Nicola Forrest

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'''Nicola Forrest {{post-nominals|country=AUS|AO}}''' ({{Nee|'''Maurice'''}}; born in 1960 or 1961) is an Australian philanthropist. She co-founded the philanthropic [[Minderoo Foundation]] and is co-owner of investment company [[Tattarang]] with [[Andrew Forrest]]. '''Nicola Forrest {{post-nominals|country=AUS|AO}}''' ({{Nee|'''Maurice'''}}; born in 1960 or 1961) is an Australian philanthropist. She co-founded the philanthropic [[Minderoo Foundation]], is co-owner of investment company [[Tattarang]] with [[Andrew Forrest]], and the founder of the Coaxial Foundation and Coaxial Ventures.

== Life and career == == Life and career == Line 17: Line 17: Forrest went to university at [[University of Canberra|Canberra College of Advanced Education]] and graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts in secretarial studies, majoring in economics.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> She subsequently worked in publishing and stockbroking in Sydney, alternating between working and travelling. She also worked as a cook for a family in [[Yorkshire]] and had stints as a private cook for [[Susan Renouf]] and as a private secretary to [[Mary Fairfax]]. In the late 1980s, Forrest was a cook in a pub in [[Kynuna]] and later had a job in Europe with the [[United Nations]].<ref name=":0" /> Forrest went to university at [[University of Canberra|Canberra College of Advanced Education]] and graduated in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts in secretarial studies, majoring in economics.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> She subsequently worked in publishing and stockbroking in Sydney, alternating between working and travelling. She also worked as a cook for a family in [[Yorkshire]] and had stints as a private cook for [[Susan Renouf]] and as a private secretary to [[Mary Fairfax]]. In the late 1980s, Forrest was a cook in a pub in [[Kynuna]] and later had a job in Europe with the [[United Nations]].<ref name=":0" />

In 1991, Nicola married [[Andrew Forrest]] who went on to lead the mining companies [[Minara Resources|Anaconda Nickel]] and [[Fortescue (company)|Fortescue Metals Group]]. Through Fortescue, the Forrests amassed an enormous amount of wealth and they became muiti-billionaires.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Belle |date=2016-07-26 |title=Nicola Forrest on wealth, love and dreaming big |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/lifestyle/stm/nicola-forrest-on-wealth-love-and-dreaming-big-ng-6b1d7292a228e8a758f8e6fe8b391930 |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=[[PerthNow]]|language=en}}</ref> In 1991, Nicola married [[Andrew Forrest]] who went on to lead the mining companies [[Minara Resources|Anaconda Nickel]] and [[Fortescue (company)|Fortescue Metals Group]]. Through Fortescue, the Forrests amassed an enormous amount of wealth and they became muiti-billionaires.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Belle |date=2016-07-26 |title=Nicola Forrest on wealth, love and dreaming big |url=https://www.perthnow.com.au/lifestyle/stm/nicola-forrest-on-wealth-love-and-dreaming-big-ng-6b1d7292a228e8a758f8e6fe8b391930 |access-date=2025-01-15 |website=[[PerthNow]]|language=en}}</ref> They founded the [[Minderoo Foundation]] in 2001.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Field |first=Shivaune |date=7 March 2025 |title=The faces of gender equity change: Nicola Forrest's $160m investment in Co-Impact |url=https://www.forbes.com.au/news/leadership/the-faces-of-gender-equity-change-nicola-forrests-160m-investment-in-co-impact/ |access-date=20 April 2026 |website=Forbes Australia |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2008, Forrest was a delegate of the [[Australia 2020 Summit]], helping shape the country's strategy on [[Indigenous Australians|Indigenous Australia]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 March 2008 |title=Australia 2020 Summit - full list of participants |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/australia-2020-summit-full-list-of-participants-20080329-gds781.html |access-date=20 April 2026 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> Forrest sat on the board of arts event organiser [[Sculpture by the Sea]] from 2008 to 2010 and is a life governor of the organisation.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=28 November 2020 |title=Nicola Forrest on family, giving and what drives her |url=https://thewest.com.au/lifestyle/stm/nicola-forrest-on-family-giving-and-her-war-on-waste-ng-b881666274z |url-access=subscription |access-date=24 December 2024 |website=[[The West Australian]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Life Governors |url=https://sculpturebythesea.com/about/life-governors-of-sculpture-by-the-sea/ |access-date=24 December 2024 |website=Sculpture by the Sea}}</ref> She was also a member of the [[Black Swan State Theatre Company]] board and its chair from 2018 to 2021.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 May 2021 |title=New chair takes stage as Forrest exits Black Swan |url=https://thewest.com.au/business/boards/nicola-forrest-steps-down-as-black-swan-chair-succeeded-by-francois-witbooi-ng-b881868619z |url-access=subscription |access-date=24 December 2024 |website=The West Australian |language=en}}</ref> Forrest is a patron of [[Impact100|Impact100 WA]], which aims to facilitate and increase philanthropy, and Rock Art Australia (formerly Kimberley Foundation Australia) which funds research and preservation of [[Aboriginal rock art]]. She is also a member of the Global Philanthropic Circle and the Prime Minister's Community Business Partnership.<ref name=":3" /> In 2008, Forrest was a delegate of the [[Australia 2020 Summit]], helping shape the country's strategy on [[Indigenous Australians|Indigenous Australia]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 March 2008 |title=Australia 2020 Summit - full list of participants |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/australia-2020-summit-full-list-of-participants-20080329-gds781.html |access-date=20 April 2026 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> Forrest sat on the board of arts event organiser [[Sculpture by the Sea]] from 2008 to 2010 and is a life governor of the organisation.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=28 November 2020 |title=Nicola Forrest on family, giving and what drives her |url=https://thewest.com.au/lifestyle/stm/nicola-forrest-on-family-giving-and-her-war-on-waste-ng-b881666274z |url-access=subscription |access-date=24 December 2024 |website=[[The West Australian]]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Life Governors |url=https://sculpturebythesea.com/about/life-governors-of-sculpture-by-the-sea/ |access-date=24 December 2024 |website=Sculpture by the Sea}}</ref> She was also a member of the [[Black Swan State Theatre Company]] board and its chair from 2018 to 2021.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 May 2021 |title=New chair takes stage as Forrest exits Black Swan |url=https://thewest.com.au/business/boards/nicola-forrest-steps-down-as-black-swan-chair-succeeded-by-francois-witbooi-ng-b881868619z |url-access=subscription |access-date=24 December 2024 |website=The West Australian |language=en}}</ref> Forrest is a patron of [[Impact100|Impact100 WA]], which aims to facilitate and increase philanthropy, and Rock Art Australia (formerly Kimberley Foundation Australia) which funds research and preservation of [[Aboriginal rock art]]. She is also a member of the Global Philanthropic Circle and the Prime Minister's Community Business Partnership.<ref name=":3" /> In 2023, she joined the board of Co-Impact, a [[gender equality]] foundation backed by the Minderoo Foundation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Cleal |first=Olivia |date=15 February 2024 |title=Andrew and Nicola Forrest commit $150 million to gender equality foundation |url=https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/andrew-and-nicola-forrest-commit-150-million-to-gender-equality-foundation/ |access-date=20 April 2026 |website=Women's Agenda |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref name=":6" />

Forrest and her husband made [[The Giving Pledge]] in 2013, promising to give away at least half of their wealth to charity.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 May 2014 |title=Forrests back philanthropic billionaires' club |url=https://www.afr.com/politics/forrests-back-philanthropic-billionaires-club-20140503-iwu1x |access-date=24 December 2024 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}}</ref> In 2017, they donated $400 million to the Minderoo Foundation followed by another $520 million in 2020.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Murphy |first=Katharine |date=21 May 2017 |title=Andrew Forrest gives away large part of his fortune in $400m donation |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/may/22/andrew-forrest-fortune-huge-philanthropic-donation |access-date=24 December 2024 |work=[[The Guardian]]|language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> In 2023, they donated $5 billion worth of Fortescue shares to the foundation, the largest single charitable donation in Australian history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Muroi |first=Millie |date=21 June 2023 |title=Andrew and Nicola Forrest donate $5 billion in Fortescue shares |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/andrew-and-nicola-forrest-donate-5-billion-in-fortescue-shares-20230621-p5di6x.html |access-date=24 December 2024 |website=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|language=en}}</ref> In October 2024, the Forrests stepped down as co-chairs of the Minderoo Foundation but retained their board seats.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thompson |first=Brad |date=17 November 2024 |title=Andrew and Nicola Forrest step down as co-chairs of Minderoo Foundation |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business%2Fmining-energy%2Fandrew-and-nicola-forrest-step-down-as-cochairs-of-minderoo-foundation%2Fnews-story%2Ffc87d87dfceb6db1051454e9ca875a99 |url-access=subscription |access-date=24 December 2024 |work=[[The Australian]]}}</ref> Forrest and her husband made [[The Giving Pledge]] in 2013, promising to give away at least half of their wealth to charity.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 May 2014 |title=Forrests back philanthropic billionaires' club |url=https://www.afr.com/politics/forrests-back-philanthropic-billionaires-club-20140503-iwu1x |access-date=24 December 2024 |website=Australian Financial Review |language=en}}</ref> In 2017, they donated $400 million to the Minderoo Foundation followed by another $520 million in 2020.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Murphy |first=Katharine |date=21 May 2017 |title=Andrew Forrest gives away large part of his fortune in $400m donation |url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/may/22/andrew-forrest-fortune-huge-philanthropic-donation |access-date=24 December 2024 |work=[[The Guardian]]|language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> In 2023, they donated $5 billion worth of Fortescue shares to the foundation, the largest single charitable donation in Australian history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Muroi |first=Millie |date=21 June 2023 |title=Andrew and Nicola Forrest donate $5 billion in Fortescue shares |url=https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/andrew-and-nicola-forrest-donate-5-billion-in-fortescue-shares-20230621-p5di6x.html |access-date=24 December 2024 |website=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|language=en}}</ref> In October 2024, the Forrests stepped down as co-chairs of the Minderoo Foundation but retained their board seats.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Thompson |first=Brad |date=17 November 2024 |title=Andrew and Nicola Forrest step down as co-chairs of Minderoo Foundation |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business%2Fmining-energy%2Fandrew-and-nicola-forrest-step-down-as-cochairs-of-minderoo-foundation%2Fnews-story%2Ffc87d87dfceb6db1051454e9ca875a99 |url-access=subscription |access-date=24 December 2024 |work=[[The Australian]]}}</ref>

In 2023, Forrest established Coaxial which consists of entities including the non-profit Coaxial Foundation and the Coaxial Ventures business arm.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Thmopson |first=Brad |date=19 December 2024 |title=Nicola Forrest lifts the lid on her plans to give away wealth helping kids and families |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation%2Fnicola-forrest-lifts-the-lid-on-her-plans-to-give-away-wealth-helping-kids-and-families%2Fnews-story%2Ffef77ec13f61b65302968e31d6cf329b |access-date=25 September 2025 |work=The Australian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Coaxial Ventures |url=https://www.businessnews.com.au/Company/Coaxial-Ventures |access-date=25 September 2025 |website=Business News}}</ref> The Coaxial Foundation's mission is focused on [[early childhood education]], community wellbeing and promoting [[gender equality]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-19 |title=Nicola Forrest spends big on historic Freo pub |url=https://thewest.com.au/business/commercial-property/fremantles-terminus-hotel-sold-to-nicola-forrest-for-45-million-c-17138530 |access-date=2025-09-25 |website=The West Australian |language=en}}</ref> The foundation's initial project—Project Oasis—will seek to improve access to high quality early learning in areas with poor access to childcare. Coaxial Ventures will focus on business ventures and investments that can complement and help fund Forrest's philanthropic goals.<ref name=":4" /> In December 2024, Coaxial purchased the Terminus Hotel site in [[Fremantle]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tyrrell |first=Claire |date=2024-12-19 |title=Nicola Forrest buys Terminus Hotel |url=https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Nicola-Forrest-buys-Terminus-Hotel |access-date=2025-09-25 |website=Business News |language=en}}</ref> Philippa Watson was named the inaugural chief executive of Coaxial in March 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert-Patel |first=Tarla |date=2025-03-10 |title=Philippa Watson appointed as inaugural CEO of Coaxial |url=https://womensagenda.com.au/business/philippa-watson-appointed-as-inaugural-ceo-of-coaxial/ |access-date=2025-09-25 |website=Women's Agenda |language=en-AU}}</ref> The [[Fremantle Trades Hall]] was purchased in April 2026 for use as the organisation's headquarters and as a community space.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Macdonald |first=Kim |date=11 April 2026 |title=Nicola Forrest buys iconic Freo building for business HQ |url=https://thewest.com.au/business/housing-market/nicola-forrest-buys-fremantle-trades-hall-as-new-headquarters-and-civic-space-c-22119933 |access-date=12 April 2026 |website=The West Australian |language=en}}</ref> In 2023, Forrest established Coaxial which consists of entities including the non-profit Coaxial Foundation and the Coaxial Ventures business arm.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Thmopson |first=Brad |date=19 December 2024 |title=Nicola Forrest lifts the lid on her plans to give away wealth helping kids and families |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation%2Fnicola-forrest-lifts-the-lid-on-her-plans-to-give-away-wealth-helping-kids-and-families%2Fnews-story%2Ffef77ec13f61b65302968e31d6cf329b |access-date=25 September 2025 |work=The Australian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Coaxial Ventures |url=https://www.businessnews.com.au/Company/Coaxial-Ventures |access-date=25 September 2025 |website=Business News}}</ref> The Coaxial Foundation's mission is focused on [[early childhood education]], community wellbeing and promoting gender equality.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-12-19 |title=Nicola Forrest spends big on historic Freo pub |url=https://thewest.com.au/business/commercial-property/fremantles-terminus-hotel-sold-to-nicola-forrest-for-45-million-c-17138530 |access-date=2025-09-25 |website=The West Australian |language=en}}</ref> The foundation's initial project—Project Oasis—will seek to improve access to high quality early learning in areas with poor access to childcare. Coaxial Ventures will focus on business ventures and investments that can complement and help fund Forrest's philanthropic goals.<ref name=":4" /> In December 2024, Coaxial purchased the Terminus Hotel site in [[Fremantle]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tyrrell |first=Claire |date=2024-12-19 |title=Nicola Forrest buys Terminus Hotel |url=https://www.businessnews.com.au/article/Nicola-Forrest-buys-Terminus-Hotel |access-date=2025-09-25 |website=Business News |language=en}}</ref> Philippa Watson was named the inaugural chief executive of Coaxial in March 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lambert-Patel |first=Tarla |date=2025-03-10 |title=Philippa Watson appointed as inaugural CEO of Coaxial |url=https://womensagenda.com.au/business/philippa-watson-appointed-as-inaugural-ceo-of-coaxial/ |access-date=2025-09-25 |website=Women's Agenda |language=en-AU}}</ref> The [[Fremantle Trades Hall]] was purchased in April 2026 for use as the organisation's headquarters and as a community space.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Macdonald |first=Kim |date=11 April 2026 |title=Nicola Forrest buys iconic Freo building for business HQ |url=https://thewest.com.au/business/housing-market/nicola-forrest-buys-fremantle-trades-hall-as-new-headquarters-and-civic-space-c-22119933 |access-date=12 April 2026 |website=The West Australian |language=en}}</ref>

== Personal life == == Personal life ==