With Thanks to Denis Handlin AO

Founding Director, 1998 - 2021

In June 2021, Sony Foundation farewelled Founding Director, Denis Handlin AO. For 23 years Denis brought an unrivalled passion, commitment and drive to Sony Foundation’s Board.  As a founding Director, his contribution over many years, has been pivotal to the positive social change achieved by the Foundation in the areas of youth disability, cancer and disadvantage.  

Throughout his tenure as a Director, Denis led the development of Sony Foundation’s Children’s Holiday Camp (Sony Camp) program from one camp in Sydney in 1999, to now the funding of 32 annual camps in partnership with over 50 schools and universities across Australia.  Furthermore, Denis oversaw the expansion of the Sony Camp program into New Zealand. In addition, Denis established a special endowment fund to support children with special needs, and families, from the program experiencing disadvantage.

Sony Foundation believes in the healing power of music, and its ability to bring joy and allow one to express emotion during challenging times. Denis fostered an incredibly powerful relationship between Sony Foundation and Sony Music’s roster of artists, both locally and internationally. Through his passion, Denis was able to enlist artists to support Sony Foundation’s beneficiaries in unique moments through sharing the storytelling and joyous moments of music, at fundraising events as artists created showstopping moments, as well as their support in advocating for the Foundation’s causes more broadly.

Denis’ dedication and support of the Foundation has buoyed a lasting legacy, that will continue to change the lives of young Australians for many years to come.

With Thanks to Damian Eales
Global Head of Transformation, News Corp

Board Director, 2016 - 2021

In September 2021, Sony Foundation farewelled Director, Damian Eales. Damian’s strategic guidance and leadership have played an integral role in the growth and success of the Foundation during his five-year tenure as a Director.

During his time as Director, Damian developed Sony Foundation’s Media Partner network, to now be our largest and most valuable supporter group. In the past five years, Damian has raised substantial funds through the donation of advertising packages, as well as cash donations, from Sony Foundation’s Media Partner network, and in addition, has assisted with invaluable media coverage raising awareness of Sony Foundation’s programs; a hugely significant contribution.

Most recently, Damian spearheaded the creation of Sony Foundation’s You Can Stay program, which has become a fundamental pillar of the Foundation’s work in the area of youth cancer. 

Damian has created many very valuable relationships for Sony Foundation, leaving a strong network of supporters, and a legacy in our You Can Stay program, supporting regional youth cancer patients.