Winners announced at this year’s Australian Philanthropy Awards

“Giving can take many forms. It’s certainly not all about dollars – we all have the capacity to make a contribution to society and I think as a nation, we lead by example” 

For his work supporting a wide range of philanthropic initiatives and innovations, including those relating to the country’s droughts, bushfires and ongoing pandemic, Tim Fairfax AC has taken out this year’s Leading Philanthropist award. 

Now in their sixth year, the Australian Philanthropy Awards recognise and celebrate extraordinary achievements in contemporary philanthropy.  

This year, awards were presented across nine categories: Leading Philanthropist, Better Philanthropy, Bolder Philanthropy, Best Grant Program, Community Philanthropy, Environmental Philanthropy, Indigenous Philanthropy, The Eve Mahlab AO Gender-wise Philanthropy, and International Philanthropy. 

In winning the leading philanthropist award, Fairfax was recognised as being a visionary whose philanthropy had helped change the lives of many Australians. 

In accepting the award, Fairfax said he felt humbled and that the highlights of philanthropy came not so much from the giving but from the receiving. 

“For me, [it’s] the fact that you can make a difference. Whether it’s helping an Indigenous arts centre in Alice Springs or empowering those who live in rural and remote Australia or giving creative arts education to young Australians,” Fairfax said.

“Giving can take many forms. It’s certainly not all about dollars – we all have the capacity to make a contribution to society and I think as a nation, we lead by example.” 

Philanthropy Australia CEO Jack Heath acknowledged the significant and enduring impact Fairfax had generated through his lifelong philanthropic endeavours.

”We are very pleased to announce Tim Fairfax AC as the Leading Philanthropist for 2021, to officially recognise a man whose inspiring approach to giving has seen his philanthropy reach into so many areas of Australian life,” Heath said.

“Tim has been a comprehensive supporter of the nation’s rural and regional communities; it would be hard to think of anyone else that has done more. He has also passionately and strategically funded and advocated for organisations involved in education, arts and culture.”

Other winners on the night included the Gandel Foundation, which took the Bolder Philanthropy Award for the second year in a row. This year it was for its work with Smiling Mind — a charity pioneering the use of tech and mindfulness to support mental wellbeing. 

The support given to Smiling Mind by the Gandel Foundation meant the charity could build, prototype and test a Smiling Mind App for children and schools. Initial funding was also given to support extension curriculum mapping for schools. 

Gandel Foundation CEO Vedran Drakulic OAM said the Gandel family saw the award as recognition of not only their foundation but the braveness of a charity such as Smiling Mind to think boldly and dream big. 

Dr Addie Wootten, CEO of Smiling Mind, said the Gandel Foundation’s support had enabled the charity to become a leader in supporting the mental health of almost 6.3 million people to date. 

“Gandel Foundation saw the vision and innovation of Smiling Mind, and a clear connection to their desire to support youth mental health in a different way,” Wootten said.

A full list of 2021 winners can be found here