Vitamin king Blackmore gives $6.3m for Griffith business chair

Australian vitamin king Marcus Blackmore’s family foundation is kicking in $6.3m to establish a business chair and summit at Griffith University.

Australian vitamin king Marcus Blackmore’s family foundation is kicking in $6.3m to establish a business chair at Griffith University.

The gift is part of the university’s goal of raising $125m in its first ever comprehensive philanthropy campaign, a goal which is already halfway met.

The Blackmore family have deep roots in Brisbane, with Marcus’ father Maurice Blackmore starting one of Australia’s first health food stores in the city in 1938.

Marcus Blackmore attended Churchie in Brisbane and later gained a Naturopathic Diploma from the NSW College of Naturopathic Sciences.

Marcus took the reins of the business in 1975, building the company into a global operation that in 2023 was sold to Japanese drinks giant Kirin in a $2 billion buyout. Blackmore walked away with a reported $325m after the deal.

The Blackmore Family Foundation’s investment will establish the chair within Griffith Business School and run a series of leadership summits, the first set to commence next year.

Blackmore says he was impressed with the work being achieved by the business school and its academics. “As someone who grew up and went to school in Brisbane, I was keen to invest in my local community, in particular, on building a successful business,”

Marcus and Caroline Blackmore making an investment in education

Blackmore says. “I can also pass on how to stuff it up, but the reality is that you learn from your mistakes in life more than your successes. Education is terribly important, and with the world moving on, business needs to move with it so this partnership with Griffith University will help steer our future business leaders in the right direction.” Griffith’s pro vice chancellor (business) Caitlin Byrne says the partnership with the Blackmore Family Foundation represents a shared commitment to innovative business education.

Blackmore Family Foundation co-founder Caroline Furlong says the chair and summit encompassed shared values of business and helping to develop the skills of young

people. “We really want to train and educate the future leaders of Australia to have a more holistic approach to business management, which is how Blackmores thrived,” says Furlong.

“It’s not just about profit but encompassing people and the right way to do things.”

Hike for homeless

Property and construction leaders from across Queensland are strapping on their hiking boots and taking on an adventure of a lifetime to raise funds for vulnerable young people.

The 2024 Hike for Homeless Youth will see 20 intrepid leaders tackle two mountains in Queensland’s Scenic Rim on April 19-20 in the name of charity.

The hike will raise vital funds for not-for-profit charity The Property Industry Foundation and will go towards local Queensland building projects including Haven House Kingaroy and the Logan Hub with Lady Musgrave Trust. Spots are still available for those wanting to take part.

Homelessness is increasing in all Australian cities.

Price is right

Brisbane independent production house The Little Red Company has unveiled a partnership with Motorama Mitsubishi Moorooka following a collaboration for last year’s Lord Mayor’s Christmas Carols. Under the deal, Little Red’s artistic director and co-founder Naomi Price will become the official brand ambassador for Motorama Mitsubishi. “We are thrilled to welcome Naomi to the Motorama Mitsubishi Moorooka family as our newest ambassador,” says dealer principal Joel Mullins. “As the ultimate masters of the feel-good theatre experience, The Little Red Company’s expertise adds a unique touch to our partnership.” Price will embark on a five-city national tour called Rumour Has It featuring the music of Adele from March to June.

Naomi Price