Vale Marion Webster AM (1950-2024)

Australia has lost a trailblazer of the not-for-profit sector with the death of Marion Webster AM. Marion dedicated her life to advancing social justice, championing community-based philanthropy, and supporting vulnerable and marginalised populations.

After completing her studies in social work at the University of Melbourne, Marion began her professional journey in community health, mental health and social services. Her early work provided her with a deep understanding of the complex challenges faced by those on the margins of society, and she became a tireless advocate for systemic change.

A fervent advocate for community philanthropy, Marion’s leadership extended to Australian Communities Foundation, where she was co-founder (of the then Melbourne Community Foundation) and served as director, board member, chair and patron. She worked to ensure that Australian Communities Foundation could serve as a vehicle for grassroots giving and help build a culture of generosity that was inclusive and impactful.

Marion was also executive director of Philanthropy Australia’s precursor organisation, the Australian Association of Philanthropy, from 1988 to 1990.

She was extensively involved with several charitable foundations, including as a trustee of the Philip and Vivien Brass Charitable Foundation and as a founding trustee of Aukland Communities Foundation from 2010 to 2017.

Marion was a founding board member of The Funding Network Australia and served as deputy chair from 2014 to 2020.

In the broader not-for-profit sector, Marion co-founded several organisations, including Fitted for Work Ltd, where she was a director and the Inaugural National Chair from 2009 to 2013. In 2014 she co-founded Kilfinan Australia and served as a board member until 2023.  

Most recently, Marion was the Chair of WomenCAN Australia, an organisation established in 2019 to work with disadvantaged women to help them gain vocational qualifications, meaningful employment, links to financial literacy training and to create a supportive community of women.

In the arts and culture area, Marion was Chair of GASP! an arts and sculpture park in Tasmania, designed to bring community and the environment together through art. She also served on the board of Arts Access, a service that provides access to arts and cultural activity for people who are disadvantaged, including people with a disability. And on the boards of fortyfivedownstairs, a Flinders Lane gallery and performance venue, the Melbourne Writers festival, Victorian College of the Arts and was Vice Chair of Theatreworks in Victoria.

Public honours included Marion’s designation of a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2004 and her inclusion in the January 2023 Australia Day Honours’ List as a Member of the Order of Australia “for significant service to the community, to the philanthropy sector, and to women”.