The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) Foundation are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Martin Carlson OAM.

Martin was a visionary leader and a long-time supporter of the RCH; both in his capacity as Trustee and Chair with the Hugh D.T. Williamson Foundation, as well as the inaugural Executive Director of the RCH Foundation.

During his time with the Hugh D. T. Williamson Foundation, Martin led significant contributions to advance paediatric healthcare for Victorian children, including providing funding for The Hugh Williamson Gait Analysis Lab and the much loved meerkats enclosure at the new hospital. Martin’s work also ensured Hugh Williamson’s legacy continues through the funding of a number of research and associated activities at the RCH and campus partner, the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

Most recently, the Hugh D. T. Williamson Foundation has supported the RCH Gender Service, via the Trans20 research project. The project is leading clinical research into how to reduce mental health problems and distress associated with Gender Disorder and will follow patients for 20 years after they initially present to the RCH Gender Service.

Significantly, Martin was the inaugural Executive Director of the RCH Foundation, and we are extremely grateful for the support, leadership and life-long commitment he made to the improvement of children’s health.

Sue Hunt, Chief Executive Officer of the RCH Foundation said that Martin’s leadership has had profound impact at the RCH, including on the children the hospital cares for.

“Martin’s legacy and dedication to philanthropy in Australia will continue to inspire. His leadership of the Hugh D. T. Williamson Foundation was a model of best practice, true love and devotion, and will continue to change the health outcomes for sick and vulnerable children for generations to come,” said Sue.