Celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, the Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation stands as a beacon of philanthropy, contributing to the social, educational and cultural enrichment of our region.
In the early 1960s, Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley’s vision for a better community was realised through the establishment of a philanthropic legacy that would provide lasting support to those in need.
As one of the founders and subsequently managing director of Shepparton Preserving Company, Sir Andrew created what by the mid-1960s was the largest fruit canning complex in the Southern Hemisphere.
He was equally committed to the civic prosperity of Shepparton and its governance and was the first mayor of Shepparton in 1927, and the first mayor of the City of Greater Shepparton in 1948.
In creating the Sir Andrew and Lady Foundation, he specified that the foundation should principally be for the benefit of people and communities of Greater Shepparton.
Over the years, as the needs of the community grew and the landscape of philanthropy shifted, the Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation evolved to keep pace.
One of the most significant milestones in this journey came with the formation of the Greater Shepparton Foundation, which originated from the Greater Shepparton Community Fund.
This transformation was more than just a name change — it marked the beginning of a new era in local philanthropy, one that would allow for larger-scale funding and donations to flow into the hands of community organisations and place-based initiatives.
This shift enabled the Greater Shepparton Foundation to consolidate resources and offer a more sustainable approach to philanthropy and respond to a broader range of community needs and projects to support grassroots organisations.
Today, the Greater Shepparton Foundation is not only a vital source of funding but also a critical partner in ensuring that Greater Shepparton remains a vibrant, inclusive and thriving community.
This evolution was made possible through a generous donation from the Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation, and the vision of Andrew Fairley and the trustees to see a brighter future for our community.
The ability of the Greater Shepparton Foundation to attract large-scale funding and administer it effectively has made it a key player in the region’s evolution.
Today we support educational scholarships and fellowships, early year intervention programs, employment programs, mental health initiatives, systems change initiatives, food programs, homeless support services and emergency and crisis support — each of which has left a lasting mark on the people and places that make Shepparton special.
As we celebrate this momentous anniversary, it is worth acknowledging the far-reaching legacy of Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley.
In an age where the demands of community development are ever-growing, the Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation stands as a model of what can be achieved through dedication, vision and a deep commitment to making the world a better place.
Until next time.
Amanda McCulloch,
Greater Shepparton Foundation executive officer
