Philanthropist Charles ‘Chuck’ Feeney has been appointed an Honorary Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia for his services to Australian health, research and higher education.
Mr Feeney founded The Atlantic Philanthropies more than 40 years ago, which has since donated or invested around $12 billion dollars worldwide. It has largely supported health and social projects, focusing on education, science, health care, children and youth, ageing, human rights and reconciliation.
Mr Feeney’s philanthropy established over 20 health, medical research and university institutions across Australia, with the support of co-contributions from government and the private sector.
His entrepreneurial work has helped Australia prepare for a diversified economy and future economic growth, as global investment moves toward new industries in the scientific and health sectors.
The Australian Government acknowledges the eminent contribution Mr Feeney has made to Australian society and the betterment of humanity-at-large in his appointment as a Companion in the Order of Australia.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Patrick Gorman:
“I congratulate Mr Charles Feeney on his an appointment as an Honorary Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia.”
“Mr Feeney’s philosophy of “giving while living” has changed the culture of Australian philanthropy.
“He is the ultimate quiet achiever, keeping his generosity secret for decades until it was revealed in 1996 that he was the head of The Atlantic Philanthropies.
“Mr Feeney has not just donated his own wealth, but has encouraged governments at different levels to match that investment in scientific and medical research.
“His visionary approach has ensured a magnified contribution to society that will endure for many generations, alongside his support for ground-breaking scientific discoveries.
For background: Some examples of Australian Institutes to benefit from the philanthropy of Mr Feeney and/or The Atlantic Philanthropies.
- The Kirby Institute for infection and immunity in society at the University of NSW
- Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute
- The Menzies Institute for Medical Research at the University of Tasmania
- The Murdoch Children's Research Institute
- Royal Children's Hospital International
- Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute
- Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
- The Queensland Head and Neck Cancer Centre at the Princess Alexandra Hospital
- The Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation at the Queensland University of Technology
- The Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Stroke Unit
- The Centre for Clinical Research at the University of Queensland.