Media releases: 25 January 2022
The Board and staff of FRRR sadly note the passing of Sidney Baillieu (Bails) Myer AC.
Mr Myer was instrumental in the formation of FRRR, believing strongly in the importance of a vibrant rural Australia. He served as FRRR’s patron from 2000 and maintained a strong interest in and connection with the Foundation throughout his life, reading and commenting on board papers and was always open to being a sounding board.
Mr Myer had a way of quietly inspiring people to take up good ideas. He knew what was good for the bush and gave so many Australians living in rural and remote communities new hope and encouragement to have the livelihoods they deserve. He knew that lending a hand, believing in people’s ideas for how to address the issues they faced, and giving them the help they needed to do so would strengthen those communities.
FRRR was privileged to be the beneficiary of his generous support for more than 20 years. His belief in the power of philanthropy to give people a hand up was a wonderful example. He leaves an extraordinary legacy in the many organisations he supported, including ours.
We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Sarah, his three children and extended family.
Abridged Biography:
The son of Sidney Myer, Sidney Baillieu Myer AC was born in 1926. He was the Co-Founder and Past President of The Myer Foundation. He was a Trustee of the Sidney Myer Fund from 1958 to 2001 and Chairman from 1992 to 2001. Mr Myer’s past positions included Chairman, The Myer Emporium Ltd, President of the Howard Florey Institute and Executive Member of the CSIRO.
Mr Myer was a Patron of FRRR. He was one of our original Founders, sharing the vision for the creation of the organisation with The Honourable John Anderson.
Mr Myer’s career spanned the fields of business, medical research, aged care, Australia-Asian relations, the arts, crafts, conservation, education and rural communities. Some further past commitments and appointments included:
Mr Myer’s numerous business activities include a Santa Gertrudis cattle stud, a Quarterhorse stud at Yulgilbar in Northern New South Wales, and wine making at Elgee Park on the Mornington Peninsula.
He was awarded an AC in 1990 and was made an Honorary Doctor of Law at the University of Melbourne in 1993.
