Humpty Dumpty Foundation Names Johanna Griggs Patron

The Humpty Dumpty Foundation announces media personality Johanna Griggs AM as its new Patron. 

Johanna has had a long and close association with the Humpty Dumpty Foundation for the past three decades having hosted several events for the charity.    

Most recently Johanna travelled to the Northern Territory with Humpty Dumpty Foundation Founder and Chairman Paul Francis OAM to witness firsthand the incredible impact the charity is having on the territory where the infant mortality rate is triple that of any other state and territory in Australia.  She also visited Victoria’s Monash Children’s Hospital for a tour of the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and to view recently donated equipment including Australia’s first innovative healthcare technology initiative that sees a quieter and calmer NICU for patients and families.  

This month Johanna hosted the Balmoral Burn Sponsors’ Dinner as the first event of the Foundation’s Humpty Dumpty Balmoral Burn weekend.  The event has so far raised an incredible $ 1.5 million to continue the Humpty Dumpty Foundation’s important work of making a tangible impact, saving lives, and improving the health outcomes for sick kids in hospitals.    

In June, Johanna will return to the Northern Territory to host the Humpty Dumpty Foundation’s annual fundraiser, The Great Humpty Ball, Darwin on Saturday 22 June 2024 at Mindil Beach Casino Resort, Darwin.  Currently, there is over $1 million of vital medical equipment needed by hospitals and health services right across the Northern Territory. 

After more than 30 years of support, Ray Martin AM is stepping back from his role of Patron.  In this time Ray has contributed immensely to the work of the Humpty Dumpty Foundation across Australia and, in particular, in the Northern Territory.  

Johanna will continue Ray’s legacy and will build on the great foundations that have been laid as she steps into the role as Humpty’s Patron. 

“Humpty has been blessed over the years to have such an awesome Patron like Ray Martin who has been a huge part of the growth of Humpty,” said Humpty Dumpty Foundation Founder and Chairman Paul Francis OAM.   

“We are fortunate to now have Johanna Griggs who has had an association with Humpty for over 30 years to extend her commitment to our Humpty family as our new Patron.   

“There really are no two better people to have as Patrons,” added Francis.  

Humpty Dumpty Foundation CEO & Managing Director, Claire Reaney expressed that she was delighted to announce Johanna as the new Humpty Patron.   

“Johanna has the greatest respect for our past, our present and where we go to in the future. We look forward to working with Johanna on Humpty’s next exciting chapter,” said Reaney.  

Newly announced Patron, Johanna Griggs AM highlighted that she is humbled by the honour of this role, and can’t wait to see what they can achieve in the future.   

“There is still much so work to be done right across the country, in every hospital and health service that turns to Humpty for help.”  

“I know I have enormous shoes to fill, following the incredible work that Ray Martin AM has undertaken over such a substantial amount of time, but I can’t think of anyone who has shown more passion, dedication, empathy, and warmth that I’d like to emulate more,” added Griggs.   

Johanna Griggs AM is one of our country’s most enduring and versatile media personalities.  A former Australian Swimming champion who medalled at the 1990 Commonwealth Games and 1991 World Championships, Johanna has hosted the coverage of nine Olympic and three Paralympic Games.  In 2002 she became the first female solo host of any Olympic Games in the country.  She has hosted the Australian Open Tennis for 17 years and continues to host Australia’s number one Lifestyle Show Better Homes and Gardens, a role she has held for 20 years now.  

Away from the media spotlight, her substantial work for charities including being a Director of Beyond Blue for the past 10 years, a role she will continue until the end of 2025, has seen her bestowed with an Honorary Doctorate from Macquarie University and awarded a Member of the Order of Australia.   

Menchie Khairuddin

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Menchie Khairuddin is a writer Deputy Content Manager at Akolade and content producer for Third Sector News. She is passionate about social affairs specifically in mixed, multicultural heritage and not-for-profit organisations.

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