Biography of Heloise Pratt

Overview

Heloise Pratt is an Australian billionaire and philanthropist. She is the founder and executive chairman of Pratt Foundation, a charitable organization that supports education, environment, medical research, social welfare and culture. She is also a director and shareholder of Visy Industries, a packaging and recycling company founded by her late husband, Richard Pratt. According to Forbes, her net worth is estimated at $1.39 billion.

Early Life and Education

Heloise Pratt was born on December 25, 1942, in Melbourne, Australia. She grew up in a wealthy family, with her father, Sir Frank Packer, being a media mogul and her mother, Lady Florence Packer, a socialite. She attended Frensham School, a prestigious girls’ boarding school in New South Wales, and later studied arts at Sydney University.

Career and Achievements

After completing her education, Heloise Pratt worked in various positions in the media industry, including at Australian Consolidated Press and Channel Nine. In the 1980s, she focused on philanthropy and founded Pratt Foundation with her husband, Richard Pratt. The foundation has donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education, medical research, environment, and social welfare. In 2001, Heloise Pratt became the executive chairman of the foundation.

In addition to her charity work, Heloise Pratt is a director and shareholder of Visy Industries, the largest privately-owned packaging and recycling company in Australia. The company was founded by her late husband, Richard Pratt, who passed away in 2009. Under her leadership, the company has expanded its operations and invested in sustainable technologies.

Heloise Pratt has received numerous awards and honors for her philanthropic work. In 2013, she was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia for her service to the community through philanthropic leadership in support of medical research, education, and social welfare programs.

Personal Life

Heloise Pratt was married to Richard Pratt for over 40 years until his death in 2009. The couple had three children: Fiona, Anthony, and Sam. She is also a stepmother to Richard’s two children, Paula and Matt.

She is known for her love of the arts and has served on the boards of several cultural institutions, including the National Gallery of Victoria and the Melbourne Theatre Company.

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