Ron Walker to Chair Victorian Floods Appeal
20 January 2011 at 10:25 am
The Victorian Coalition Government has appointed businessman and philanthropist, Ron Walker to chair the Red Cross Victorian Floods Appeal.
Premier Ted Baillieu says the whole community will need to rally together to support the communities that have been devastated by the floods describing Ron Walker was a great Victorian with an accomplished record in leading major fundraising appeals.
The Premier says the floods are the worst ever to hit northern and north-western Victoria causing widespread devastation to local communities and massive long term assistance will be required to help these communities recover and rebound.
He says he’s grateful to Ron Walker for agreeing to lead the community fundraising efforts.
Ron Walker is currently the Chairman of Australian Grand Prix Corporation. He was Chairman of Fairfax Media Limited from 2004 to 2009 and a former Lord Mayor of Melbourne (for two terms, 1974-78).
Mr Walker has served Australia in many honorary and charitable capacities including:
- Chairman – Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games Corporation (1999-2006)
- Chairman – Victorian Major Events Company (10 years)
- Member – Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Bid Committee
- Chairman – Cancer Institute
- Chairman – Heart Foundation Appeal
- Chairman – Save the Children Fund
- Chairman – Australian Ballet Foundation
In 1977 Mr Walker was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for service to the community. He became an Officer of the Order for Australia (AO) for service to the community in 1987, and was made a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in 2003 for services to business, arts, tourism and the community.
Victorians can donate to the Red Cross Victorian Floods Appeal on 1800 811 700 or www.redcross.org.au.
