$10m donation to Southern Cross University for National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine

A $10 million donation from a renowned natural health company has helped to kick start Australia’s first National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine at one of the Coast’s universities.

Southern Cross University students Rajendra Dhakal, Yuyan Liang, Fei Zhao, Shi Ren, Arun Paudel and Sze Chun Li. Picture: Jerad Williams

SOUTHERN Cross University has received a $10 million donation from the executive director of natural health company Blackmores.

The money will be used to establish a National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, something Blackmore late founder and Marcus’s dad, Maurice Blackmore, wanted.

Internationally renowned mural artist Guido van Helten in front of his large scale artwork on a side of a building at Southern Cross University Gold Coast campus. Photo: Elise Derwin

It is the largest single donation given to the university and the largest personal gift to a university from the Blackmore Foundation.

Mr Blackmore said it was a special moment to be able to achieve his father’s legacy and to advance naturopathic education.

“We have a responsibility to respond to the growing health care needs of Australia and evidence-based natural medicine will play an increasingly active role in that response,” he said.

Southern Cross University. Photo: Supplied

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Mr Blackmore has had a long association with the university and received an honorary doctorate in 2006.

Vice chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said they were proud to offer Australia’s first higher education qualifications in naturopathy.

“(The donation) will enable Southern Cross to provide distinctive career pathways and ongoing development for the profession, as well as increased research capability,” he said.

Works have begun on the new centre which will open in 2019.