AOC Founders
Campaign
Our AOC Founders | The New AOC Building
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Australian Opal Centre is proud to announce that it has received an incredible $500,000 donation, from a generous AOC Founder wanting to support high calibre AOC visitor experiences and programming at the new AOC, and ensure the AOC is equipped to thrive as a nationally significant regional cultural institution. This wonderful benefactor has chosen to remain anonymous. They hope their donation will inspire others to join them in ‘upping the ante’ and giving generously to this inspirational endeavour, for the benefit of present and future generations.
In September 2024, another generous benefactor committed $250,000 in funding to match the next $250,000 received from AOC Founders. This means that if you give now, we can double your contribution and impact immediately!
The AOC has launched a Partnerships Program inviting leading Australian Philanthropists, Philanthropic Foundations and Australian companies to become AOC Founders.
The Australian Opal Centre is realising a grand vision to construct a magnificent new facility to showcase the AOC collection, enable growth of AOC cultural, scientific and education programs, and establish a landmark, nationally significant cultural facility and visitor destination in the remarkable landscape of Lightning Ridge, on precious Yuwaalaraay country, in ancient inland Australia.
The new AOC - designed by celebrated architects Wendy Lewin and Dunn + Hillam based on an original concept by Wendy Lewin and Glenn Murcutt - will protect and preserve exquisite natural and cultural treasures, house the world’s leading not-for-profit facility dedicated to opal, encourage learning and creativity, and catalyse regional economic and cultural development.
A major fundraising campaign has already attracted more than 70 visionary patrons called AOC Founders, whose collective initial $1 million commitment leveraged $19 million in federal, state and local government funding to construct Stage 1 of the new state-of-the-art AOC facility.
Founders may choose between eight giving levels, ranging between $10,000 and $1,000,000, with limited opportunities available at each level.
The AOC is urgently calling for new Founders. Our goal is the next $2 million of the total $9.5 million campaign target. $2 million will enable us to complete fitout and ensure operational readiness for AOC Stage 1.
Will you be the next to join this remarkable group of visionaries and make history?
Read more about the new Australian Opal Centre or contact us to request more information about this opportunity to achieve big change and be a part of a nationally and internationally significant project. For those seeking deeper involvement, opportunities are also available for major investment in future stages of the new Australian Opal Centre.
If becoming an AOC Founder is not for you, but you’d like to contribute, scroll to the bottom of this page to find out what to do next.
Who are our AOC Founders?
View our Founders 'Wall of Fame' here and read some of the stories of this remarkable group of visionaries.
Why become an AOC Founder?
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be the benefactor of a world-renowned institution; to save national treasures, enable long-lasting positive change and become the patron of an extraordinary place housing national treasures and exciting programs of enduring significance in Australia's physical and cultural landscapes.
AOC Founders come from all walks of life. There are many reasons to become an AOC Founder - what will yours be?
For some, it’s being able to contribute to the construction of a landmark architectural icon in regional Australia, and invest in innovative solutions to built design for semi-arid climates in a changing world.
Many AOC Founders are motivated by a desire to foster economic and cultural reinvigoration in regional Australia, and to make a difference to our young people, First Nations and disadvantaged community members - who have so much to offer, and inherent capacity to thrive.
Some love knowing that the new AOC provides tangible, inspiring proof that with vision, shared passion, tenacity and work, dreams can be realised.
Those seeking return on investment can know that money and effort invested in the AOC will multiply and reverberate for years to come, through employment generation, economic growth, cultural enrichment and increased community capacity and connectivity.
For those passionate about opal, fossils and the unique heritage of our beautiful and ancient continent, this is a long-awaited opportunity to create a permanent facility worthy to house, celebrate and promote these treasures of our shared natural and cultural heritage.
Some are motivated by the benefits generated by investment in research, training and education, contributing to world-class facilities and opportunities for students, researchers and lifelong learners, with the benefits generated in opal-producing locations spreading and multiplying across the region, the nation and the world.
Or it may be something else that touches your mind or heart. The AOC speaks to people in extraordinarily diverse ways.
AOC Founders enjoy the benefits of tax deductibility and will be honoured in perpetuity inside the new Australian Opal Centre building.
Witness the building emerging from the ground, then see it fill with wonders, come alive with programs and be shared with the world. Take pride in the economic and cultural impacts achieved thanks to you, our visionary AOC Founders. Make the Australian Opal Centre your proud and lasting personal legacy.
To take up the opportunity to become an AOC Founder, find out more or request a callback, please email us at partnerships@australianopalcentre.com.
Not a Founder, but want to give?
Want to contribute to the work of the Australian Opal Centre, other than as a Founder?
You might like to donate to support our work as a self-funded not-for-profit organisation; or give for a specific purpose - such as saving rare opalised fossils for the AOC’s public collection by donating to our Acquisition Fund, or assisting with the purchase of much-needed equipment, software or training.
You might like to consider a bequest, or a donation of opal, or property.
Support our 1000 x $1000 campaign here, read about other ways to provide your support, or contact us with your ideas. Every little bit helps. The AOC is a true people’s project, built on countless contributions of money, time, skills, materials and objects, with every contribution - however small or large - put to best possible use. We look forward to hearing from you.
““Being an AOC Founder gives us the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy in our home town after we’re long gone. This as a great way to commemorate your position and celebrate your connection to the community.””
““I believe in the AOC project and the importance of supporting it. So I encourage everyone to put their hand up and do something too.””
““Whatever legacy you choose to leave, becoming an AOC Founder would be one of the best. It’s a game changer for regional areas in every state of Australia.””
““The foresight of this project is wonderful and the benefits it will bring to everyone in the town when it opens are huge. I really think it’s the best return on investment we’ll get over the next 10, 20 or 30 years – and into the future.””
““I see the Australian Opal Centre as a magnet for the future and a reflection of our past. I think it’s important to capture that past and show the future where you have been.””
““The AOC will not only honour and celebrate opal, but also our opal miners and the whole industry, as well as preserving and showcasing our Indigenous culture and way of life.””
““The new Australian Opal Centre will do a tremendous amount for all Australian opal fields and for Australian tourism in general. The contribution is small but the leverage is enormous, and that helps the whole industry.””