The Walker family has pledged an additional $7.7 million to the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, a prominent cancer treatment centre located in Sydney’s Camperdown. This latest commitment, announced on March 3, 2024, brings the family’s total contributions to the centre to $12.9 million, significantly supporting its mission to enhance cancer care and research.
The relationship between the Walker family and the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse traces back to a chance encounter in 2009. The late billionaire property developer Lang Walker met Dr. Chris O’Brien, a respected head and neck surgeon, at a wedding. Tragically, O’Brien passed away from brain cancer shortly thereafter, yet his vision for cancer treatment left a profound impact on Walker.
According to Georgia Vesperman, Walker’s daughter and director of the Walker Family Foundation, her father was deeply moved by O’Brien’s ambition to revolutionise cancer care in Australia. “Lang committed to bringing treatment, research, and emotional support under one roof,” Vesperman stated in an interview with *The Australian Financial Review*.
The Walker Family Foundation has played a crucial role in the development of the Lifehouse, including overseeing its construction in 2013. Their previous donations have funded significant advancements, such as the installation of the hospital’s first da Vinci Xi surgical robot, which allows for minimally invasive cancer surgeries, and supported the appointment of Australia’s inaugural professorial chair in head and neck cancer reconstruction surgery.
“Lang’s admiration for Chris and a shared vision to change the face of cancer treatment in Australia is what stuck with Lang long after that chance encounter,” Vesperman remarked. The foundation operates under a clear mission to improve access to healthcare services through new infrastructure and innovative treatments, impacting thousands of lives.
The most recent funding commitment aims to assist the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse in continuing to adopt the latest technologies in the fight against cancer. Vesperman expressed pride in the foundation’s ability to support the centre’s evolution.
Lang Walker was a transformative figure in the property development sector, establishing Walker Corporation, which now boasts a $36 billion development pipeline. His projects include notable developments like Collins Square in Melbourne and the Woolloomooloo Wharf in Sydney. Despite his passing, his legacy continues through the ongoing philanthropic efforts of his family.
In addition to their contributions to cancer care, the Walker family has also committed $20 million to the new Powerhouse Museum in Parramatta, which features the Lang Walker Family Academy STEM education programs. Vesperman highlighted the importance of storytelling in philanthropy, stating, “When people see the tangible difference that these donations make… they’re inspired to step up.”
The Walker family’s ongoing support reflects a commitment to creating meaningful change in healthcare and education, continuing Lang Walker’s vision long after his passing.
