Professor Bruce Bonyhady AM

Honours and awards

2012 VIC Australian of the Year Finalist

Member of the Order of Australia for service to people with disabilities, their families and carers, particularly as Chairman of Yooralla, and to the community as a contributor to a range of charitable organisations.

About

Professor Bruce Bonyhady AM has spent more than 30 years working to improve the lives of people with disabilities. He is executive chair and inaugural director of the Melbourne Disability Institute (MDI) and one of the key architects of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).

Bruce first became involved in volunteer work in 1987 when his eldest son was born with a disability. He undertook a range of fundraising efforts and recruited European disability experts to work with local therapists. Bruce’s skills, passion and wisdom have seen him undertake a range of influential volunteer roles which continue to help secure a better future for the disabled.

Bruce has had an extensive career as an economist and econometrician in both the private and public sectors. He has held senior positions in the funds management and insurance industries with ANZ Investments, BT Funds Management and the National Mutual Life Association.

Bruce is also a former president of Philanthropy Australia where he bolstered the organisation’s profile and attracted members who could advance the cause of philanthropy in Australia.