policy & reform
From left: University of Western Australia chancellor Dr Michael Chaney, vice-chancellor Professor Paul Johnson and Andrew and Nicola Forrest
Gift will foster intellectual excellence
A vision of establishing Western Australia as a hub of knowledge and innovation underpins Andrew and Nicola Forrest’ s huge donation to the cause of education. By Antonia Maiolo
In what has made history as the single biggest cash gift ever given in Australia, mining magnate Andrew“ Twiggy” Forrest and his wife Nicola have pledged $ 65 million to fund university research in his home state of Western Australia.
The cash donation will go towards setting up the Forrest Foundation, to fund research at five Perth universities, and build
Forrest Hall – a residential college at the University of Western Australia to house rising research stars.
Forrest, who is CEO and chairman of leading WA iron ore miner Fortescue Metals Group, anticipates that the high-profile gift will help to secure a future for WA as a centre for global solutions and strengthen the national knowledge-based economy.
18 | campusreview. com. au