Tim Fairfax AC has commenced the role of Chairman with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal.

Deputy Chairman, Anne Grindrod has been acting in the role since June 2019 following the retirement of the inaugural Chairman, Rt Hon Ian Sinclair AC.

Fairfax served on the board of FRRR between 2002-17 and has been a long-term donor to the organisation both personally, and through the Tim Fairfax Family Foundation. He and his wife Gina were instrumental in developing the FRRR Tackling Tough Times Together grants program for drought-affected communities.

A highly respected philanthropist, Fairfax has long championed rural, remote and regional communities, particularly students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. He is also a major supporter of the visual arts.

Fairfax has a range of business interests which include operating nine rural properties in Queensland and New South Wales involving growing beef cattle, fine wool and grain.

In 2014, he was made a Companion of the Order of Australia for his eminent services to business and the community, and in 2016 he became Queensland Senior Australian of the Year.

In taking up the position, Fairfax says that he is looking forward to leading FRRR into its next chapter.

“I am honoured to serve as Chairman of FRRR, especially heading into its 20th Anniversary year. The organisation and its donor partners have been at the forefront of best-practice in how philanthropy can help to create vibrant, sustainable rural, regional and remote communities, and I am excited about what is to come,” he said. “I want to acknowledge the tremendous efforts Ian Sinclair AC and Bill Kelty AC, who served most recently as Chairman of the Finance and Audit Committee respectively before retiring. Thanks to their efforts, and those of their fellow directors, FRRR is in a very strong position.

“I’m confident about the future of FRRR and the opportunities ahead,” continues Fairfax. “It’s clear from the response FRRR has had in recent weeks and months to its Disaster Resilience and Recovery Fund that this is trusted by communities and philanthropic partners, which is wonderful.”

“Rural, regional and remote Australia lies at the very heart of our national identity, and as part of our new five-year strategy, FRRR will continue to do all we can to ensure that where you live doesn’t limit your opportunities,” he said.