Australia's most charitable people
By and large Australians are a charitable bunch, but in terms of the sheer size of giving you'll agree these highly philanthropic Aussies take things to the next level.
We’ve taken a look at some of the most-charitable Aussies who donate hundreds of millions every year to hospitals, medical research, education and the arts.
Philanthropy Australia CEO Sarah Davies told News.com that there is a rise in philanthropists talking openly about their donations, “By talking about their giving, philanthropists are creating culture change because they encourage their colleagues to think about their own wealth and how they could use it for the common good.”
Andrew Forrest
Much of the mining magnate and Fortescue Metals Group founder’s time is now taken up by philanthropy, with Mr Forrest donating more than $250 million over the past 15 years to focus on ending Aboriginal disadvantage and improving education.
James Packer
His casinos may make the headlines, but Mr Packer also happens to be a philanthropist, co-launching the $200 million National Philanthropic Fund in 2014 with the Packer Family Foundation. He supports welfare, health care research and more.
Greg Poche
Along with his wife Kay Van Norton Poche, the founder of Star Track Express gave $50 million to the Poche Indigenous Health Network to, “help close the gap in life expectancy and achieve health equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
Susan Alberti
One of the nation’s greatest medical research philanthropists, Ms Alberti made it her lifelong mission to raise funds for the prevention, treatment and cure of Type 1 diabetes after her daughters unfortunate passing due to complications from the disease.
John Kinghorn
In 2005 Mr Kinghorn, better known as the founder of RAMS Home Loans, donated $296 million to his Kinghorn Foundation which at the time was the biggest charitable donation in Australia. Mr Kinghorn’s fund supports anti-poverty projects and research.
Alex Waislitz
A whopping sum of $50 million has been donate by this billionaire Melbourne investor over the course of 10 years, who reportedly has said that it is a real shame that many people waited until very late in life before giving away part of their fortune.
Last year's biggest donations
- Greg Poche and Kay Van Norton Poche — $50 million to Poche Indigenous Health Network
- Barry and Joy Lambert — $33.7 million to The University of Sydney
- HP Billiton — $22 million to Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute
- Dr Chau Chak Wing — $15 million to The University of Sydney
- Isaac and Susan Wakil Foundation — $10.8 million to University of Sydney Nursing School
- Judith Neilson — $10 million to University of NSW
- Ian Potter Foundation -$10 million to State Library of Victoria
- BHP Billiton — $10 million to Anzac Centenary Public Fund
- Ian Potter Foundation — $7.8 million to Questacon, the national science and technology centre
- Bowel Cancer Australia — $5.9 million to The University of Sydney
Related links:
The story behind Australia money notes
8 of the richest people on earth
Aussies are too shy when talking money