AOC 1000 x $1000
Bring the new Australian Opal Centre to life
Become a 1000 x $1000 contributor or AOC Founder, receive a tax deduction and make the AOC great!
Construction of Stage 1 of the new Australian Opal Centre - a landmark cultural attraction, architectural icon and catalyst for regional economic and cultural development - is underway at Lightning Ridge on beautiful Yuwaalaraay country, in outback NSW.
AOC 1000 x $1000 is a fundraising campaign initiated to augment the exclusive AOC Founders Campaign, to make AOC Stage 1 magnificent.
Ready for greatness
In 2023, after a hiatus due to unprecedented cost escalations in the construction industry, the AOC building project triumphed over impacts on global supply chains, engaged head contractor Barpa Pty Ltd - and began to build.
To achieve this critical milestone, almost all available funds had to be directed to the construction contract, leaving little for fitout or exhibitions. Taking this step has put us into a great position, with $30 million secured and construction progressing.
A final AU$2 million is required to activate the new facility with unforgettable exhibitions and experiences, as well as essentials like ticketing facilities, shop fitout and investment in staffing - to transform an astonishing building into a hub of inspiring and impactful activity.
We’ve raised $30 million - an incredible achievement - and need only a final $2 million to realise the vision that, on behalf of our community, both local and across Australia and the world, we’ve worked towards for 25 years. We are poised on the brink of greatness.
How we're going to do it
Two brilliant fundraising campaigns:
AOC Founders Campaign. AOC Founders are visionary benefactors of the new Australian Opal Centre. AOC Founders’ first $1 million enabled us to secure the AOC’s first $19 million in government funding; building on that success, we are reinvigorating the campaign to breathe life into the incredible new AOC. A strictly limited number of Founder places is available, with 7 giving levels starting at $10,000. Please contact us if you'd like to become a Founder or increase your Founder level. AOC Founders will be recognised at the new AOC in perpetuity, honouring their enduring contribution to Australia’s physical, economic and cultural landscapes. The AOC is a remarkable legacy for Founders and their businesses or families.
AOC 1000 x $1000 Campaign. If you are unable to give $10,000 or more, or would like to contribute funds to support operational readiness, we invite you to join the 1000 x $1000 campaign. Every dollar and every donor makes a difference.
Contributions through both campaigns, working in parallel, move us towards our total target of $2 million.
Donations through both campaigns are fully tax deductible for donors in Australia, and greatly appreciated from donors anywhere in the world.
You can be one in a thousand
It's a simple concept: $1,000 each from a thousand people. That's $1 million.
Our first target is $100,000. That's just 100 of the 8.1 billion people on our planet. Let’s see how fast can we get there!
Please give if you can, and share this page with anyone who might like to be one of the first hundred! You’re welcome to pull together family members or friends to give together; you can even pay in monthly instalments if you need to.
What will we use the money for?
80% of funds raised will be used to design and deliver exhibitions, ticketing, shop, café…everything needed to make visiting the new AOC a great experience.
20% of funds raised will be used to help us prepare for opening – staff recruitment and training, shop inventory and all aspects of operational readiness.
Investing in operational readiness is incredibly important. If you would like us to use more of your donation for this purpose, or to give us flexibility to use your money where it's most needed, tell us and we'll honour your wishes.
What's in it for you
Tax deductibility for Australian donors and heartfelt gratitude for ALL donors….we love that supporters worldwide are bringing the new AOC to life!
Put your money into exciting exhibitions and experiences that will deliver benefits now and for generations to come. When the new AOC opens, we hope you will visit, marvel and proudly say, "I did that!"
Your name will be honoured on this page, listed beside your unique number.
Receive a digital certificate showing your name and unique number, to share or print and display.
Other special items will be made available for 1000 x $1,000 participants once we reach our initial target. These optional rewards will be available for a small additional cost, so that your donation remains completely dedicated to its original purpose. Details will be announced throughout the campaign.
Three ways to pay
Give $1,000 now and receive an immediate receipt for your tax deductible donation
Make 5 monthly payments of $200 (please contact us to request this option)
Make 12 monthly payments of $83.33
With work underway and the clock ticking, we need funds as soon as possible. Please give now!
Become an AOC 1000 x $1000 supporter
Complete the form below and make your payment now. Simply enter your details, choose ‘stripe’ and click ‘Submit’. You’ll be taken to a secure payment gateway with credit card, ApplePay and Link options.
If you would prefer to pay by direct deposit so 100% of your payment goes to work for the AOC (no payment gateway fees), email us and request account details for your deposit. Supporters are listed in the order payments are received.
We'll send a receipt for your donation, and add your name to the list of supporters on this page, within 7 days of receiving your gift.
THANK YOU for your support.
Mayor Jasen Ramien & the Ramien family
Marija Gutesa
Dr L Morton
R Griffin
Intogems Pty Ltd
Jenni Brammall
Mark Wilsdon
Paul Thomas
McFadden family
Opals Down Under
John Lacy
Elaine & Stephen Raines
Lynne Jenkins
Helen Ward
Carol & Arthur Jones
Nic Bendeli
Dave Traudt
Ann Loose
Shaun Weelands
Alicia Weelands
True Blue Opals