating Opportunity Through Growth and Inclusion
As the company expanded, so too did its investment in people. Employment pathways, Indigenous partnerships, education scholarships, and community initiatives became core pillars of its culture. These programs reflect a deliberate effort to ensure that economic growth translates into real human progress. Through GJK Facility Services philanthropy, individuals who may have previously faced barriers to employment are given structured pathways toward stability, confidence, and independence.
The organisation’s charitable efforts extend across a diverse range of causes, including healthcare, community development, education, and social support programs. By partnering with established organisations and community leaders, GJK Facility Services philanthropy seeks to contribute to initiatives that create meaningful and measurable outcomes.
Supporting Advances in Pancreatic Cancer Research
One of the causes supported by GJK Facility Services philanthropy is pancreatic cancer research. Through sponsorship and fundraising efforts, the company has proudly supported the pancreatic cancer centre founded by the Jreissati family in partnership with Epworth Hospital, which is dedicated to advancing research, treatment, and awareness of one of the world’s most challenging diseases.
As a supporting partner, GJK Facility Services has participated in fundraising events and initiatives that help generate resources for vital research programs. These efforts contribute to broader goals of improving early diagnosis, developing more effective treatments, and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
George Stamas AM describes the importance of supporting such initiatives with clarity and conviction.
“When you support pancreatic cancer research, you are investing in earlier diagnosis, better treatments, longer lives, and a future where fewer families lose loved ones to this devastating disease. That is a legacy worth building.”
This philosophy reflects the broader purpose behind GJK Facility Services philanthropy: using business influence and resources to support organisations and individuals who are driving meaningful change.
The 2026 Pancreatic Cancer Research Lunch Unites Melbourne Leaders
One of the highlights of the year was the 2026 Pancreatic Cancer Research Lunch, an extraordinary gathering of Melbourne’s business, philanthropic, and community leaders in support of the Epworth Medical Foundation’s pioneering pancreatic cancer research initiatives.
Expertly hosted by renowned community leader Ann Peacock, the event brought together an influential audience committed to advancing life saving research and improving outcomes for patients and families affected by one of the world’s most challenging cancers. With her trademark warmth, professionalism, and decades of fundraising experience, Ann guided the afternoon’s proceedings and helped create an atmosphere of generosity, purpose, and hope.
Guests were inspired by special guest speaker Gai Waterhouse AO, while the collective generosity of attendees, supporters, and sponsors resulted in more than $1.5 million being raised in a single afternoon. The event served as a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when Melbourne’s business leaders, philanthropists, healthcare advocates, and community organisations unite behind a common cause.
The success of the luncheon reflected the dedication of Epworth Hospital, the Epworth Medical Foundation, the Jreissati family, and the many generous supporters who continue to champion world class medical research and innovation. Together, they are helping position Melbourne at the forefront of pancreatic cancer diagnosis, treatment, and research, creating hope for future generations and making a tangible difference in the lives of countless families.
The pancreatic cancer initiatives supported by GJK Facility Services form part of a larger collaborative effort involving healthcare professionals, researchers, philanthropists, and community advocates. By supporting these programs, the organisation helps contribute to progress that extends far beyond its own industry, reinforcing the belief that impactful change is achieved through partnership and shared purpose.
Empowering Communities Beyond Healthcare
Beyond healthcare, GJK Facility Services philanthropy extends into community development and empowerment initiatives, particularly those focused on women, families, education, and social wellbeing. Together, George Stamas AM and Jaqui Maree Stamas have supported programs that strengthen access to opportunity and help build more resilient communities.
Their philosophy centres on the idea that when individuals are empowered, entire communities benefit.
George Stamas AM has often articulated this principle in simple but powerful terms:
“Success is not measured by how many people work for you, but by how many people succeed because of the opportunities you create.”
This belief continues to guide GJK Facility Services philanthropy, ensuring that every initiative reflects a commitment to dignity, opportunity, and long term impact.
Legacy of Purpose Driven Leadership
Today, GJK Facility Services philanthropy stands as a model of how business leadership can extend beyond commercial outcomes to support meaningful change in society. Through its continued investment in employment pathways, community partnerships, charitable initiatives, and healthcare causes, the organisation demonstrates that purpose and performance are not opposing forces but mutually reinforcing strengths.
For those seeking to understand the full scope of GJK Facility Services philanthropy, the story is still being written. It is a story of growth, responsibility, and contribution, driven by a belief that business can and should be a force for good. To learn more about ongoing initiatives or explore partnership opportunities, visit the official website and LinkedIn or contact the team directly at in**@*********************om.au.