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Dr David Grabovac’s relationship with education began in a setting shaped by tradition and vocation. For seven years, he was educated by the De La Salle Brothers at La Salle Catholic College—an experience that left a quiet but lasting imprint. The Brothers’ charism, and in particular the story of St John Baptist de La Salle, Patron Saint of all those who work in the field of education, helped shape his view of learning as both service and calling.
That formative period, reinforced by family influences and traditions, helped shape the trajectory that led David Grabovac to found The Grabovac Foundation in 2004, with an emphasis on widening educational opportunity and supporting promising students. Later, he pursued advanced study, completing a Doctorate of Education at UCAM Catholic University of Murcia, and served in the Australian Parliament as an Electoral Policy Adviser to the Minister of Education. After public service, he pursued a career in finance and business and founded a private education provider that, over two decades, educated close to 60,000 students. 
Dr David Grabovac during a visit to the Governor of New South Wales, General David Hurley, as Honorary Consul of The Bahamas, a focus country of the Foundation (2017)
Across these different roles, one theme has remained constant: education remains with a person for life, and expanding access to learning has enduring value. The Foundation and its scholarships reflect that same spirit of permanence, particularly its endowed scholarships, designed to be administered by partner universities for generations to come.
He has maintained an interest in non-formal education and youth development, serving as an Ambassador of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. This reflects a wider belief that service, personal development, and practical challenge are integral to education itself. His work across education, business, public life and service has also been recognised by the International American University in Los Angeles, where he holds an Honorary Professorship. In 2023, he was appointed to the Pontifical Order of St Sylvester by Pope Francis. Through The Grabovac Foundation, those formative influences continue in support of education.
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