Blackmore Family donates $10 million for naturopathic research

SOUTHERN Cross University has received a $10 million gift from the Blackmore Family Foundation to further research and education in naturopathic medicine.

This is the second major contribution from the Blackmore Family Foundation, led by Marcus Blackmore AM and his wife Caroline Furlong.

The first donation of $10 million in 2018 helped establish the University’s National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine (NCNM).

Southern Cross University Vice-Chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin said it was an incredibly generous gift.

“It is significant not just because of this generosity but because of the transformative vision that it aspires to,” Carlin said.

“The University very much shares this vision and we are excited about the work to be done in future and the enormous societal benefits that will be catalysed because of the Foundation’s investment.”

Since its launch in 2020, the NCNM has developed six accredited degrees, educated 280 undergraduate and postgraduate students, and mentored 18 higher degree research students.

It has also established one of the largest clinical trial units in regional Australia, conducting significant trials on natural medicines and integrative healthcare, including a world-first study on medicinal cannabis for brain cancer.

The gift from the Blackmore Family Foundation aligns with the wishes of Marcus Blackmore’s father, the late Maurice Blackmore, who founded the Blackmores vitamin company.

Marcus Blackmore said when his father passed away in 1977, he was sad to not see naturopathy regarded as a true profession.

“But I think public perception has changed and that is a function of good research, good education and advocacy at all levels,” said Mr Blackmore.

“My vision for the future is that a naturopath will be the first port of call when you are feeling unwell, and naturopaths will be an essential first line of defence in primary healthcare,” said Mr Blackmore.

Co-director of the Blackmore Family Foundation Caroline Furlong said the foundation was proud of what the original donation has achieved and was glad to be in a position to do it again.

“We believe the money will be put to really good use in the Centre. They’ve taken it to the next level with world-class research and education,” she said.

Southern Cross University has been a leader in integrative and complementary medicine tertiary education since its founding

30 years ago.