Cultivating Connections
Giving Report 2026
Introduction
At a time of profound change – across higher education, our communities, our nation and the lives of learners everywhere, and amid increasingly complex global challenges – the University of New England is choosing to lead with purpose. We are prioritising community, acting boldly and reaffirming our role as a regional connector by investing in the people and ideas that will shape UNE’s next 70 years.
As we reaffirm our place in regional Australia, UNE is deepening its collaborations with its students, alumni, community partners and valued supporters. Only then – by cultivating connections that matter – can we address the urgent and complex challenges we share. And connect knowledge to real-world outcomes, for the people and communities we serve.
Delivering our Strategic Plan 2026–2035 returns us to UNE’s founding purpose, expanding access to education and strengthening regional communities. Central to this is shared outcomes and shared success, a practical commitment to ensuring that what we do for individuals serves the greater good, and that the progress of our regions contributes to the strength of our nation.
Since its inception, UNE has benefitted from the remarkable generosity of our donors, and we are deeply grateful. Scholarships have been a mainstay of that support, and they remain vital. However, today we are broadening how philanthropy can shape UNE’s future, with more opportunities to give in ways that make a profound difference across a greater range of learners, priorities and solutions. With your support, we will accelerate this vital work.
The higher education sector is changing rapidly, particularly for regional universities like ours. To fulfil our mission and secure UNE’s future, we must grow philanthropic support. It is not peripheral to our work, but essential to it. It advances our growth and innovation and activates novel solutions.
Your generosity fuels our ambitions and enables UNE to strengthen student support, advance research that responds to regional and national challenges, and deepen partnerships that deliver mutual benefit for learners, communities and industries across rural, regional and beyond.
The impact of this work is evident throughout this report. Scholarships aimed at improving rural health pathways, in collaboration with partners like the Country Women’s Association and the Primary Health Network, contribute significantly to workforce development with industry leaders. Additionally, there are opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to engage in college life, as well as efforts to preserve precious historical collections for future generations.
Looking ahead, we are preparing UNE to become a genuine philanthropic destination – a place where donors’ values, expertise and networks create transformative impact at scale. Whether supporting a student, accelerating a breakthrough, strengthening a regional workforce or enabling a bold new collaboration, your investment has never been more important – enabling us to rise to the complex challenges of our time, and capitalise on them.
We are deeply grateful to all who share our belief in the power of knowledge and collaboration, and who are equally dedicated to strengthening UNE’s communities.
Chancellor Dr Sarah Pearson and UNE Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Moran
Chancellor Dr Sarah Pearson and UNE Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Moran. Credit: Matthew Cawood.
Chancellor Dr Sarah Pearson and UNE Vice-Chancellor Professor Chris Moran. Credit: Matthew Cawood.
Making your gift count
Donating to the University of New England is not merely a financial transaction; it’s a meaningful investment – in tomorrow’s leaders, pioneering research and the very future of our institution. Your gift, at a time of escalating costs and constrained public funding, is critical to upholding excellence and ensuring opportunities for all.
Donations serve as a potent catalyst for:
- Addressing disadvantage: Making higher education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds by alleviating tuition, accommodation and technology costs, reducing student debt and enabling full academic engagement.
- Research and innovation: Funding cutting-edge research, supporting distinguished academics and fostering teaching programs that push the boundaries of knowledge.
- Enhancing UNE’s operations: Helping to cover critical operational and facility upgrades beyond government budgets.
- Ensuring student success: Financing vital student services (including mental health support, academic advising and career counselling) that improve student retention rates and equip them for success.
- Fostering community and social impact: Enabling deeper engagement through impactful outreach programs, educational workshops and partnerships that meet local needs.
Ways to give
Anyone can give to UNE, and your generous donation can take several forms.
- One-off or regular donations provide agile, direct support for immediate needs.
- Gifts in Wills (bequests) offer a profound, enduring legacy through thoughtful estate planning.
- Endowment funds establish an invested sum, whereby only the income is used. This ensures perpetual support for generations.
Your gift to the University of New England is an investment in human potential and a brighter future. It generates a ripple effect that strengthens our community and the many other communities with which we engage.
Here to help
For further information on how you can give, please email advance@une.edu.au or phone (02) 6773 2870. Or make a donation directly via our online form at www.une.edu.au/give-to-une
Give through UNE
Give through UNE
Create an enduring legacy
Leaving a bequest to UNE is a powerful way to support future
generations. And it’s a relatively simple process.
Here’s what you need to know.
1. Choose your bequest type
• Residuary bequest: A percentage of what remains after debts and expenses
• Pecuniary bequest: A specific dollar amount (consider adding a CPI inflation clause)
• Specific bequest: A particular asset (property or shares)
• Percentage bequest: A percentage of your estate or specific asset
• Whole estate bequest: Your entire estate
2. Seek professional advice
Always consult your legal, tax and financial advisors when drafting or updating your Will.
3. Provide the correct details
Your solicitor will need:
Legal name: University of New England
ABN: 75 792 454 315
Contact the UNE Advancement team for suggested
wording, to ensure your bequest achieves your intentions.
4. Direct your impact
You can specify how your gift is used, directing it to scholarships, research or areas of study. However, unrestricted gifts provide flexibility to respond to emerging needs within the university and can maximise your impact.
5. Consider sharing your plans
While it is optional, advising UNE about your bequest helps us to honour your wishes appropriately. The Advancement team is available to answer questions and discuss options like Blended Gifts, where you begin supporting a cause today and ensure ongoing impact through your bequest.
6. Your rights matter
Your family comes first, you can change your mind at any time, and your gift will be recognised in a way that feels right for you.
Need help?
Contact UNE Advancement:
advance@une.edu.au | 02 6773 2870
Impact
$1,485,601 in scholarships and prizes benefitting 477 undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Over $350,000 was directed specifically to medical and nursing student scholarships.
Partnerships with purpose
Our annual Scholarship Donor Luncheon recognises those who support the university and its diverse student body.
Guests in 2025 were treated to a musical performance and addresses by senior UNE leaders, including Chancellor Dr Sarah Pearson and Vice-Chancellor and CEO Professor Chris Moran. They also heard from scholarship recipient Craig Raymond, who spoke on behalf of his fellow students about the difference our generous donors and trustees make.
Simon Scott’s gallery of photographs from the function captures the warm atmosphere.
William McIlrath Rural Scholarship recipients l-r Millie Creagh, Paige Brown, Amy Maher and Fleur Duff.
William McIlrath Rural Scholarship recipients l-r Millie Creagh, Paige Brown, Amy Maher and Fleur Duff.
Trustees of the Cec Spence Memorial UNE Country Scholarship Sue Grace (at left) and John Sewell (at right) with scholarship recipients.
Trustees of the Cec Spence Memorial UNE Country Scholarship Sue Grace (at left) and John Sewell (at right) with scholarship recipients.
Scholarship recipients l-r Gina Bowden, Lily Bragg and Madeline Rohr.
Scholarship recipients l-r Gina Bowden, Lily Bragg and Madeline Rohr.
Dr Ian Duncan, provider of the Duncan Family Scholarship in Pharmacy and Duncan Family Scholarship in Early Childhood Education.
Dr Ian Duncan, provider of the Duncan Family Scholarship in Pharmacy and Duncan Family Scholarship in Early Childhood Education.
UNE Chancellor Dr Sarah Pearson with Craig Raymond, recipient of the Brittany Abraham Memorial Scholarship.
UNE Chancellor Dr Sarah Pearson with Craig Raymond, recipient of the Brittany Abraham Memorial Scholarship.
Trustees of the Cec Spence Memorial UNE Country Scholarship Sue Grace and Rod Watt.
Trustees of the Cec Spence Memorial UNE Country Scholarship Sue Grace and Rod Watt.
Cec Spence Memorial UNE Country Scholarship Trustee John Sewell with scholar Connor Folbigg.
Cec Spence Memorial UNE Country Scholarship Trustee John Sewell with scholar Connor Folbigg.
Carole and Stan Droder Scholarship recipients l-r Caitlyn Fischer, Sabrina Bell, Thomas Mitchell, Katie Beard and Kate Morris.
Carole and Stan Droder Scholarship recipients l-r Caitlyn Fischer, Sabrina Bell, Thomas Mitchell, Katie Beard and Kate Morris.
Betty J. Fyffe scholars with the trustee for the Elizabeth Cahill Fyffe Trust Stephen Mathews (centre).
Betty J. Fyffe scholars with the trustee for the Elizabeth Cahill Fyffe Trust Stephen Mathews (centre).
Celebrating the generosity of our donors
We thank the foundations, trusts, corporations and individuals who generously give to UNE.
Your support advances scholarships, world-changing research and transformative initiatives. We also acknowledge anonymous donors, and recognise every person who has supported UNE in any capacity - every gift makes a difference. This list recognises those who have recently donated a total of $5,000 or more.
DONORS OVER $100,000
The Abbott Foundation
Elizabeth Cahill Fyffe Trust
Country Women’s Association of NSW
(Armidale Branch)
The Carole and Stan Droder Estate
Dr Ian and Mrs Anthea Duncan
Mr Keith Jones
Mr Kwun W Lam
William McIlrath Charitable Foundation
Emeritus Professor Bob Officer AM
Ms Patricia Phillips
Mr Max Schroder
Estate of Cecil Spence
Dr Don and Mrs Lee Stammer
Dr Bill and Mrs Michelle Stewart
Mr Maurice Wyndham (dec) and Mrs Margaret and Mr Rob Chapman
DONORS OVER $5,000
Mr Robert Alison
Ms Judith Allen
APJ Law
Armajun Aboriginal Health Service
Armidale Blues Rugby Union and Netball Club Inc
Armidale International Association
Aurora Dairies Pty Ltd
Australasian Institute of Restorative Reproductive
Medicine (AIRRM)
Mrs Judith Barham
Mr Ross and Mrs Jodie Beaney
Ms Hazel Beneke
Emeritus Professor Philip Board
The Honourable Dr Dean Brown AO
Mr Robert and Mrs Helen Bryant
Mr Jack Burston
Bush Children’s Education Foundation of NSW Inc.
Mr Jarell Casper
Mrs Margaret Chambers
Mr Clint Coker
Costa Group
Dr Frank Davidson
Professor Matthew Dillon
Mr John Drinan AM
Mrs Pamela Duffin
Mr Peter and Mrs Janet Dunn
Mr Philip Emanuel
Dr John England
Mrs Barbara Fitzgibbon
Mr Henry Foster
Ms Maree Giddins
Mr J.B. (Bruce) Gordon
Mr Geoffrey Gorrie PSM
Mrs Catherine Grammer
Ms Machteld Hali
Mr James Harris
Ms Isa Hopwood
Ms Kathryn Horadam and Dr Alanna Horadam
Dr Yawei Huang
Ms Amy Hubbard and Dr Crispin Butteriss
Hunter New England Central Coast Primary
Health Network
The Inagh Foundation (Ms Nicole Patterson
and Mr Patrick Tuttle)
Dr James Irvine
Mr Matthew Irwin
Mr Bruce Jacob
The Clem Jones Foundation
Emeritus Professor Joyce Kirk
Mr Richard Kirkby
Mr Richard Knox
The Kudos Foundation
Lansdowne Foundation
Emeritus Professor Alec Lazenby AO
Associate Professor K.G. Lewis (dec)
and Mr Ian Lewis
Ms Kitty Lo
Mr David Manton
Dr Bruce and Ms Rose McCarthy
Mr Rick Miller
Emeritus Professor John Moorhead
Emeritus Professor Ingrid Moses AO
Mrs Joan Murray
Mr Andrew and Mrs Alex Murray
Nutrien Ag Solutions
The Order of Australia Association Foundation
Peel Health Care
Dr Christine Perrott
Pharmaceutical Defence Ltd
Mr Graham Porter
Mr James Poulos KC
Mr Colin Price
Quota Club of Armidale Inc.
Mr Bob Reid
Mr Graeme Reynolds
Mr Hunter Ridley
Mr Paul and Mrs Angela Riggs
Mr Kenneth Riordan
Robb College Foundation Association Members
Mrs Yvonne Roberts
Mr Angus Robertson
Dr Kerry Schott AO
Professor Jennie Shaw
South Australian Chapter UNE Alumni Association
Mrs Jill Spilsbury
Dr John Stuckey
Tamex Transport Pty Ltd
UNE Life
Warakirri Cropping and Solterra Agriculture
Dr John Waters (dec)
R.D.B. and P.M. Whalley
Mr Gordon Williams
Mr Richard Williams
Scott Williams Foundation
Dr Josephine Wiseman
Mr Edward Wright AM and Mrs Sally Wright
UNE STAFF DONORS OVER $5,000
Professor Simon Evans
Professor Melanie Fillios
Professor Chris Moran and Dr Mandana Arshi-Moran
Dr Sarah Pearson
Mr David van Aanholt
Help UNE and its students to explore new possibilities.
Contact us
Advancement, Alumni and Events
Future Students & Engagement
University of New England
Armidale NSW 2351 Australia
P: +61 2 6773 2870
E: advance@une.edu.au
une.edu.au
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