Family Philanthropy
Left to right: the late Bruce Macarthur, Ruth Armytage AM, Sally White OAM, Geoffrey White OAM, Gina Fairfax AC, Tim Fairfax AC, Libby Fairfax, John B Fairfax AO.
Vision
In honouring our founders’ beliefs and intentions, VFFF seeks opportunities to benefit and care for Australians and our country
Mission
Backing Young People with innovative opportunities that advance their independence, social purpose and future security
In 1962, Sir Vincent Fairfax established a charitable trust that is now the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (VFFF). Lady Nancy Fairfax was a Founding Trustee and she bequeathed a large amount of her Estate to the Foundation in 2007, transforming VFFF’s potential to benefit many generations of Australians.
Today, VFFF is a vibrant, multi-generational family foundation, with Sir Vincent and Lady Fairfax’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren building on their philanthropic legacy. Over 63 years, VFFF has distributed over $230m to communities across Australia.
FY25 is a historic year in the Foundation’s story: in September the final board meeting where a direct descendant of VFFF Founders, Sir Vincent and Lady Nancy, presided as a director was held. Tim Fairfax and Ruth Armytage’s contributions on the VFFF Board will be long remembered and are deeply admired. As VFFF Members Ruth and Tim will continue to be an important part of the VFFF journey.
Tim served as VFFF Chair for eight years from 2009, bringing deep philanthropic insight and a commitment to the values instilled by his parents. In 2021, Tim was honoured as Australia’s Leading Philanthropist and awarded Life Membership of Philanthropy Australia alongside his wife, Gina. Tim speaks of the honour and privilege it was to serve on the VFFF Board. Tim shared that highlights of his term on the Board were the establishment of the VFFF Grants Committee, the enduring impact of the Vincent Fairfax Fellowship, and the success of the Social Impact Leadership Australia (SILA) program. Tim shared that VFFF inspired the establishment of the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation which focuses on granting in rural and regional Queensland and Northern Territory. Tim emphasised the importance of ensuring his parent’s values continue to guide VFFF’s work into the future.
Ruth joined her brother on the Board in November 2014 and was appointed as Deputy Chair in 2017, when James Millar was appointed Chair. Ruth's legacy is defined by her passion for supporting the unsung heroes, her warmth and authenticity, and her much-loved humour. During her 11 years as a Director, Ruth championed initiatives including Fair Education and SILA, and partnerships with BackTrack, Studio A and Hotel Etico. Ruth valued time in communities including Condobolin and Moree, and drew inspiration from Philanthropy Australia Study Tours and the development of the Backing Young People strategy in Lake Macquarie.
“One of the greatest things the VFFF has done is introduce grantmaking for the next generation and their spouses. This has been a great education, and I hope it will continue throughout the lifespan of VFFF.”
Tim Fairfax AC
“I feel that the Foundation is in my DNA and I would like to think that future generations have it in their DNA as well.”
Ruth Armytage AM
Reflections on Tim & Ruth
"Tim’s determination and commitment as a philanthropist, together with his wisdom, experience and guidance, have been invaluable to the Foundation over such a long period of time. Both thoughtful and compassionate, his contributions come from a ‘deep well’ of caring."
"Ruth has a great heart for philanthropy, and compassion for those supported, … and it is on show in every board discussion she is a part of. She also carries the governance side of the foundations work into action through her involvement with, and support of, grantees outside the boardroom."
James Millar AM, VFFF Director from April 2009 and Chair from March 2017 to December 2023
."Mum is a true inspiration to me. She is a strong woman of integrity who has paved the way for me as a philanthropist. She truly gives of herself and her time and has an inbuilt ability to get on everyone’s level whether you are a young child, person or adult. I have loved serving on the VFFF board with her for one year. She has led by example and always stuck to her family values."
Ruth Armytage, VFFF Director
“There are many ways one can make grand statements, build a profile in the world, or be perceived to create a legacy. There really is only one way to leave a legacy, and that is through action, through motion. Most relevant to the VFFF, action is the only medium by which we can express our ethics.
Observing Tim’s contribution to the VFFF, its substance comes through action, which is not only the defining characteristic of philanthropy and ethics, but also a defining characteristic of the Fairfax family legacy. Tim’s contribution reflects this family legacy; it’s all about your effort, and never about you.”
Joseph O'Brien, VFFF Director
Vincent Fairfax Fellowship
In 2025 VFFF is celebrating 30 years since the Vincent Fairfax Fellowship was established to honour the life, work and example of Sir Vincent. For three decades, this year long Fellowship program has supported leaders to enhance their leadership within an ethical framework.
Leaders and supporters from across the Fellowship community gather annually for the Sir Vincent Fairfax Oration, a public celebration of ethical leadership honouring Sir Vincent. Kim Williams AM, a business, media and arts sector leader and Chair of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, deliver the Oration in November 2024. During his address, Kim spoke to the critical role ethical leadership plays in nurturing Australian democracy and its institutions.
The 2025 Oration, will form part of the 30th milestone celebrations and be delivered by Edward (Ed) Santow. Ed is Co-Founder and Director of the Human Technology Institute and a former Australian Human Rights Commissioner. Ed is a sought-after voice on the topics of digital disruption and innovation, including ethical adoption of AI and its regulation – a critical topic for today’s leaders.
As part of the celebrations, Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership has produced a multi-media digital anthology, entitled “(at) the intersection”. This anthology will capture the reflections and ambitions of the Fellowship community at a time when leaders around Australia are grappling with how to lead in a rapidly changing world. Pausing to consider how issues may be dealt with in an ethical framework has never been more important.
“Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership have leveraged the 30th milestone to showcase the essence of the VFF, the Fellows themselves. It is terrific to see the alumni mobilised to contribute and share their wisdom on ethical leadership and how, as senior leaders, they navigate the complex worlds they are in to have a positive impact. It is also wonderful to see their deep camaraderie and trust they give each other. This is no ordinary leadership program, and we are grateful for all the people who drive it.”
Angus White, former VFFF Director (2002 to 2006, 2013 to 2024) and Sir Vincent's grandson