Clive Berghofer AM celebrates 90th birthday while QIMR Berghofer celebrates 80th anniversary

A Darling Downs philanthropist named Queensland’s most generous man has been hailed a hero for funding groundbreaking medical research ahead of his milestone 90th birthday.

TSBE chief executive John McVeigh, deputy mayor Rebecca Vonhoff, QIMR chief executive Fabienne Mackay, Clive Berghofer OAM and QIMR councillor Margo MacGillivray at Cobb & Co Museum, April 3, 2025. Photo: Jessica Klein

Dozens gathered to celebrate the generosity of a Darling Downs philanthropist who raised an empire from the ground up.

The unassuming donations from Clive Berghofer AM to medical research has enabled the Queensland Institute of Medical Research to develop groundbreaking developments in healthcare.

It was only fitting that the institute celebrated its 80th anniversary alongside Mr Berghofer’s milestone 90th birthday, with the event hosted at Cobb & Co Museum.

Arguably one of the region’s most powerful and influential men, Mr Berghofer has donated millions to healthcare and other community initiatives and organisations across decades.

It’s understood Mr Berghofer has contributed tens of millions to QIMR Berghofer and around $10m respectively towards the Royal Flying Doctor Service and LifeFlight, as well as a number of other medical institutes.

His legacy is vast and ever growing with the almost 90-year-old remaining committed to his passion of bestowing kindness within the community.

QIMR Berghofer chief executive professor Fabienne Mackay and Clive Berghofer AM at the combined celebrations of 80 years of QIMR and Mr Berghofer's 90th birthday. Photo: Jessica Klein

Mr Berghofer said his proudest achievement was having the ability to be able to help others, particularly in the Toowoomba region.

“Health is the most important thing in life, without health you have nothing,” Mr Berghofer said.

“With that you need good facilities to help look after people’s health, because there’s so many older people and young people who need help.”

Last year Mr Berghofer received the great honour of being named Queensland’s most generous man at the state’s philanthropy awards.

QIMR Berghofer chief executive Fabienne Mackay gave a gracious nod to Mr Berghofer’s generosity and how it’s enabled the facility to help save lives.

Clive Berghofer AM said he's proud to have funded vital research at QIMR Berghofer.

“Clive is our hero, without his and others’ contribution we wouldn’t be able to do the research that we do,” Professor Mackay said.

“We know we still have big challenges and there’s a lot of work to do to address some of the health challenges Queenslanders are facing, particularly in the regions.

Professor Mackay said researchers are often faced with an air of uncertainty when it comes to funding, making the support of Mr Berghofer and other investors invaluable.

“I’m certain QIMR will (continue) to deliver solutions to diseases and other (terminal) illnesses,” Professor Mackay said.

Professor Mackay also announced a strategic partnership between QIMR Berghofer and TSBE in a bid to drive regional healthcare innovation and attract investment opportunities.