Australia Day Honours 2019
"For distinguished service to the community through the promotion of strategic philanthropy to education and to Australia-Israel relations."
Communal icon Sam Lipski described being "a bit overwhelmed and emotional" about being recognised as an Officer of the Order of Australia for his many years of exceptional service in the field of strategic philanthropy, education and relations between Australia and Israel.
This AO recognition comes in addition to Lipski's Member of the Order of Australia (AM) awarded in 1993, making this one of only a few subsequent Australia Day honours bestowed on an individual for a separate field of endeavour. It is believed to be the first honour made specifically for strategic philanthropy.
National Honours
Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)
For distinguished service to the community through strategic philanthropy to education and Australia-Israel relations.
Member of the Order of Australia (AM)
For services to the media as a veteran journalist, commentator and former editor-in-chief of The Australian Jewish News.
Doctor of Laws (LLD) Honoris Causa
Honorary doctorate recognizing outstanding contributions to journalism, education, philanthropy, and public life.
"Strategic philanthropy is the difference between being a philanthropist and a 'philanthrocrat' ... that's given me an opportunity to direct, focus and prioritise a range of projects of which many have been pretty successful and groundbreaking. The fun of doing that is you get to be involved with people doing great things and good things, right from the very beginning."
Literary Recognition
Prime Minister's Literary Award
"Let My People Go" by Sam Lipski and Suzanne D Rutland won the Prime Minister's Literary Awards 2016 in the Australian History category.
Judges' Comments: "Thoroughly researched and superbly written, Let My People Go is a revealing and important account of human achievement against the odds."
Sam Lipski receiving the 2016 Prime Minister's Literary Award
Leadership in Education & Culture
President, State Library of Victoria
Led Victoria's premier cultural and educational institution, describing it as "education in the broadest sense" and expressing it was "a thrill to be involved."
Council of Swinburne University
Served on the council of Swinburne University of Technology, contributing to strategic governance and educational excellence.
Centre for Advancing Journalism
Former chair of the advisory board at University of Melbourne's Centre for Advancing Journalism, shaping the future of journalism education.
Philanthropic Leadership
CEO, Pratt Foundation
Visionary leadership of one of Australia's leading philanthropic organizations, supporting initiatives of the highest national significance and operating hundreds of projects in Israel.
Australian Jewish Funders
Founding director of Australian Jewish Funders, advancing strategic approaches to community philanthropy.
Park of the Australian Soldier
Developed Israel's Park of the Australian Soldier in Beersheba, planned almost 20 years before the centenary. Strategic, educational, and instrumental in strengthening Australia-Israel relations.
Australia-Israel Relations
Consummate Advocate
Sam's "longest and most cherished involvement" - decades of advocacy for close ties between Australia and Israel through various initiatives and leadership roles.
The Australia-Israel Review
Founded The Australia-Israel Review, a publication that led to the establishment of the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council (AIJAC).
Pratt Foundation in Israel
The Pratt Foundation has operated in Israel for 21 years under Sam's leadership, supporting hundreds of transformative projects.
Impact and Legacy
Sam Lipski's approach to philanthropy as "venture capital for the public good" has enabled him to seed projects that might otherwise never have been launched. His work has touched countless lives across education, culture, healthcare, and community development.
As the citation from Monash University states, his contributions "define him as one of the outstanding Australians of his generation."