Equity Trustees and The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) are two of Melbourne’s longest standing institutions and both share a history steeped in philanthropy. Established as an independent Trustee and Executor company in 1888, Equity Trustees manages one of Australia’s largest portfolios of philanthropic trusts and is a passionate steward of support for paediatric healthcare.

Over the last 12 months, Equity Trustees have deepened their connection to the RCH as one of the Principal Partners of Me and UooUoo: The RCH150 Anniversary Art Trail. The team at Equity Trustees have not only committed to sponsoring a UooUoo sculpture  Rainbow Dreaming | Binbeyal Malamiya by Sharlee Dunolly-Lee, but have also purchased it before the auction. After the art trail, the sculpture will be placed in their office foyer as a testament to their support of the hospital and Indigenous art.

Sharlee Dunolly-Lee working on her UooUoo

Sharlee Dunolly-Lee is an emerging Dja Dja Wurrung artist who in recent years has begun exploring her Indigenous heritage through her art, paying homage to her background as a descendant of the famous Aboriginal rights activist Thomas Dunolly.

In 2019, Sharlee created an art portfolio that revolved around understanding and developing her cultural identity and forming her own artistic style and contemporary vision of Aboriginal culture. She is currently being mentored by leading artist Melinda Harper, who has also created a special UooUoo design for Me and UooUoo: The RCH150 Anniversary Art Trail.

As a Melbourne institution themselves, Equity Trustees is delighted to be heavily involved in celebrating the rich and diverse cultural and artistic life of Melbourne.

“We are proud to be a Principal Partner of Me and UooUoo. It is an incredible opportunity to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the RCH and showcase the amazing artistic talents of emerging and established Australian artists in a way that engages and educates the communities of Melbourne and Geelong,” said Ian Westley, Executive General Manager, Private Clients at Equity Trustees.

The organisation has also been actively involving its employees in the art trail, with internal communications and activities themed around the event and their sponsored UooUoo sculpture.

“Like many Victorians, the staff at Equity Trustees have had experiences or connections with the RCH. Our team members have been exploring the art trail and participating in our internal selfie challenge with our UooUoo sculpture, Rainbow Dreaming. We have been overjoyed with the response to Sharlee’s design by our staff, their families and the community,” said Ian.

The RCH Foundation and Equity Trustees have been connected for many years through the management of philanthropic funds and championing community health. Equity Trustees is highly regarded in administering bequests and managing and distributing funds for charitable foundations and trusts, such as the Harry Lyon Moss Trust. Since 1960, this trust has contributed over $50 million to the RCH and has improved the lives of countless patients and their families.

Thanks to the support of Equity Trustees and its clients, the RCH can continue delivering the very best healthcare to sick children and their families, and foster 150 more years of paediatric innovation.

Learn more about Equity Trustees and their commitment to the RCH here: https://www.eqt.com.au/about-us/media-centre/whats-new and https://www.eqt.com.au/uoouoo.