I’ve always believed in doing what you can with what you have.
My values were shaped by where I grew up – a small, close-knit regional community where, from a young age, I learned the importance of community and lending a hand when someone needed it.
That sense of responsibility has stayed with me. Giving, for me, is an extension of that principle. It’s about recognising the privilege we have and using it to create opportunities for others.
It’s not just about giving money. It’s about listening, collaborating, and investing in solutions that make a lasting difference.
Throughout history, women have driven change quietly and persistently, often without recognition. Today, we have the opportunity to amplify that impact by ensuring women can lead in shaping solutions.
Women bring lived experience, empathy, and collaboration to the way we give. That diversity of thought is essential if we want to tackle complex challenges and create lasting change. When women lead in giving, entire communities benefit.
When you have the privilege of resources, you also have the opportunity to create meaningful change.
For me, it’s never been about charity in the traditional sense. It’s about partnership, listening, and empowering people and communities to thrive on their own terms.
Effective philanthropy asks us to look beyond short-term fixes and invest in longterm solutions. Whether that’s education, research, or environmental sustainability. It’s about tackling the root causes of adversity and inequality, not just the symptoms.
I believe that when we work together – business, government, and philanthropy – we can accelerate progress and create a fairer, more resilient world.
Giving is deeply personal. My advice is to start with what matters most to you. Find the causes that ignite your passion. Then look for the gaps, the places where your contribution can make a real difference.
Philanthropy isn’t about doing everything – it’s about doing what you can, where it counts.
I have learnt that philanthropy is at its best when it brings the power of communities, government and business together. It can be an effective way to find solutions to the intractable problems that hold people back from reaching their potential.
Philanthropy must advocate for communities. Many communities already know what they need to be able to thrive and they know what’s missing. We can help these communities build the skills and capacity to make sustainable change and advocate for themselves.
It’s so much more than writing cheques. It’s about listening, about unlocking communities’ strengths and respecting partners’ knowledge. It’s about elevating their leaders and amplifying their voices as they build stronger, cohesive communities.
Philanthropy shouldn’t replace governments who are responsible for providing essential services. But we can help governments test and trial new ideas to see how things can be done better.
We can be innovative in ways that governments can’t and we can come up with solutions that governments wouldn’t reach on their own. This includes creating models which are backed by evidence and which governments may follow and replicate.
Innovation is a key trait of many successful businesspeople and we know that bringing that innovation plus business acumen and discipline to some of our most intractable problems can help accelerate change.
By working together, we can ensure that all Australians, no matter their background or postcode, have the best chance of reaching their potential. That’s good for children, good for families and good for the nation.
Nicola Forrest AO is one of Australia’s most influential business leaders and philanthropists.
For more than 20 years, Nicola has led transformative advocacy and investment to help communities overcome adversity.
As co-founder of Tattarang, Minderoo Foundation and founder of Coaxial, Nicola has built a unique ecosystem that unites enterprise, philanthropy, and impact investment to drive systemic change. Her leadership reflects a deep conviction that when prosperity and purpose go hand in hand, they can deliver enduring social and economic benefit.
Tattarang is one of Australia’s largest private investment groups, and Nicola has overseen the diversification of its multi-sector portfolio spanning agriculture, renewable energy, property, retail, and lifestyle. She has been instrumental in returning iconic brands to Australian ownership and investing in industries that sustain regional livelihoods and communities
During her time as director, R.M.Williams has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence achieving record sales and renewed commitments to Australian jobs, training, and circular manufacturing. The acquisition of Akubra continues this mission, reinforcing her dedication to local craftsmanship and sustainable manufacturing.
Through Fiveight, Nicola has helped advance a model of property development that revitalises distinctive Australian places, including the future Waldorf Astoria Sydney, Gaia Retreat & Spa, and Cape Lodge in Margaret River.
At Harvest Road, Nicola contributed to the creation of Western Australia’s largest fully integrated beef supply chain, grounded in responsible land management, animal welfare, and sustainable food production.
She is co-owner of Squadron Energy, Australia’s leading renewable energy company that operates and owns renewable energy assets in Australia. Squadron is working with local communities and customers to lead the transition to Australia’s clean energy future.
Nicola believes that business is not just a generator of value, but a catalyst for real, sustainable change capable of strengthening communities and creating opportunity for all Australians.
Alongside her business leadership, Nicola has been at the forefront of philanthropic innovation through Minderoo Foundation and Coaxial. Both were founded to dismantle barriers and expand opportunity for all Australians, particularly young children, families, women and communities facing adversity.
Nicola’s advocacy includes Minderoo’s Thrive by Five campaign for a high-quality, accessible early learning system for all Australian children. She has also championed community-led, place-based models that deliver tangible support for children, families and communities though the Early Years Partnership with the WA Government.
Coaxial is Nicola’s independent, impact-focused entity, established in 2023 to fill gaps between business and philanthropy. Coaxial connects capital, changemakers and communities to accelerate systemic change through its ventures and foundation arms. Coaxial’s work complements Minderoo and Tattarang while maintaining the agility to pursue collaborative new interventions.
As a signatory to the Giving Pledge, Nicola has committed to transferring most of her wealth during her lifetime to initiatives that deliver measurable social impact.
In 2019, Nicola was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the community through philanthropic support for education and the arts, to business and the community.
