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Impact of our donors

Supporting access to tertiary education for female students who are Indigenous or refugees

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Shane Simpson AM was raised by trail-blazing parents in the ancestral lands of the Ngati Kuri and Te Aupouri people, in the far north of New Zealand.

Throughout his childhood, he was encouraged to be at home in nature, and to use the creative arts to expand his understanding of the world. Shane went on to study law and eventually to found the Arts Law Centre of Australia and then his own law firm, Simpsons Solicitors, specialising in the Arts, entertainment and intellectual property. He and his wife, Danielle, have decided to make UNSW a beneficiary of their Wills.

What has motivated your decision to give to UNSW?
When you’re considering a major gift, you think about where you can direct your money to affect positive change in areas which support your goals and principles. I look at things like Nura Gili, UNSW’s Indigenous Programs Unit, and the social justice focus of the 2025 Strategic Plan, and feel strongly aligned with the vision the University presents.

What drives your desire to give back?
As humans, we have a natural aptitude for self-interest, but we also have a wonderful capacity for kindness, compassion, curiosity and generosity. Of course, we need to make a living and we need to look after our family but, it is my experience that we enrich our lives by looking further than self-interest. I would urge everyone to think about what they can contribute to others.

What impact do you hope to make?
Our little contribution's not going to change the world, but we keep hammering away. We believe that if we all do a little bit, no matter how small or imperfect, we will effect real change. That's the important part.

If you are interested to know more or thinking about, giving in your Will to UNSW, Janet Hall will be happy to discuss with you.  Phone: +61 478 492 032 or Email: j.e.hall@unsw.edu.au

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