Philanthropist Kay Van Norton Poche AO passes away
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Australia has lost one of its most compassionate and philanthropic souls with the passing of Kay Van Norton Poche AO, a woman whose generosity knew no bounds.
Kay, alongside her husband Greg Poche AO, has left an indelible mark on the nation through her unwavering support for medical research, Indigenous health, and community services.
Born in upstate New York, United States, Kay Van Norton Poche's journey to becoming one of Australia's most significant benefactors began with her marriage to Greg Poche, the founder of logistics company Star Track Express.
Following the sale of the business to Qantas and Australia Post in 2003 for a staggering $750 million, the Poches decided to dedicate a substantial portion of their fortune to philanthropy.
Over the years, Kay and Greg Poche have donated more than $150 million to various causes.
One of their most notable contributions was a $40 million donation to the Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) for the establishment of a research and treatment centre in Sydney, aptly named the Poche Centre.
This donation, the largest ever made by an Australian to a philanthropic cause at the time, has been instrumental in advancing the fight against melanoma, a cancer that affects so many Australians each year.
Kay's impact extended beyond medical research. She and Greg provided $6 million towards the Manly Adolescent and Young People Hospice, a facility that offers palliative care and support for young people with life-limiting conditions.
Their vision also led to the creation of the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health at the University of Sydney with a generous $10 million endowment, demonstrating their commitment to improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities.
In 2019, Kay Van Norton Poche was recognised for her service to the community and her support of medical research causes and Indigenous Health with an Officer for the Order of Australia award.
‘We are forever indebted to the foresight, generosity, and kindness of both Kay and Greg Poche,’ MIA deputy medical director Associate Professor Jonathan Stretch said.
‘Kay and Greg’s belief in our mission was fundamental to the development of MIA, and so many of our clinical breakthroughs in recent years simply would not have been possible without their very generous philanthropic support.’
‘Kay’s desire to help others in need, her zest for life and her legendary sense of humour will never be forgotten.’
The University of Queensland described Kay and Greg as ‘among the most (if not the most) generous Australian couple’.
‘Kay and Greg’s passion for philanthropy and her deep empathy for people have set a standard of giving that will hopefully inspire many more for years to come,’ NORTH Foundation CEO Gilbert Lorquet said.
As we reflect on Kay Van Norton Poche's life, we are reminded of the power of giving and the profound impact one individual can have on the world.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms Kay Van Norton Poche’s family at this difficult time. May she rest in peace.
Kay, alongside her husband Greg Poche AO, has left an indelible mark on the nation through her unwavering support for medical research, Indigenous health, and community services.
Born in upstate New York, United States, Kay Van Norton Poche's journey to becoming one of Australia's most significant benefactors began with her marriage to Greg Poche, the founder of logistics company Star Track Express.
Following the sale of the business to Qantas and Australia Post in 2003 for a staggering $750 million, the Poches decided to dedicate a substantial portion of their fortune to philanthropy.
Kay Van Norton Poche, one of Australia's most generous women, passed away. Credit: @melanomainstituteau / Instagram
Over the years, Kay and Greg Poche have donated more than $150 million to various causes.
One of their most notable contributions was a $40 million donation to the Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) for the establishment of a research and treatment centre in Sydney, aptly named the Poche Centre.
This donation, the largest ever made by an Australian to a philanthropic cause at the time, has been instrumental in advancing the fight against melanoma, a cancer that affects so many Australians each year.
Kay's impact extended beyond medical research. She and Greg provided $6 million towards the Manly Adolescent and Young People Hospice, a facility that offers palliative care and support for young people with life-limiting conditions.
Their vision also led to the creation of the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health at the University of Sydney with a generous $10 million endowment, demonstrating their commitment to improving health outcomes for Indigenous communities.
In 2019, Kay Van Norton Poche was recognised for her service to the community and her support of medical research causes and Indigenous Health with an Officer for the Order of Australia award.
‘We are forever indebted to the foresight, generosity, and kindness of both Kay and Greg Poche,’ MIA deputy medical director Associate Professor Jonathan Stretch said.
‘Kay and Greg’s belief in our mission was fundamental to the development of MIA, and so many of our clinical breakthroughs in recent years simply would not have been possible without their very generous philanthropic support.’
‘Kay’s desire to help others in need, her zest for life and her legendary sense of humour will never be forgotten.’
The University of Queensland described Kay and Greg as ‘among the most (if not the most) generous Australian couple’.
‘Kay and Greg’s passion for philanthropy and her deep empathy for people have set a standard of giving that will hopefully inspire many more for years to come,’ NORTH Foundation CEO Gilbert Lorquet said.
As we reflect on Kay Van Norton Poche's life, we are reminded of the power of giving and the profound impact one individual can have on the world.
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prayers go out to her family
