TP11/007
On 31 August 2010, Simon McKeon retired from his position as President of the Australian Government Takeovers Panel.
As a well known philanthropist and the 2011 Victorian Australian of the Year, Mr McKeon has been given a very different type of farewell gift that reflects his personal passion and generosity.
Takeover Panel members, the executive and alumni all made donations to a World Vision project to provide clean water in Timor-Leste. Some of the Panel members' firms also donated as part of a matching program.
A significant total of $52,650 has been committed and will contribute to a large scale project to provide clean water and sanitation to over 20,000 people in 12 to 18 communities.
Mr McKeon today presented the donation to Mr Tim Costello, CEO of World Vision.
Mr Costello said "As Simon moves into a new phase of his career, he continues to leave a lasting legacy that encourages corporate Australians to engage with and help those less fortunate. For this, we say thank you."
Mr McKeon said "I am delighted that this worthwhile project has received such a boost through the generosity of my colleagues."
Ms Kathleen Farrell, President of the Panel, said "The Panel would like to thank Simon for his dedicated leadership as its President since 1999. Given his extensive involvement in charitable ventures over many years, this farewell is an appropriate way to acknowledge his leadership of the Panel over the past decade."
Media contact: Amanda Warrick, Media Officer, World Vision Australia
Ph: 03 9287 2583, Mobile: 0428 663 227 email: amanda.warrick@worldvision.com.au