Vale Dame Elisabeth

Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE (HonLLD 2008)

The Monash community is saddened to learn of the passing of alumna and philanthropist Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE (HonLLD 2008).

Dame Elisabeth passed away at her home on 5 December aged 103.

One of Australia's most venerable arts patrons, Dame Elisabeth made a substantial contribution to the community as a philanthropist, supporting a range causes across research, health, and the arts.

Dame Elisabeth showed sustained interest in Monash, donating to the University’s libraries, the Monash University Museum of Art, and the Monash Academy of Performing Arts since the early 1960s.

In 2010, inspired by her own passion for classical music of all shades, she put her support behind the annual Zavod Classical-Jazz Fusion Performers Award, which is administered by Monash through her Foundation.

She contributed to a host of important Victorian institutions including the Royal Children's Hospital (serving as its President from 1954 to 1965), the National Gallery of Victoria, the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, the Australian Ballet, the Victorian Opera, the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Deafness Foundation, and the RSPCA, along with a number of Victoria's leading educational institutions.

Monash recognised Dame Elisabeth’s passionate advocacy in 2008 with an honorary Monash degree. The honorary degree was one in a long list of distinctions that Dame Elisabeth received for her community service.

In 1963 Dame Elisabeth was invested by the Queen at Government House as Dame Commander in the Order of the British Empire. In 1989 she was appointed a Companion in the Order of Australia.

In 2003 she was awarded the Centenary Medal, received the inaugural President's Award of the Law Institute of Victoria, and was presented with the Keys of the City of Melbourne.

She was named as Victorian of the Year in 2005, and Senior Australian of the Year for Victoria in 2006.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Ed Byrne paid tribute to Dame Elisabeth.

“Dame Elisabeth was a remarkable Australian, a woman whose warmth and compassion had an impact on all those who came into her life,” Professor Byrne said.

“She leaves a legacy of generosity of spirit that will continue to be an inspiration.

“On behalf of Monash University, I would like to express my condolences to Dame Elisabeth’s family.”