Fifteen years ago, a vision began to take shape, at its heart the Goodman family. While they support many causes, including the arts and civil society, it is their passion and steadfast commitment to marine ecology that culminated this year in a $1M contribution to change the face of conservation in iconic Moreton Bay and its catchment area.
From the beginning, the Goodmans understood that progress is not achieved in isolation. They have fostered collaboration across diverse communities, individuals and organisations. They initiated The Moreton Bay Foundation, encouraged partnership across universities, NGOs and governments. Today, their leadership has inspired Healthy Moreton Bay, a research initiative based at UQ with a goal to showcase exemplary Australian environmental stewardship by the time the eyes of the world are on Queensland in 2032.
UQ recently hosted a surprise celebration of our remarkable 15-year journey with the Goodman family. It was an evening of heartfelt tributes and inspiring stories from people whose lives the Goodmans have touched through their generosity. This includes the students of the UQ Marine Society, with current and past presidents reflecting on the difference this family has made to their learning experience.
As Judy Keyse, a former project officer with the Centre for Marine Science (CMS) put it, “The Goodmans didn’t just fund projects; they nurtured possibilities. They believed in people, and that belief changed everything.”
“You not only supported us,” said Tamara Homburg, another former officer, “you showed up every time. For every TalkFest, and every event.”
The celebration of the Goodman family was a thank you and an affirmation of shared values: vision, hard work, and a commitment to future generations. It reminded us that legacies are not founded solely on money or achievement but on the empowerment of people through belief in a better future. As the Goodman story continues, it will be written in the thriving habitats of Moreton Bay, the voices of emerging leaders, the innovation that comes from cutting-edge research and the power of community.
If you would like to be part of the Healthy Moreton Bay initiative, please contact Brenda Tournier b.tournier@uq.edu.au
