One of Australia’s most generous women dies

A woman described as one of Australia’s most generous philanthropists has died.

Kay Van Norton Poche AO, from Sydney, died last week, with several charities and foundations associated with her sharing the tragic news.

Ms Poche and her husband, Greg Poche AO, gave away millions of their fortune, more than $150 million, to good causes after he in 2003 sold his logistics business Star Track Express to Qantas and Australia Post for $750 million.

Melanoma Institute Australia said that she died on Friday, surrounded by loved ones, following a long illness.

She and her husband provided $40 million for the Melanoma Institute Australia research and treatment centre in Sydney, which was named the Poche Centre in their honour.

At the time it was the largest ever donation by an Australian to a philanthropic cause.

In 2019, Ms Poche, who was born in upstate New York, was awarded an Officer for the Order of Australia for her service to the community and her support of medical research causes and Indigenous Health.

“We are forever indebted to the foresight, generosity, and kindness of both Kay and Greg Poche,” MIA deputy medical director Associate Professor Jonathan Stretch said.

“Kay and Greg’s belief in our mission was fundamental to the development of MIA and so many of our clinical breakthroughs in recent years simply would not have been possible without their very generous philanthropic support.

“Kay’s desire to help others in need, her zest for life and her legendary sense of humour will never be forgotten.”

In 2019, it was estimated the Manly couple had given away $150 million.

The NORTH foundation described Ms Poche as “a beloved friend and supporter” with a “legacy of generosity and compassion”.

She and her husband provided $6 million towards the Manly Adolescent and Young People Hospice which opened last year.

They gave $10 million to found the Poche Centre for Indigenous Health at the University of Sydney.

The University of Queensland described her and her husband as “among the most (if not the most) generous Australian couple”.

“Kay and Greg’s passion for philanthropy and her deep empathy for people have set a standard of giving that will hopefully inspire many more for years to come,” NORTH Foundation CEO Gilbert Lorquet said.