Sam Lim (Tangney, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

When I was 16 years old—that was a long time ago—I had to leave school because my family did not have enough money to pay for my school fees. But a few days later my maths teacher, Mr Lee, helped to pay for my school fees. I was lucky and returned to class. Mr Lee paid both my form 4 and my form 5 school fees. Without his support, I would not have finished high school.

When I first learned about Mr Ted Powell's donation of $100 million to Murdoch University, I, like many others, could not believe it. This is the largest donation to a university in Western Australia, and it is one of the largest donations ever to an Australian university. But what also touched my heart was how Ted had, before this donation, supported 150 students to go to Murdoch University through his Ragdoll Foundation. These students were like I had been, facing financial hardship and in need of a helping hand. Like my maths teacher did for me, Ted stepped in and helped these students obtain their education. Education changes lives.

This $100 million gift will completely transform Murdoch University's veterinary school and the education that Australian veterinarians receive. Along with the school, there is an animal hospital, livestock and large-animal centres, working vet farms and other research centres. Many of my constituents have used the animal hospital for much-loved members of their families. The veterinary school is a major part of life at Murdoch and in our community. Soon, that school will be completely redeveloped, with a new, 9,600-square-metre state-of-the-art facility. The new school will support 50 per cent more vet students. It will form the heart of a new conservation and life sciences precinct that recognises the link between human, animal and environmental health. It will expand on important biomedical research. It will attract top global talent and experts. Our next generation of veterinary professionals will have a world-class opportunity right there in Tangney.

The Ragdoll Foundation was founded in 2010 by Ted and his late wife, Dee, to give to worthy causes. Ted was very successful in business in Hong Kong and South-East Asia before he and Dee migrated to Australia in 2005. Dee was an animal lover, and the Ragdoll Foundation was named after ragdoll cats. Together, Dee and Ted started scholarships at Murdoch and supported Coodanup College, the Salvation Army and programs like Leadership WA. When Dee passed away last year, Ted thought about what he would do with his assets. In supporting the redevelopment and expansion of the Murdoch vet school, Ted is supporting both education and health for years to come. His generosity will have a big impact on our next generation of veterinary professionals and specialists. It will also serve the WA's agricultural and environmental sectors. I want to thank Ted for his generous donation to Murdoch University and for his encouragement of others with wealth to find responsible ways to give back. Ted will be closely involved as the veterinary school is redeveloped. He told me he will continue with the Ragdoll Foundation scholarship—continuing to be the helping hand for students who need it most. Thank you, Ted.

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