The King's Foundation The King's Foundation
King Charles unveils plaque to launch The King's Foundation Australia

Journal 22 October 2024

King Charles III launches The King’s Foundation Australia

The King’s Foundation Australia has been officially launched today by His Majesty King Charles III at a reception at Admiralty House, Sydney, during The King and Queen’s Royal Visit to Australia. His Majesty is the Royal Founding President of The King’s Foundation.

The newly established charity will be a permanent presence for The King’s Foundation in Australia, building on existing sustainable community projects undertaken by the then Prince of Wales's charities in previous years.

His Majesty launches The King's Foundation Australia His Majesty launches The King's Foundation Australia at Admiralty House, Sydney.

“We are thrilled to be launching The King’s Foundation Australia during His Majesty’s first Royal Visit to the country as Monarch.

“Establishing a permanent presence for The King’s Foundation here is testament to His Majesty’s affection for Australia and commitment to extending the reach of the sustainable communities work undertaken by The King’s Foundation elsewhere in the world.”

Kristina Murrin, Chief Executive of The King’s Foundation

The King holds open the door to Dumfries House His Majesty at Dumfries House, which he saved for the nation in 2007 and will serve as inspiration for the Hillview Estate regeneration project.

The first project for The King’s Foundation Australia will take inspiration from Dumfries House in Ayrshire, Scotland, our headquarters and flagship regeneration project.

The King’s Foundation Australia has acquired the Hillview Estate in New South Wales which will be the first flagship regeneration project for The King’s Foundation Australia, as well as the base for developing the charity’s activities.

Taking inspiration from the model of sustainable and heritage-led regeneration at Dumfries House, The King’s Foundation Australia will restore the property and its wider estate and run education and training programmes for the local community in traditional and heritage crafts.

Photograph of the Hillview Estate The Hillview Estate, a Dumfries House for Australia.

The Hillview Estate is a State Heritage-listed property in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, and was the former vice-regal summer residence of the Governor of New South Wales from 1882-1957. The King’s Foundation Australia’s vision for the regeneration of Hillview is to restore and conserve the historic property and develop it as a landmark new cultural hub for the region and the nation.

“As an Australian who personally benefited from The King’s Foundation’s education programmes 30 years ago, I am excited to see this work extend its transformative approach to communities in Australia.

“Following the model established by His Majesty at Dumfries House, we hope to create a similar positive impact by providing employment and educational opportunities in traditional and heritage crafts.”

Dominic Richards, Chair of The King’s Foundation Australia

His Majesty unveils a plaque to launch The King's Foundation Australia His Majesty unveils a plaque to launch The King's Foundation Australia.

The King’s Foundation Australia will build on almost 35 years of work undertaken by The King’s Foundation to build sustainable communities and transform lives, all inspired by His Majesty’s vision for harmony with the natural world.