The Institute that exists today was made possible by two extraordinary gifts from Toowoomba businessman Clive Berghofer AO.
He has donated more than $60 million to the Institute since 2001. In 2013, his $50.1 million gift was the biggest single philanthropic donation made by an Australian. In recognition, both the Institute and its Cancer Research Centre are named after him. In 2020, Mr Berghofer donated another $1 million to the Institute to fund coronavirus research.
After leaving school at 13 and struggling with dyslexia for his whole life, Mr Berghofer went on to become a highly successful property developer. He has also served in local and state government as a local Councillor, Toowoomba Mayor, and the State Member for Toowoomba South. He has also supported Careflight, Red Cross, St Vincent’s Hospital, Toowoomba Hospice and the University of Southern Queensland.
In 2025, Mr Berghofer was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his distinguished service to the Queensland community.
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