The billionaire philanthropist Judith Neilson is to fund a $100m institute for journalism based in Sydney.
Neilson, 72, is the owner of the White Rabbit gallery in Chippendale, Sydney, and a prolific property and art collector. She is refurbishing a building she purchased in that suburb to be the headquarters of the institute and a media, technology and events hub.
The Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism & Ideas will encourage independent quality journalism by providing education and grants.
The location for the institute is believed to be a $12.8m JC Goodwin & Co glass factory she recently purchased on a large corner block fronting Abercrombie Street.
“As an avid consumer of news, I recognise the need to support evidence-based journalism and the pursuit of truth in an increasingly complicated and confusing world,” Neilson said on Wednesday.
“I am delighted to support the establishment of this Institute and I will look to experienced journalists and other experts to manage and guide its work.
“I know that traditional forms of journalism are going through massive change and Australian journalism and intellectual life needs a shot in the arm.
“Journalism doesn’t just need critics, it needs champions – people and institutions with the resources to help educate, encourage and connect journalists and their audience in pursuit of excellence.”
Neilson’s charitable work was recognised in 2016 when she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).
Wow - Aust philanthropist Judith Neilson AM is giving $100m to start an institute to support evidence-based journalism - she will have no role in its mgmt, it will be independent & non-partisan https://t.co/uJ7zBTPLE8
— Leigh Sales (@leighsales) November 28, 2018
The institute has not appointed an executive director or board yet but will focus on reporting on the Asia region in the first instance.
“Asia will increasingly be a source of breaking global news and there is a need for informed, intelligent reporting and commentary on the region,” she said.
The institute is seeking to collaborate with media organisations and journalism schools.
“I want to contribute to something that makes a lasting impact and I acknowledge this will require a significant and sustained commitment,” Neilson said.
Since divorcing her husband, Kerr Neilson, the founder of Platinum Asset Management, in 2015 she entered the rich list and now has a net worth of $1.7bn.
She has bought vast amounts of property in Chippendale, where she also built an award-winning large concrete home called Indigo Slam.
