Our Story
Our Focus
The Fairley Foundation is a place-based funder, focused on supporting programs in Greater Shepparton. We empower grassroots community programs that contribute to making Greater Shepparton more liveable, culturally rich, educationally successful and supportive of diversity.
The Foundation provides advocacy and financial support for innovative programs that enhance access to education, culture and the arts, resulting in:
- more children and young people engaged in education and / or work;
- a thriving arts and creative community with broad access to inspirational music and dance education;
- events that enhance liveability and celebrate creativity, such as the Shepparton Festival
- intercultural understanding and greater tolerance of difference; and
- recognition of the culture and talents of our Indigenous communities.
Our grants program supports initiatives within these aspirations.
Our History
Since 1965
As one of the Founders and subsequently Managing Director of Shepparton Preserving Company Ltd (SPC), Sir Andrew created what by the mid-1960’s was the largest fruit canning complex in the Southern Hemisphere. He was equally committed to the civic prosperity of Shepparton and its governance. He became the first Mayor of Shepparton in 1927, and the first Mayor of the City of Greater Shepparton in 1948.
In creating the Sir Andrew and Lady Foundation, he specified that the Foundation should principally be for the benefit of people and communities of the Greater Shepparton area.
Over nearly 60 years, the Foundation has been recognised as a trusted voice in the Shepparton community, influential in many areas of local life, including through the establishment of the Greater Shepparton Foundation. It has played an important role in enhancing outcomes in education, employment, the arts, health, sport, cultural diversity and social justice.
Founder and Philanthropist
Board of Trustees
Get Involved
Contact Vanessa Parry, our Executive Officer, and found out about how you can partner with the Fairley Foundation.