Backing Leaders
Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation Annual Report 2024
CHAIR & CEO MESSAGE
Welcome
It is with immense pride that we present the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation’s Annual Report for 2025. This year’s theme, Legacy in Motion, reflects a profound moment in VFFF’s history - a time of generational transition, cementing enduring family values, and confirming VFFF’s purpose.
2025 marks the final year in which the children of the Founders, Sir Vincent and Lady Nancy Fairfax, serve on the VFFF Board. At the November AGM, Tim Fairfax AC and Ruth Armytage AM will retire as Directors, closing a remarkable chapter of leadership, vision and stewardship. Their contributions have shaped VFFF’s identity and impact in ways that will resonate for generations.
Tim’s tenure as Chair from 2009 to 2017 and his continued service since then as a Director have been defined by deep philanthropic insight and a steadfast commitment to the values instilled by his parents. His legacy includes the establishment of the VFFF Grants Committee, the continued success of the Vincent Fairfax Fellowship, and the creation of the Social Impact Leadership Australia (SILA) program. Ruth, appointed Deputy Chair in 2017, brought warmth, authenticity and a fierce dedication to supporting the unsung heroes in our communities. Her advocacy for initiatives such as Fair Education, BackTrack, Studio A and Hotel Etico has left an indelible mark.
We thank our long-serving directors Andy Fairfax, Joseph O’Brien, Annabel White, and new directors Emilia Kefford, William White, Peter Johnstone and Sam Koslowski for their thoughtful and heartfelt commitment during the year as Directors. As the baton passes from one generation to the next, we are delighted that though William, Sir Vincent’s great-grandchildren have begun representation on the Board. This appointment reflects our commitment to engaging younger family members in philanthropy and ensuring that the Founders’ values continue to inspire future generations. The Board approved grants of $11.4m during FY25 with 69% of grants supporting rural and regional communities.
Throughout 2025, VFFF has remained focused on backing young people with opportunities that advance their independence, social purpose and future security. Our grantmaking has supported bold ideas and grassroots leadership across rural and regional Australia, from regenerative agriculture in Bega to youth-led creative initiatives in the Torres Strait. The growth of the Backing the Future program and the continued work of our Youth Advisory Group demonstrate our belief in the power of youth voice and intergenerational collaboration.
We thank our committed and thoughtful team led by Claire Mannion. Claire also provides terrific support to our partners who explore Christian Faith and Values. Lynn Anderson, Senior Program Manager, has championed our Decent Work and Caring for the Environment grants, supported the Vincent Fairfax Fellowship and project managed for VFFF the re-build of The Family Place outside Brisbane. Thanks to Lynn, there are a forecasted 800 trainee paramedics receiving financial support during their placements from VFFF as they were not eligible for the Commonwealth Prac. Payment initiative. El Schwanke, Program Manager has managed VFFF’s largest portfolio - Contributing to Society – after a well-deserved promotion from Grant’s Officer. We welcome Tessa Grey to the team and thank Catherine Livingstone for her valued assistance to the team. We thank the team at Cambooya particularly Riccardo Briganti, Amy Tin and Yvonne Elliston. We acknowledge the support of Faris Cosic over his six years at Cambooya and the contribution of Agustin Arrieta and Ellie Hewitt and wish them well on their adventures.
VFFF remains focused on listening, learning and evolving, guided always by the question Tim and Ruth often posed: “What would the Founders think?”. As we move forward, we now also ask: “What would the Founders’ and their children think?”.
To our partners, grantees, peer collaborators and community members, thank you. Your work inspires ours. And to Tim and Ruth, we offer our deepest gratitude. Your legacy is not ending - it is in motion, carried forward by the generations you have inspired and the communities you have empowered.
Rosemary Vilgan, Chair
Jenny Wheatley, CEO
