Shepparton Art Museum Foundation welcomes a major donation of $250,000 to capital campaign.

Shepparton Art Museum Foundation and Shepparton Art Museum Ltd are pleased to announce a major contribution of $250,000 to the museum’s capital campaign from the Zurcas Family and the Sir Andrew & Lady Fairley Foundation.

The official public announcement of the contribution took place at Shepparton Art Museum on Friday 18 October. Representatives present from the Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation and the Zurcas family acknowledged the key role the new SAM facility has played in supporting the thriving economy of the Greater Shepparton region.

Of his family’s contribution, Nick Zurcas says:

“Our family are pleased to be giving this gift and to partner with SAM, together with the Fairley Foundation. Our grandfather Bill came to Shepparton more than 80 years ago as a migrant from Greece. He established successful businesses in the Goulburn Valley and the Shepparton region, principally in agriculture, transport, hospitality and accommodation. By giving this gift to Shepparton we feel that as a family we are honouring his memory and giving back to the community he called home.”

Clare Pullar, SAM Foundation Chair, says of the donation:

“This is a really significant milestone for SAM, and we’re thrilled to celebrate the very generous gift of $125,000 to the museum’s capital campaign from the Zurcas family, which has been matched by a further gift from the Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley Foundation. At its beginning, our goal for the campaign was to reach $5M, but through the efforts and generosity of our community, we’re able to celebrate the completion of the capital campaign at a total of $7.4M raised. We can now celebrate this incredible gateway building to Shepparton, which houses a museum that is very significant for our region, our state, and the nation. We’re grateful to the Zurcas family, who set down roots here 80 years ago, for their donation, along with the support of the Fairley Foundation.

Pictured, L-R: SAM Artistic Director Danny Lacy, SAM Foundation Chair Clare Pullar, Sir Andrew & Lady Fairley Foundation Chair Andrew Fairley AM, Sam Zurcas, Nick Zurcas, Peter Zurcas, SAM Development Manager Carmel Johnson, SAM Ltd Board Chair Steve Merrylees, SAM Director of Business Andrew Gooley. Photo: Shepparton Art Museum

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Toni Lalich
Executive Officer

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live on the Yorta Yorta and Bangerang. 

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The Fairley Foundation acknowledges it operates on the lands of the Yorta Yorta and Bangerang peoples. We honor and pay our respect to Elders and leaders, past, present and emerging. We respectfully use the term “First Nations’ People” to honour all First Nations’ People who benefit from our activities and
live on the Yorta Yorta and Bangerang. 

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Anna Turnbull

Trustee

Anna Turnbull is a Goulburn Valley community-member, appointed trustee in 2019. She is a communications specialist with a Bachelor of Arts (political science). Working initially in newspapers as a reporter, she has gone on to develop her knowledge of the water industry and natural resource management through various media and communications roles in the Shepparton region.

Her past board roles include the Rodney Neighbourhood Steiner Kindergarten and Shepparton Arts Festival. Anna is a current board member for the Greater Shepparton Foundation.

Georgina Fairley

Chair

Georgina has been practising Architecture for six years, following completion of her Masters of Architecture in 2010. Her current focus is on design for community and learning in both metropolitan and regional areas. With interests ranging across a wide range of subjects, Georgina keenly seeks ways to engage with the world around her, from further education and attending local events to volunteering.

Andrew Mott

Trustee

Andrew Mott has been involved in music education for 30 years with experience in both regional and metropolitan schools and across numerous government and independent school music programs. He undertook a two year stint in Michigan, USA, completing a Masters in Music. In recent years, he has served as Director of Music at Blackburn High School and as the Head of Music, Caulfield Campus, Caulfield Grammar.

He has a particular interest in the development of music ensemble performance and has worked in all areas across symphony orchestras to jazz big bands. In 2008 Andrew conceived and staged the 80th birthday celebrations for Australian jazz luminary, Don Burrows, which was filmed by ABC TV. He has also served as a member of the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Music Board and on the AMEB Examinations Advisory Board, representing government schools at various times. He continues to be active in the field of Australian music education and creating opportunities for young musicians.

Dr Fiona Phillips

Trustee

Fiona is the daughter of Rosemary Hopkins (nee Fairley) and was appointed a Trustee in December 2013.

Fiona has taught in and through music in a variety of educational and community settings in regional Victoria. Her work with Early Years and Primary School practicing and pre-service teachers is significant and she currently holds the position of Associate Lecturer in Arts Education at Deakin University, Geelong.

Her research and scholarship has focused on the ongoing practices of exploring new pedagogies, to inform and facilitate change in Arts Education (Music) within a located, cloud-based and virtual teaching and learning environment. She loves to sing and help others find their voice.

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Jim Freemantle AO

Trustee

Jim Freemantle, a grandnephew of Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley, is a Company Director and former banker.

He has been the Chair and Director of a number of public, private and Government organisations over the past 15 years with a particular interest in the not-for-profit sector.

James is passionate about supporting people with disabilities, specifically through the provision of affordable housing and employment opportunities.

Terry Campbell AO

Trustee

Terry Campbell AO is a great-nephew of the late Sir Andrew and Lady Fairley, for whom the foundation is named. Terry is Senior Chairman of Goldman Sachs, the global and investment banking firm. He is also Chairman of Australian Foundation Investment Company (AFIC) and Mirabooka Investments Limited.

He is a supporter of corporate social responsibility through contributions to community and charitable organisations. He is also a strong advocate of Australian Business Participation in the Arts, and is the Vice Chair of the National Gallery of Australia Foundation.

Carmel Johnson

Deputy Chair

Carmel Johnson has been living and working in the Goulburn Valley for more than 35 years. During this time Carmel has primarily worked in fundraising and community relations roles, and with her Special Education qualifications, served as the inaugural Principal of Verney Road Special School and later as Manager at Connect GV in Shepparton.

Carmel’s current role is Development Manager at SAM (Shepparton Art Museum).  Prior to joining SAM, Carmel led the GV Health Foundation for thirty years to ensure that the community of the Goulburn Valley was well served. Carmel was the inaugural Chair of the Shepparton Arts Festival and serves on a number of corporate and community boards. Carmel is Deputy Chair of the Foundation

Andrew Fairley AM

Trustee

Andrew Fairley is a Commercial and Equity Lawyer at Hall & Wilcox in Melbourne. He has a long involvement with the philanthropic sector as both an advisor and trustee. He has been Chair of the Fairley Foundation since 1999 and is a great nephew of Sir Andrew Fairley. 

He is also Deputy Chair of the Mornington Peninsula Foundation. He is a past Chair of both the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, and the Luke Batty Foundation. 

He is Chair of Qualitas Limited, a listed funds manager with assets under management of $6.2B. He is also a Director of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority. He is the Consul General for Finland in Victoria.