AOC Founders
Campaign

Our AOC Founders | The New AOC Building

The Australian Opal Centre is realising a grand vision to construct a magnificent new facility to showcase the AOC collection, enable growth of AOC cultural, scientific and education programs, and establish a landmark, nationally significant cultural facility and visitor destination in the remarkable landscape of Lightning Ridge, on Yuwaalaraay country, in ancient inland Australia.

The new AOC - designed by celebrated architects Wendy Lewin and Dunn + Hillam based on a visionary original concept by Wendy Lewin and Glenn Murcutt - will protect and preserve exquisite natural and cultural treasures, house the world’s leading not-for-profit facility dedicated to opal, encourage learning and creativity, and catalyse regional economic and cultural development. 

A major fundraising campaign has already attracted more than 70 visionary patrons called AOC Founders, whose collective initial $1 million commitment leveraged $19 million in federal, state and local government funding to construct Stage 1 of the new state-of-the-art AOC facility.

Founders may choose between eight giving levels, ranging between $10,000 and $1,000,000, with limited opportunities available at each level.

In 2024, the AOC is calling for new Founders. Our 2024 goal is the next $2 million of the total $9.5 million target for this campaign. $2 million will enable us to complete fitout and ensure operational readiness for AOC Stage 1.

Will you be the next to join this remarkable group of visionaries and make history? 

Read more about the new Australian Opal Centre or contact us to request more information about this opportunity to affect big change and be a part of a nationally and internationally significant project. For those seeking deeper involvement, opportunities are also available for major investment in future stages of the new Australian Opal Centre.

If becoming an AOC Founder is not for you, but you’d like to contribute, scroll to the bottom of this page to find out what to do next.

Who are our AOC Founders?

View our Founders 'Wall of Fame' here and read some of the stories of this remarkable group of visionaries.

Why become an AOC Founder?

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be the benefactor of a world-renowned institution; to save national treasures, enable long-lasting positive change and become the patron of a very special place housing national treasures and exciting programs - and of enduring significance in Australia's physical and cultural landscapes.

AOC Founders come from all walks of life. There are many reasons to become an AOC Founder - what will yours be?

• For some, it’s being able to contribute to the construction of an Australian architectural icon, and investment in innovation in sustainable built design for semi-arid climates in a changing world.
  

• For others, it’s knowing that generations to come will be inspired by this spectacular proof that if you dream it, you can do it.
  

• For those seeking return on investment, it’s knowing that money and effort invested in the AOC will multiply and reverberate for years to come, through employment generation, economic growth, cultural enrichment and increased community capacity and connectivity.
  

• For those passionate about opal, fossils and the unique heritage of our beautiful and ancient continent, this is a long-awaited opportunity to create a permanent facility worthy to house, celebrate and promote these treasures of our shared natural and cultural heritage.
  

• For those excited by the benefits generated by investment in research, training and education, it’s contributing to world-class facilities and opportunities for students, researchers and lifelong learners, both here in opal country and across the region, the nation and the world.
  

• Or it may be something else that touches your mind or heart. The AOC speaks to people in extraordinarily diverse ways.

AOC Founders enjoy the benefits of tax deductibility and will be honoured in perpetuity inside the new Australian Opal Centre building.

Witness the building’s genesis, then see it fill with wonders, come alive with programs and be shared with the world. Be proud of the economic and cultural impacts achieved thanks to you, our visionary AOC Founders. Make the Australian Opal Centre your proud and lasting personal legacy.

To take up the opportunity to become an AOC Founder,  find out more or request a callback, please email us at founders@australianopalcentre.com.

Not a Founder, but want to give?

Want to contribute to the work of the Australian Opal Centre, other than as a Founder?

You might like to donate to support our work as a self-funded not-for-profit organisation; or give for a specific purpose - such as saving rare opalised fossils for the AOC’s public collection by donating to our Acquisition Fund, or assisting with the purchase of much-needed equipment, software or training.

You might like to consider a bequest, or a donation of opal, or property.

Find out about our 1000 x $1000 campaign here; or contact us to offer your support. Every little bit helps. The AOC is a true people’s project, built on countless contributions of money, time, skills, materials and objects and with every contribution - however small - put to best possible use. We look forward to hearing from you.