‘Modest’ former actress gives $45m to LaTrobe Uni

Julie HareEducation editor

Mar 28, 2022 – 1.00am

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At $45 million, Olga Tennison’s is one of the largest single gifts to an Australian university in history and will guarantee that La Trobe University’s world-class autism research centre is funded in perpetuity.

The bequest in Mrs Tennison’s final will, following her death in January 2021, brings to a total of $51 million that she has given to the university’s autism research since her first meeting with centre director Cheryl Dissanayake in 2007.

Julie Hare is the Education editor. She has more than 20 years’ experience as a writer, journalist and editor. Connect with Julie on Twitter. Email Julie at julie.hare@afr.com