Paula Fox Honoured with AC for Philanthropic Leadership
Paula Fox, 87, matriarch of the billionaire Fox family, has been appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) in recognition of her extensive philanthropic contributions to the arts, medical research, and children's causes.
Philanthropic Approach
Fox is renowned for her active and persistent approach to fundraising, often delving deeply into causes beyond just financial donations. Businessman Gerry Ryan described her as a "tenacious giver."
"She's not a person who just gives a cheque, she wants to be involved and knows that her giving and helping makes a difference," said businessman Gerry Ryan.
Fox acknowledges that fundraising has become increasingly challenging. She has expressed dismay over growing concerns among Jewish philanthropists regarding public protests, citing the impact on the NGV's relationship with benefactors John and Pauline Gandel.
"The environment is getting harder to fundraise, which is very sad. And particularly the distress that Jewish philanthropists feel in Victoria and Australia when protests occur, and their names are called out," Fox stated.
Early Initiatives
Fox’s philanthropic journey began in St Kilda, where she grew up, with a focus on local causes:
- Very Special Kids: A paediatric palliative care service. Fox successfully lobbied then-premier Jeff Kennett to secure a former psychiatric hospital building for the organisation. She then collaborated with others, including Connie and Craig Kimberley (founders of Just Jeans), to raise vital funds for its restoration.
- Sacred Heart Mission: Located on the site of her former primary school, this mission also benefited from her early efforts.
Major Projects and Impact
More recently, Fox has been a driving force behind two significant projects in Melbourne's cultural and medical landscapes:
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NGV Contemporary ("The Fox"): Set to open in 2028, this modern gallery will be a centrepiece of Melbourne’s arts precinct. The Fox family pledged an initial $100 million towards its establishment. A member of the NGV Foundation board, Fox anticipates it will become a world-renowned gallery.
"It's going to be a world-renowned gallery, and I'm very excited about it. I can't wait for it to open," Fox remarked about the NGV Contemporary.
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Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre: Opened in 2024 at The Alfred hospital, this standalone centre was inspired by Fox's personal experience with skin cancer. It boasts a $24 million Quadra PET scanner, the first of its kind in a Victorian public hospital, designed for faster cancer detection. The centre received significant funding from the Minderoo Foundation (led by Andrew and Nicola Forrest) and majority support from state and federal governments.
Family Involvement
Fox's daughters, Lisa and Katrina, now oversee the family’s extensive philanthropic interests. All six Fox children serve as trustees of the Fox Family Foundation, which made $12 million in donations in the past year alone.