The Times Australia
The Times Australia

.

Peter Freedman AM Donates $1 Million to Revive the Australian Design Council


The Australian Design Council, a not-for-profit industry body dedicated to driving national prosperity and long-term growth through design, is thrilled to announce a significant boost to its mission with a generous $1 million donation from Peter Freedman AM, Founder and Chairman of RØDE, one of the world's leading creator technology brands.

The Australian Design Council has a rich history dating back to the 1950s when it was originally known as the Industrial Design Council of Australia. However, it ceased operations in the mid-1980s. In 2020, visionary leaders Dr Sam Bucolo and Dr Brandon Gien rallied Australia’s "Captains of Industry and Design" to explore the possibility of relaunching the Council. Recognising the critical role that world-class design talent plays in Australia's innovation landscape, that effort has now led to the re-establishment of the Australian Design Council as a not-for-profit company.

Peter Freedman's generous $1 million donation will be instrumental in jumpstarting the Council's activities. These funds will be distributed over two years and will enable the organization to employ a CEO and essential staff while also attracting additional sponsorship and revenue. Peter Freedman will be recognised as the Australian Design Council's Founding Patron.

Mr Freedman's commitment to advancing design and manufacturing in Australia is well-documented. He has been a dedicated supporter of the Good Design Awards, serving as the principal sponsor of the Next Gen category for nearly a decade, and has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to support emerging designers and innovators. He is also an avid supporter of Australia’s creative sector. In 2021 he donated $5 million to the Sydney Festival and this year made a significant contribution to the Australian Chamber Orchestra.

Expressing his enthusiasm for this initiative, Peter Freedman said, "Design is not just about aesthetics; it's a critical driver of innovation and economic growth. I am honoured to support the revival of the Australian Design Council and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on our nation's future."

Dr Sam Bucolo, one of the leaders behind the Council's revival, said, "The overwhelming support from Government, the Research community, and the Business sector underscores the vital role the Australian Design Council will play in shaping our nation's innovation landscape. We are deeply grateful to Peter Freedman for his generous donation, which will accelerate our mission to advocate for a design-led future for Australia and champion the next generation of designers."

The Australian Design Council has also announced the appointment of a board of non-executive directors who will collaborate with current Council members to fulfill its mission. The board includes distinguished individuals such as Ros Moriarty, Catherine Livingstone, and Peter Freedman as directors of the company. Sam Bucolo and Brandon Gien will continue in their roles as executive directors.

The Council is determined to build upon its rich legacy and reestablish itself as a cornerstone of Australia's innovation ecosystem. Its commitment to excellence is further demonstrated by its continued collaboration with Good Design Australia to promote and celebrate outstanding design work in the country.

Temu’s Local Seller Program opens fully in Australia

Local businesses of all sizes across Australia now have a new, low-cost channel to reach millions of online sh...

Times Magazine

Building an AI-First Culture in Your Company

AI isn't just something to think about anymore - it's becoming part of how we live and work, whether we like it or not. At the office, it definitely helps us move faster. But here's the thing: just using tools like ChatGPT or plugging AI into your wo...

Data Management Isn't Just About Tech—Here’s Why It’s a Human Problem Too

Photo by Kevin Kuby Manuel O. Diaz Jr.We live in a world drowning in data. Every click, swipe, medical scan, and financial transaction generates information, so much that managing it all has become one of the biggest challenges of our digital age. Bu...

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

The Times Features

Is our mental health determined by where we live – or is it the other way round? New research sheds more light

Ever felt like where you live is having an impact on your mental health? Turns out, you’re not imagining things. Our new analysis[1] of eight years of data from the New Zeal...

Going Off the Beaten Path? Here's How to Power Up Without the Grid

There’s something incredibly freeing about heading off the beaten path. No traffic, no crowded campsites, no glowing screens in every direction — just you, the landscape, and the...

West HQ is bringing in a season of culinary celebration this July

Western Sydney’s leading entertainment and lifestyle precinct is bringing the fire this July and not just in the kitchen. From $29 lobster feasts and award-winning Asian banque...

What Endo Took and What It Gave Me

From pain to purpose: how one woman turned endometriosis into a movement After years of misdiagnosis, hormone chaos, and major surgery, Jo Barry was done being dismissed. What beg...

Why Parents Must Break the Silence on Money and Start Teaching Financial Skills at Home

Australia’s financial literacy rates are in decline, and our kids are paying the price. Certified Money Coach and Financial Educator Sandra McGuire, who has over 20 years’ exp...

Australia’s Grill’d Transforms Operations with Qlik

Boosting Burgers and Business Clean, connected data powers real-time insights, smarter staffing, and standout customer experiences Sydney, Australia, 14 July 2025 – Qlik®, a g...