Vale Sidney Baillieu Myer AC

Media Releases, 24 January 2022

The Board and staff of FRRR sadly note the passing of Sidney Baillieu (Bails) Myer AC.

Mr Myer was instrumental in the formation of FRRR, believing strongly in the importance of a vibrant rural Australia. He served as FRRR’s patron from 2000 and maintained a strong interest in and connection with the Foundation throughout his life, reading and commenting on board papers and was always open to being a sounding board.

Mr Myer had a way of quietly inspiring people to take up good ideas. He knew what was good for the bush and gave so many Australians living in rural and remote communities new hope and encouragement to have the livelihoods they deserve. He knew that lending a hand, believing in people’s ideas for how to address the issues they faced, and giving them the help they needed to do so would strengthen those communities.

FRRR was privileged to be the beneficiary of his generous support for more than 20 years. His belief in the power of philanthropy to give people a hand up was a wonderful example. He leaves an extraordinary legacy in the many organisations he supported, including ours.

We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Sarah, his three children and extended family.

Abridged Biography:

The son of Sidney Myer, Sidney Baillieu Myer AC was born in 1926. He was the Co-Founder and Past President of The Myer Foundation. He was a Trustee of the Sidney Myer Fund from 1958 to 2001 and Chairman from 1992 to 2001. Mr Myer’s past positions included Chairman, The Myer Emporium Ltd, President of the Howard Florey Institute and Executive Member of the CSIRO.

Mr Myer was a Patron of FRRR. He was one of our original Founders, sharing the vision for the creation of the organisation with The Honourable John Anderson.

Mr Myer’s career spanned the fields of business, medical research, aged care, Australia-Asian relations, the arts, crafts, conservation, education and rural communities. Some further past commitments and appointments included:

  • Patron of Asialink
  • Patron Australian Tapestry Workshop
  • First Patron for the Community Foundation of Central Victoria
  • Trustee Emeritus, National Gallery of Victoria
  • The Sarah and Baillieu Myer Discovery Centre at Immigration Museum
  • Founder of the Sidney Myer Chair in Rural Education and Communities, Adelaide
  • Founding Member of Australian Conservation Foundation
  • Director of the Howard Florey Institute,1971-2002, and President, 1988-1992
  • Chairman, The Myer Emporium Ltd, 1978-1986
  • Executive Member, CSIRO, 1981-1985

Mr Myer’s numerous business activities include a Santa Gertrudis cattle stud, a Quarterhorse stud at Yulgilbar in Northern New South Wales, and wine making at Elgee Park on the Mornington Peninsula.

He was awarded an AC in 1990 and was made an Honorary Doctor of Law at the University of Melbourne in 1993.

Share
Back to News
Follow Us
Support the future of remote, rural and regional communities
Giving
Grantseeker resources: I am looking for information about…
Explore
X

Amy Crawford

Amy Crawford has an extensive career in complex public policy and its intersection across government and communities.

Amy is the Chief Executive Officer at the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), representing 537 councils across the nation. Amy holds over 20 years’ experience in the Australian Public Service. She has a deep understanding of federal government policies and structures, with over 10 years’ service in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and has worked for the federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories. Amy has shaped a wide range of policies and programs including regional development, telecommunications, immigration, emergency management, social policy and pandemic preparation.

Amy is a Board Director of Austroads and represents ALGA on the Public Skills Australia Industry Advisory Group, and the Australia-New Zealand Emergency Management Committee. She is also a Board Director for the Canberra Youth Theatre which provides voice for Canberra’s youth through intelligent and challenging theatre.

Amy holds a Bachelor of Laws (honours) and Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications) from the University of Queensland, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an alumnus of the Cranlana Centre for Ethical Leadership. Amy was appointed to the FRRR Board in January 2025.

X

Kylie Hansen

Kylie brings leadership and management experience from across academic, corporate, not-for-profit, social enterprise and impact investment sectors, having deep dived into a myriad of specialisations and systems. Her six tertiary qualifications are equally as diverse and complimentary, covering commerce, politics, international development, community development, project management and law. Her breadth and depth of experience enables her to draw on a number of disciplines and innovative ways of working and thinking, and she is well recognised as consistently delivering work and services of a high quality.

Kylie uses her strong background in sustainability, governance and impact measurement to support collaborative initiatives across sectors oriented at improving social outcomes, and to support socially conscientious businesses to articulate their social impact. As founder and director at Impact Seed she has been instrumental in developing the impact measurement, evaluation, learning and ESG practice which advises numerous corporates, and is passionate about supporting First Nations empowerment particularly in the context of regional economic development.

Kylie is also a Director of the WA Social Enterprise Council, a member of the B Council (B Lab Australia and New Zealand), and a Governor of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

X

Hon. John Anderson AC

The Hon. John Anderson AC is a sixth-generation farmer and grazier from NSW, who served in the Australian Parliament from 1989 to 2008.

He was a senior Cabinet minister in the government led by John Howard (1996 to 2005), including six years as Leader of the National Party and Deputy Prime Minister.

In the latter role, Mr Anderson played in important role in FRRR’s history, working closely with Baillieu Myer AC and others on a proposal to establish a philanthropic organisation to benefit rural Australia. The concept was discussed at the National Regional Summit in 1999 and FRRR was established shortly thereafter.

Mr Anderson currently hosts a regular podcast, where he is in conversation with thought-leaders from around the world, and is a regular media commentator.

X

Regina Cruickshank

Partnerships Specialist (WA)

Regina supports FRRR as the WA Partnerships Specialist. With over two decades of experience in partnerships and marketing, she has a deep understanding of Western Australia’s social impact landscape. She brings a strong passion for leveraging purpose-built networks to create positive change.

Regina previously worked with Playgroup WA and founded a Health Promotion Charity dedicated to supporting Social Emotional wellbeing for underserved communities. She’s excited about the opportunity to connect with partners and explore ways to make a meaningful difference in WA.

She lives in Perth with her family and enjoys mindful moments of connection to Country, whether on horseback, on foot or underwater.

X

Anna Palmer

People and Culture Manager

Based in Central Victoria, Anna is a senior Human Resources, Organisation Development and Industrial Relations professional, with significant private and public sector experience across every facet of people and culture leadership.

Her most recent roles have been with Don KR in Castlemaine and Mount Alexander Shire Council. She has also held senior HR roles with Victoria Legal Aid and the TAC among many others.

From Mildura originally, Anna has postgraduate qualifications in Change Management and a Masters in Organisation Dynamics.

Anna is currently completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts to balance her creative pursuits and work as an HR professional.

X

Philippa Twaddle

Management Accountant

Carolyn joined the FRRR team in March 2017, and is responsible for providing executive support to the CEO, effective coordination of the FRRR office and general administrative support to the management team. A key responsibility is supporting the administration of FRRR’s Donation Account Services.

She has over fifteen years’ experience working in local government in the Tourism and Arts Sector, Civic and Event Management and Community engagement.

Carolyn has a Bachelor of Arts in Librarianship, majoring in psychology, and grew up on farming communities in Cohuna and Echuca and currently lives in Bendigo.