Murdoch University’s veterinary school is set for a complete transformation, thanks to an unprecedented $100 million donation from Perth businessman and philanthropist Ted Powell.

The contribution marks the largest gift ever received by a Western Australian university and ranks among the largest donations to any Australian university.

The existing veterinary school will be replaced by a 9,600sqm, state-of-the-art facility, designed to accommodate a 50 per cent increase in student numbers. The new building will sit alongside Boola Katitjin, Murdoch’s award-winning academic hub named the world’s best building in 2023.

Powell, a long-term supporter of Murdoch University through The Ragdoll Foundation – established with his late wife Dee – said the gift was inspired by their shared commitment to education and animal welfare.

“There are many good causes in the medical field, in the educational field and I would encourage anyone who is financially well-off to consider giving to worthy causes,” he said.

Vice Chancellor Professor Andrew Deeks highlighted the transformative impact of the donation on veterinary education in Western Australia.

“Ted Powell’s extraordinary act of generosity will help ensure WA continues its role as a leading hub for animal research, teaching and training,” he said. “On behalf of Murdoch University, I cannot thank Ted Powell enough for his generosity, support and foresight. He will leave a legacy for the Western Australian veterinary profession, animal research – and for animals great and small – which will resonate for generations to come.”

The new facility will modernise and expand the ageing veterinary school, supporting world-class teaching and research across Murdoch’s programs in livestock, equine, wildlife and conservation, animal care and welfare. It will also train more veterinarians, addressing critical workforce shortages both in WA and nationally.

Since opening in 1975, Murdoch’s School of Veterinary Medicine has graduated more than 4,000 veterinarians and is consistently ranked among the world’s top 50 veterinary schools. The University currently trains around 100 new veterinarians each year.

The Animal Hospital at Murdoch University (TAHMU), which operates alongside the school, provides direct services to the public and referral support to local veterinarians. The facility treats a wide range of species, from domestic pets such as dogs and cats, to horses, livestock, and exotic zoo animals, including giraffes.

Professor Deeks said the redevelopment forms part one of a staged plan to upgrade TAHMU and refurbish the current veterinary school buildings, creating a new Conservation and Life Sciences precinct.

“Veterinary Medicine was one of 10 Foundation courses offered by Murdoch when we opened 50 years ago, and a commitment to the environment and conservation are part of the University’s DNA,” he said.

The new school will also advance the University’s One Health agenda, which recognises the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health. Upgraded facilities will improve safety and wellbeing for staff, students and animals, while enhancing service quality for the agricultural, scientific and broader WA community.

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