Welcome to the website of Sam Lipski AO LLD (Hon)
Distinguished journalist, strategic philanthropist, and advocate for education and community service
"His stellar national and international career as a journalist, spanning more than forty years; his enduring and continuing commitment to education; his engagement with public life; and his visionary exercise of the role of Chief Executive of the Pratt Foundation—which has enriched the life of our community by supporting initiatives of the highest national significance — define him as one of the outstanding Australians of his generation."
Citation from the Doctor of Laws honoris causa awarded to Sam Lipski by Monash University
Sam Lipski AO LLD (Hon)
Sam Lipski's remarkable career has spanned journalism, strategic philanthropy, education, and community leadership. His contributions to Australian society have been recognized with the highest national honors, including the Order of Australia (AO) in 2019 and Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1993.
As a veteran journalist and former editor-in-chief of The Australian Jewish News, Sam has been an influential voice in Australian media for over four decades. His commitment to quality journalism and thoughtful commentary has shaped public discourse on critical issues facing Australia and the international community.
Sam's leadership of the Pratt Foundation as CEO for 21 years exemplified his vision for strategic philanthropy—what he describes as the difference between being a philanthropist and a "philanthrocrat." His approach focused on seeding transformative projects that might otherwise never have been launched, providing "venture capital for the public good."
Among his many achievements, Sam takes particular pride in the development of Israel's Park of the Australian Soldier in Beersheba, a project planned nearly two decades before the centenary of the 1917 Australian Light Horse battle. This initiative has significantly strengthened Australia-Israel relations while serving important educational and commemorative purposes.
2016
Prime Minister's Literary Award
Co-authored "Let My People Go" with Suzanne D Rutland, winning the Prime Minister's Literary Awards in the Australian History category.
2000-2006
State Library of Victoria
Served as President, advancing education "in the broadest sense" and contributing to Victoria's cultural landscape.
Decades
Australia-Israel Relations
Consummate advocate for close ties between Australia and Israel, founding The Australia-Israel Review and supporting AIJAC.