Governor General honours Kirby Institute supporters

News | Published on 31 Jan 2014

On 22 January, 2014, several of the Kirby Institute’s leading supporters gathered at Admiralty House in Sydney for a celebration of generosity hosted by Her Excellency the Honourable Quentin Bryce AC CVO, Governor-General of Australia.

Her Excellency recognised the critical role philanthropy has played in the development of two innovative and leading-edge research facilities: the Kirby Institute’s primary research hub on UNSW’s Kensington campus, and a clinical research facility planned for the St Vincent’s research and biotechnology precinct.

Just over two years ago, an ambitious $80 million capital campaign was launched to fund the Kirby Institute’s world-class redevelopment. With $20 million from the Commonwealth, $20 million from the State of New South Wales and $20 million from UNSW Australia, the remaining $20 million was sought from philanthropic gifts and community support.

The most notable contribution is a pledge from The Atlantic Philanthropies to match dollar-for-dollar, up to a total of $10 million, all donations made to the Kirby Institute before 15 June, 2014.

Inspired by this matched funding challenge and the vital role the Kirby Institute plays in the alleviation of devastating epidemics,  significant gifts have been received from the St Vincent’s Curran Foundation, The Glendonbrook Foundation, The Berg Family Foundation, Mr Geoff Alder, and two anonymous donors. Thanks to their generosity, and the support of the community, there is now just $3.1 million that needs to be raised to maximise the $10 million grant from The Atlantic Philanthropies.

The Governor-General also acknowledged the leadership of The Hon. Michael Kirby AC CMG and the extraordinary work of the researchers and clinicians at the Kirby Institute.

Learn more about the Kirby Institute’s match challenge.

Contact

Laurie Legere

Phone

+61 413 476 647

Email

llegere@kirby.unsw.edu.au