News
Vale Dr. Sue-Anne Wallace AM (1946 - 2024)
Dr. Sue-Anne Wallace AM, former VFFF Executive Officer passed away on Monday 4 March 2024. VFFF acknowledges the deep commitment Sue-Anne had to VFFF's work and her continued connection to the Foundation beyond her time as CEO.
Sue-Anne Wallace worked as Executive Officer from 1 February 2010 until 6 August 2012. During this time, Sue-Anne was instrumental in strengthening VFFF's governance, policies and procedures.
“Sue-Anne Wallace served as VFFF CEO for two and a half years, and it was my privilege to help in her orientation period. From the start, I recognised Sue-Anne to be a very intelligent and motivated human being. A warm and happy soul who I admired very much. She already had an impressive record in other organisations. Although I was no longer involved in the decision making process at VFFF, I understand her impact was very impressive. I was also delighted that she recognised my historical notes and that the first volumes of the history did not disappear. I kept in good contact with Sue-Anne and was always fascinated that despite some health issues she continued to contribute in all sorts of ways in the community and with her family. So energised; and full of ideas. A great loss to our nation” – Geoffrey White OAM, VFFF Trustee Emeritus
Sue-Anne led the Foundation during the celebration of its 50th Anniversary. This involved the distribution of 20 special grants to organisations supported by VFFF across its first 50 years.
Sue-Anne demonstrated her innovative leadership through “the Foundation Project”, a collaborative endeavour between a number of leading Trusts and Foundations in 2012, which led to the standardisation of a common application and acquittal form for small grants.
Sue-Anne established the VFFF Grants Committee in 2012 as a family engagement tool. Since then, the Grants Committee has brought younger Fairfax family members together to learn about philanthropy and approve small grants up to $50,000. The Grants Committee has been a tremendous success and is a testament to Sue-Anne's innovative leadership of the Foundation.
“Sue-Anne served as VFFF CEO with great dedication, enthusiasm and intellectual drive. I was always impressed with her professionalism and organisational skills. She established the Grants Committee with David Hardie, which brought together many of the next generation in learning how philanthropic grants make a difference, whether small or large. The Grants Committee has gone from strength to strength over the years since its establishment. I thank her for her contribution to society in so many ways.” – Tim Fairfax AC, VFFF Director
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