PRESS RELEASE: From One Man’s Vision to a National Force: GJK Facility Services Turns 40”

George Stamas AM: A Life of Leadership, Philanthropy, and Purpose

As GJK Facility Services celebrates 40 years of service excellence, it is also a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of its founder and Executive Chair, George Stamas AM — a self-made entrepreneur whose legacy extends far beyond business into the realms of community upliftment, health innovation, and education.

A Champion of Opportunity

From humble beginnings, George built GJK from the ground up, often working as the cleaner, the bookkeeper, the salesperson, and the HR manager all in one. Under his leadership, GJK has grown into one of Australia’s leading integrated facility service companies, employing over 4000 people across Australia and New Zealand

However, it is George’s unwavering commitment to social responsibility that defines much of his legacy.

He founded one of Australia’s most impactful employment programs in partnership with the Victorian State Government and the Brotherhood of St. Laurence — a Housing Commission Employment Pilot Program offering structured job pathways to long-term unemployed tenants in public housing. This initiative, recognised globally with the H. Bruce Russell Global Innovators Award at Harvard University, is a blueprint for sustainable community redevelopment.

Philanthropy with Purpose

George has quietly but profoundly contributed to countless causes across Australia, especially those aimed at empowering women, youth, and First Nations communities.

He funds scholarships for women through the Women’s Housing Company NSW, helping those escaping domestic violence to rebuild their lives with dignity and employment. These scholarships cover vital needs such as training, transport, job-ready wardrobes, childcare support, and mentorship — easing the path to financial independence.

He also supports scholarships for university students, nurses, and Indigenous Australians, including chefs and cleaners — often targeting the “forgotten workforce” and giving them a path to meaningful careers.

His contributions to medical technology include funding an AI eye-imaging machine that helps detect diabetic retinopathy in pregnant women — a groundbreaking advancement that allows gynaecologists and obstetricians to screen eye health during a routine pregnancy check-up, potentially preventing blindness.

George also supports The Lighthouse Foundation, helping at-risk women and children, and has personally funded surgical equipment for breast cancer patients to reduce operating time and improve recovery outcomes.

In addition, through various charities he provides emergency funds and housing support for women and single mothers escaping abuse, offering everything from relocation assistance to first-interview clothing and white goods for safe housing setups. His philosophy is simple: if he can help a woman and her child build a better life, there is no greater gift.

Charities and Causes Supported

Over the years, George has directly supported or partnered with over 30 charities, including:
• The Hunger Project Australia – fighting global hunger through empowerment and sustainable solutions
• Open Family Australia – supporting homeless and at-risk youth
• Bridge of Hope Foundation – caring for vulnerable children
• The Kids’ Cancer Project – funding research to improve outcomes for children with cancer
• Breast Cancer Network Australia – contributing to equipment that shortens surgery time and recovery
• Epworth Medical Foundation – supporting nursing, midwifery, and hospital innovation
• Dress for Success – funding wardrobes and coaching for disadvantaged women entering the workforce
• White Ribbon and women’s safe houses – assisting in preventative programs and crisis response

He is known for stepping in quietly when a woman or family needs urgent help — covering rental bonds, arranging private counselling, or paying for training courses that open career doors.

Leadership Across Sectors

George has been a prominent figure on numerous boards and industry bodies. He is:
• Vice Chair of the Epworth Medical Foundation, where his family recently donated $250,000 toward nursing and midwifery education
• Chair of the Vulnerable Members Advisory Council for AustralianSuper
• Alternate Director at AustralianSuper
• Founding Director of Killara Services, Australia’s largest Aboriginal-owned cleaning business
• Mentor to Jasmine Groves, who co-founded Killara and leads it today a successful Business woman
• Life Member and former National Director of the Facility Management Association of Australia (FMA), where he also served as Vice Chair and Finance Director
• Former National President of the Building Services Contractors Association of Australia (BSCAA)
• Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management
• Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)

National Recognition

In 2022, George was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to the facility services industry and to the Australian community. It was a formal recognition of a lifetime devoted not only to business excellence but to giving back.

A Legacy Still Unfolding

At 40 years, GJK Facility Services is a thriving business — but it is also a platform for change, deeply embedded in George’s values of inclusion, dignity, and opportunity for all.

Whether through scholarships, social enterprises, emergency aid, or state-of-the-art medical donations, George Stamas AM has redefined what it means to lead — with compassion, foresight, and unwavering purpose.