Jill Harrison OAM DSJ and Ken Harrison AM KSJ have dedicated much of their lives to helping others in need. They both have a long history of supporting The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH); as generous donors, volunteers, fundraisers and advocates.
As part of Celebrate. Create. Connect. The RCH150 Aboriginal Art Project, the RCH Foundation is proud to have commissioned two legacy artworks by three First Nations artists thanks to the generous support of Ken and Jill.
The artworks titled ‘TOGETHER’ and ‘LEAF’ are permanently installed at the hospital in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the RCH.
With Celebrate.Create.Connect representing the importance of placemaking within the community, Ken and Jill Harrison are encouraging others to follow their sense of social responsibility towards Australia’s Indigenous people.
“The RCH150 Aboriginal Art Project opened our eyes to being more inclusive of our First Peoples and adding more purpose to our outlook on philanthropy,” said Ken and Jill.
“We believe that the project will have a very significant impact upon achieving safer cultural experiences within the RCH by demonstrating respect towards Indigenous cultural beliefs and practices, thus achieving better outcomes for patients who will feel more at home.”
Ken and Jill Harrison with mural artists Elizabeth Close and Samantha Roberts
The couple were inspired to use their philanthropy to fund projects in health and Indigenous causes, with this generous gift caps 25 years of tireless support of the hospital for Jill and Ken. In 1995, Jill became a member of the Parkville Auxiliary. She has since been named a Living Treasure, an honour awarded by her Auxiliary peers. Jill’s commitment to the Auxiliaries and the support of the hospital inspired Ken to get involved.
In 2016 he accepted the role of Leadership Circle Ambassador, which recognises the transformational impact of significant gifts to the hospital.
The RCH Foundation is immensely grateful for the incredible support of Jill Harrison OAM DSJ and Ken Harrison AM KSJ.