philanthropyOz Blog

Bruce Bonyhady nominated as Victorian finalist for 2012 Australian of the Year

Philanthropy Australia’s President, Bruce Bonyhady AM, has been nominated as one of four Victorian finalists for Australian of the Year.

This is fantastic recognition of all that Bruce has done and continues to do in this sector. This nomination reflects the incredible drive, dedication and the impact of Bruce’s voluntary work, not only specifically in the area of advocacy for the disabled, but also in the wider area of increasing the reach and influence of Philanthropy Australia.

Congratulations to Bruce! This is such fitting acknowledgment of Bruce’s determination to improve people’s lives through policy and system change.

Dr Deborah Seifert
CEO
Philanthropy Australia

Excerpt from the finalists announcement media release:

Armed with a strong sense of social justice, Bruce Bonyhady worked tirelessly for over 25 years to improve the lives of people with disabilities. As the father of two disabled sons, Bruce’s skills, passion and wisdom have seen him undertake a range of influential volunteer roles that are helping secure a better future for the disabled. He first became involved in volunteer work in 1987 when his eldest son was born with a disability. He undertook a range of fundraising work and brought European disability specialists to Australia to work with local therapists. Bruce’s third son was also born disabled. Despite the significant challenges of raising two children with disabilities, Bruce continued his community commitments with Yooralla, Victoria’s largest disability support service provider. He became its Chairman in 2004 and was subsequently invited to Chair the Centre for Developmental Disability Research, later known as Solve. As President of Philanthropy Australia, Bruce has raised the profile and professionalism of the organisation, attracting influential members and promoting philanthropy in Australia. Bruce has been the driving force behind the proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme, which has received support from the Commonwealth Government. Bruce was nominated by the Prime Minister to participate in an Advisory Group to the Select Council on Disability Reform.

» Download the ‘Finalists for State Territory Australian of the Year Awards 2012 Announced’ media release (PDF)

» Visit the Australian of the Year Awards website