June 18th 2024.
It is a sad day for Australia as we mourn the passing of one of our greatest philanthropists. Kay Van Norton Poche, a resident of Sydney, passed away last week, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and kindness that has touched the lives of millions.
Kay and her husband Greg Poche, who made their fortune by selling their logistics business for a whopping $750 million in 2003, were well-known for their charitable contributions. Together, they gave away over $150 million to various causes, with a particular focus on improving healthcare facilities across the country.
Their generosity knew no bounds, as they donated large sums of money for the establishment of Poche Centres for Indigenous Health at universities across Australia. They also contributed $5 million towards a hospice for young people in Manly, where they resided, and a staggering $40 million for a melanoma specialist centre in Sydney, which at the time was the largest single donation for a cause in Australia.
The news of Kay's passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from charities, health organizations, and politicians, all of whom have recognized her as a visionary and hailed her selflessness. Associate Professor Jonathan Stretch, Deputy Medical Director of the Melanoma Institute of Australia, expressed his gratitude, saying, "We are forever indebted to the foresight, generosity, and kindness of both Kay and Greg Poche."
The North Foundation, the fundraising partner of the Northern Sydney Local Health District, also honored Kay's memory, stating, "Her legacy of generosity and compassion has left an indelible mark on our community, and her unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare will inspire generations to come."
It is clear that Kay's impact extended far beyond her financial contributions. She was a source of inspiration, a true visionary, and a kind-hearted soul who touched the lives of many. Her generosity was rooted in her upbringing, as she was deeply influenced by her father, a WWII veteran who wanted to help those less fortunate.
When Kay and Greg became incredibly wealthy after the sale of their business, they knew they wanted to give back to their country. As Kay once said, "After the sale, Greg and I looked at each other and thought, 'Oh my goodness, this is 10 times more than we could ever spend in a lifetime. Let's give it away; let's give it back to the country.'"
Aside from their philanthropic endeavors, the couple also showed their support for the Manly Sea Eagles NRL team. In recognition of her contributions to society, Kay received the Officer for the Order of Australia in 2019.
Local MP James Griffin also paid tribute to Kay's legacy, saying, "Unfortunately, we have lost a wonderful person whose impact will never be forgotten." He went on to add, "Her generosity, alongside her husband Greg's, has ensured that people in need, no matter where they live in NSW, will receive the help they need."
Kay's passing is a great loss to the community, but her memory and her acts of kindness will live on forever. As we say our final goodbyes to this remarkable woman, let us remember her motto, "Let's give it back to the country," and strive to make a positive impact in our own way.
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