Sue Hunt AM for contribution in arts and health

Arts are at the core of a strong, healthy community and chief executive officer of The Royal Children's Hospital Foundation Sue Hunt said, “In the arts, I could transform people through the power of performance.”

Sue Hunt of Ventnor was appointed a Member of Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to the arts, particularly live performance, and to community health. 

Sue’s inspiring impact on the community began with her choosing to work as an administrator in the arts sector from a young age, working closely with artists and witnessing the role that art plays in transforming communities. 

Auspicious Arts Projects celebrate their 30th anniversary of the project this year. As Chair Sue witnessed the grassroots organisation support artists financially, keeping them independent in Melbourne and around the state. 

“We have a high calibre of independent artists and to have a service organisation that can sustain these artists - fills me,” said Sue. 

Sue has volunteered in the arts sector to give her knowledge and experience to the organisation, working closely with youth to keep them learning all through life. 

“Young people are the leaders of today, they will just keep developing through their careers and I am very lucky, I believe if you are lucky in life – you should always give back.” 

Throughout her experience in the arts sector, Sue discovered the line between community and health and wanted to make more of a difference – beginning her role in the not-for-profit sector as the CEO of the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. 

“Working as the CEO I have been able to fundraise for the hospital on projects that recognise the generosity of people – it’s where I make my connection - in arts it was the artists and in health it is the incredible donors.” 

“At the RCH we have just celebrated the hospitals contribution to the community and the foundation that has supported the hospital. The fact that I have been able to play a small role in what the hospital plays in the community, is humbling.” 

Sue continues to fund great clinical care, equipment and technology, research, and leadership – continually working on a new way of delivering care and changing the outcomes in childhood disease – it is the background contribution that has been recognised through Sue Hunt’s Member of the Order of Australia (AM).  

Sue also volunteers with the Penguin Foundation board and is Chair of Regional Arts Victoria – delivering projects close to home; with projects to hopefully be seen in the future at the Cowes Cultural Centre.

Of her philanthropy work in the health sector, she says, “Lives of young people are changed through the commitment of amazing donors.” Both of these facets of her life are major achievements.

“I would like to thank all the donors – large and small, all the artists and technicians. And my family and friends! They have made this award possible, and I couldn’t be happier.”