Tributes flow for tough media operator with a passion for giving back

You could be forgiven for walking past Victoria University’s Mitchell Institute unaware of the origins of the man who gave the place its name.

One of the nation’s leading policy research think tank’s focused on making Australia a healthier, fairer, and more productive society, the Institute was established by advertising powerhouse Harold Mitchell, in 2013.

Mitchell, who died this week aged 81, is being remembered as much for his philanthropic efforts for the impact he made as a powerful media buyer.

“I believe that each of us in our own way can do something to give back and, by our action, encourage others. For my part, I can do a bit more than the average person,” Mitchell once said of his attitude toward philanthropy.

The son of a sawmiller from Stawell in Victoria, Mr Mitchell founded Mitchell & Partners in Melbourne in 1976 and developed it into Australia's largest media-buying agency.

His success enabled him to bankroll initiatives such as the Mitchell Foundation launched in 2000 to promote health and the arts in the community.

The organisation has since provided more than $6 million in grant funding to more than 100 different organisations.

In 2010, the same year Mitchell sold his media buying business for more than $363 million he was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for services to the arts, health, and education and as a supporter of humanitarian aid in Timor-Leste and Indigenous communities.

Over many decades, Mr Mitchell served on the boards of a diverse range of research, sporting, and arts organisations, from CARE Australia and the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health to the Australia Indonesia Centre and the Melbourne International Festival of Arts.

He was Victoria’s Australian of the Year in 2013.

Victoria University chancellor and former Victorian premier Steve Bracks described Mr Mitchell as a generous and transformational donor to the university, who would be greatly missed.

“The entire VU community is devastated by this news. Harold Mitchell’s generosity and commitment, not just to our university but to the people of Timor-Leste has been unparalleled. 

“It has been my privilege to work alongside him as a supporter of humanitarian aid in Timor-Leste and Indigenous communities. His deep interest in the future of that country saw him awarded the Collar of Timor-Leste in 2023. 

“We will miss him.”

Victoria University vice-chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said Mr Mitchell changed the face of the educational institution and was a true pioneer.

“He has generously supported us for over 10 years, particularly through the establishment of the Mitchell Institute,” said Professor Shoemaker.

“His commitment has allowed us to lead the way with research devoted to improving the educational opportunities of all Australians.”

Professor Shoemaker vowed that Mr Mitchell’s legacy would live on.

“We will continue to drive educational transformation on a national and international stage to honour his memory.”

Community Council for Australia CEO David Crosbie also paid tribute to a man he said was down to earth despite his vast wealth.

“He made things happen. He got me free advertising for important issues on TV, radio and even the MCG scoreboard during AFL finals. 

“He visited Odyssey House to meet drug users,” said Mr Crosbie, a former head of the Alcohol and Other Drugs Council of Australia and Odyssey House

“[He] supported many people I introduced to him, including former drug dependent young people and even an Australia of the Year, with advice and in some cases financial backing.

“He made a fortune, but he never forgot where he came from and always looked to give back.”