WA Businessman Ted Powell Donates $100 Million to Murdoch University and Animal Hospital

Perth businessman Ted Powell has made a landmark $100 million donation to Murdoch University, the largest single contribution ever received by a Western Australian university. The funds will be used to expand the university’s veterinary school and significantly increase the number of veterinary students. This generous gift is expected to modernize the university’s facilities and provide world-class training for the next generation of veterinary professionals.

Mr. Powell, who made his fortune through a Hong Kong-based company specializing in offshore corporate services, said the donation was partly inspired by his late wife’s love for cats. He emphasized that the couple, who did not have children, wanted to ensure their wealth was used for meaningful causes. "My wife was a great cat lover, and she would be immensely proud of what I’m doing," he said.

The donation will also be used to rebuild the university’s veterinary school, allowing the number of vet students to increase by nearly 50%. The new facilities are expected to take about five years to complete and will be designed to world-class standards. Murdoch University’s Vice Chancellor, Andrew Deeks, described the donation as "transformative" and said it would elevate the institution’s standing globally.

Mr. Powell, who has long supported the university through his Ragdoll Foundation, which provides scholarships to students in need, said he felt a "weight off his mind" after making the decision. "Before I made it, I was scared, but once I’d given the money over, I was relaxed," he said.

Beyond the university, the donation is also set to benefit an animal hospital, furthering Mr. Powell’s commitment to animal welfare. He hopes his actions will inspire others to give back to their communities. "A good education is a gift to last a lifetime," he said.

As the project moves forward, the community and the university will be watching closely, eager to see the impact of this unprecedented generosity on the future of veterinary medicine and animal care in Western Australia.