Support & Investment
Support from Donors, Sponsors and Partners for over 12 years has been vital in establishing the Australian Contemporary Opera Co. as a leading producer of contemporary opera and international platform for developing Australian talent.
Donors and Partners can be proud of the enduring impact of their investment in Australian talent, on behalf of audiences here in Australia, and around the world.
Donors and Partners are at the core of what we do, as their 'gifts' empower ours - and give us scope to create, collaborate, commission and present exceptional opera to stimulate, provoke and delight audiences - here in Melbourne, and over the next few years, in other states of Australia and overseas.
Supporters and Partners help us engage top international artists, singers and musicians for maximum impact on stage, and what we can offer to our local young artists. None of this is possible without generous support.
We prefer to describe your support as 'investment' rather than donation. There is no doubt that from your financial contribution flows far-reaching benefits and impact - for the talent which ACOCo molds, audiences that are fortunate enough to see our work, and the ongoing development of an organic art form which predates and will outlive us all.
Philanthropy is the fuel for our growth and sustainability, and as an ACNC endorsed charity, with DGR and TCC status, you can claim a tax-deduction for your contribution.
See our Donor Circle below.
Donors and Partners who have contributed to the viability of specific projects and events bear this logo:
Thank you:









Podium $20k+
Maureen Wheeler AO
Urquhart Charitable Fund
Henkell Family Fund (Australian Communities Foundation)
Eric Ormond Baker Fund (Equity Trustees)
The Dowd Foundation (Mutual Trust)
Bill Gillies
Margaret Lawrence Bequest (2020)
Gertrude Johnson Estate
Front Row $10k+
Leanne and Emeri De Bortoli
Besen Family Foundation
Nadia Taylor
Dress Circle $5k+
Ruth and Tom O'Dea
Michael Anderson and Dr Khoi Bui
Amy Poynton
Jeffrey Brady
Stalls $1000+
Jane Kunstler
John & Mary Grant
Majorie & Eduard Eshuys
Millar Merrigan
Robert Taylor & Peter Hannah
Jane & Malcolm Steel
Sayonarra
Lorna Nash
Circle $500 - $999
Nance Grant AM MBE & Ian Harris
Barbara & Robert Paterson
Irina Kuzminsky & Mark Delaney
Craig Lidgerwood & Stephen Ryan
Rupert Myer AO
Leanne Kessell
Paul & Gay Rosen
Virginia Mock
Suzanne Halliday
Lindy Golding
Margaret & John Dumesny
Meyer & Carole Sibbel
Balcony $20 - $499
Merle Hathaway
Ezmeralda Gulian
Dale Simpson
Snowe Li
Peter Newton
Natalie Tenaglia
Brooke Dunnell
Jamie Moffatt
Carissa Dyall
Marie Therese Jensen
Lesley Hale
Irene Crozier
Spencer Field
Michelle Thompson
Ian Evenden
Andrew Donovan
Debbie Sue Brady
Monica Teelow
Elizabeth Hill
Branko Saban
Andrew Gissing
Stuart & Sue Hamilton
William Adam
Paul Selar
Anna Gifford
Meyer and Carole Sibbel
Monica Lim
Sophie Williams
David Kram
Anne Neri
Adrian McEniery
Maureen McKeon
Bruce Sims
Inge Lederer
Eva Hussein
Clare Purbrick
Lester Johnson
James Robinson
Helen Donnard
Vivienne Twigg
Adelaide Greenaway


Choose your role:
From Individuals, Trusts, Foundations and PAFS, our Donors past and present are responsible for our longevity, capacity and quality. We are DGR and TCC endorsed. Donations have far-reaching effects in the community: building opera audiences, careers, national reputation and fuelling a love of the arts.
Sponsorship is win-win. We get security in terms of production bottom-line, and kudos from association with your brand; you get to be an integral part of creative impact and outcomes as well as direct access to artists and attendees, tickets, hospitality, enhanced brand awareness and associated rewards. Creative exchange with impact beyond the transaction.
Partners contribute cash and/or in-kind services or goods - and work with us to spread the word and deliver a quality audience experience. From Presenting Partner to In-Kind associations, partnership is a flexible B2B proposition that forms a fabric of connectedness in presentation of truly wonderful opera experiences.
Volunteer: Ushers, Front of House, Back Stage, Set & Costume Manufacture, Advocacy, Billet-hosts, Artist Catering & Transport, Promotion - there are many ways individuals and groups can be part of the team. We are a small but efficient organisation, and value your enthusiasm, time and effort.