PRESS RELEASE: PRESS RELEASE From Mop Mogul to Philanthropist: George Stamas AM Celebrates 40 Years of GJK Facility Services with Life-Changing Program for Women
PRESS RELEASE
From Mop Mogul to Philanthropist: George Stamas AM Celebrates 40 Years of GJK Facility Services with Life-Changing Program for Women
Melbourne, Australia – September 2025
When George Stamas AM founded GJK Facility Services 40 years ago, he began with a mop in hand, working tirelessly to build what would grow into one of Australia’s leading facility services companies. Today, rather than marking this milestone with a lavish celebration, George is celebrating by giving back — dedicating the company’s anniversary year to 40 Acts of Kindness, a campaign designed to create lasting social impact.
The centrepiece of this initiative is the launch of the George & Jaqui Maree Fellowship, a groundbreaking 12-week program delivered in partnership with The Women’s Housing Company, designed to empower women who have faced homelessness, domestic violence, and long-term instability. The Fellowship helps women rebuild their futures by providing the skills, confidence, and support needed to achieve independence.
“This year isn’t about celebrating ourselves,” said George Stamas AM.
“It’s about celebrating possibility — the chance for women to rebuild their lives and create a future filled with dignity, independence, and hope.”
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A Program That Transforms Lives
The Fellowship supports sixteen women, divided into two small groups to ensure each participant receives personalised guidance and mentoring.
Through weekly group and one-on-one sessions, participants explore:
• Life coaching and confidence building
• Financial literacy and soft skill development
• Public speaking and storytelling
• Goal setting and vision planning
Every woman receives a laptop and internet access, ensuring technology is never a barrier, along with tailored coaching to help her take the next steps toward education, volunteering, or employment.
The small group format fosters community and connection, creating a safe and supportive environment where women can heal, grow, and celebrate their progress together.
“Many of these women have felt isolated and unheard,” said George Stamas AM.
“This program gives them a voice, a community, and a pathway forward.”
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Confidence for the Next Step
In addition to launching the Fellowship, George Stamas AM and GJK Facility Services have personally funded the purchase and donation of 130 professional outfits to The Women’s Housing Company. These outfits are provided to women preparing for job interviews or starting new employment, helping them feel confident, valued, and ready to make a strong first impression.
This thoughtful initiative ensures that participants are not only equipped with skills and opportunities but also the self-belief and presentation needed to take the next step toward independence.
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Jobs, Not Just Inspiration
To create real, tangible outcomes, George Stamas AM has also announced a pilot employment program within GJK Facility Services, offering Fellowship graduates direct access to meaningful job opportunities. This will provide them with a stable foundation to rebuild their lives and achieve long-term financial independence.
“These women need more than encouragement — they need opportunities,” said George Stamas AM.
“GJK Facility Services is proud to open our doors and support them as they return to the workforce with confidence.”
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A Call to Corporate Australia
The Fellowship is just one of many initiatives under GJK Facility Services’ 40 Acts of Kindness campaign, which also includes programs supporting vulnerable youth through The Lighthouse Foundation and providing funding for life-saving hospital equipment.
“True success is measured not by what we achieve for ourselves, but by what we give back to others,” reflected George Stamas AM.
“This is our way of saying thank you to the communities that have supported GJK for the past 40 years.”
Corporate leaders across Australia are encouraged to step forward, support these programs, and create real change. By investing in people and communities, businesses can play a powerful role in breaking cycles of disadvantage and building a stronger, more inclusive society.
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How to Get Involved
Companies and individuals who wish to support this initiative or explore partnership opportunities can contact The Women’s Housing Company directly:
www.womenshousingcompany.org.au
