Queensland philanthropists Roy and Nola Thompson pass away within a week

Roy Thompson, a former publican and property developer, died on Aug. 7, following the death of his wife Nola from Stage 4 ovarian cancer eight days earlier. The pair, married for 69 years and fathers of eight, were celebrated for their extensive philanthropy in the Sunshine Coast region. Their donations totaled tens of millions, including $15 million to the University of the Sunshine Coast, which funded a neuroscience institute, scholarships lasting until 2075, and the Nola Thompson Centre for Advanced Imaging.

They also founded the Sunshine Coast Rescue Helicopter Service in 1979 and contributed $2 million to the Wishlist Centre for patient families. In 2021 they gave more than $5 million to the Buderim Foundation to create the Thompson Charitable Fund. Roy was honored with the Order of Australia for his community contributions, and both were named Queensland Higher Education Philanthropists in 2017.