Trust set up as a result of English bequest

25/12/96

An unexpected bequest from an Englishman will each year give a young student from Britain or Europe the opportunity to visit and learn about Western Australia.

Premier Richard Court said a trust had been established as a result of a remarkable act of benevolence that had come to the attention of the State Government through the Office of the Agent General in London.

For many years an Englishman, Gerald Frank Brown, made irregular visits to the London office seeking information about Australia. The purpose of the information was never known. However, staff at the European Office satisfied Mr Brown's requests.

When he passed away in 1995, Mr Brown left 80,000 English pounds to the Government of WA. It appeared that Mr Brown owned shares in a number of Australian companies.

"The Agent General, Bill Hassell, sought my approval to put the money into a trust to enable a young person - probably between the completion of school and the start of tertiary education - to travel to WA each year on an educational tour," Mr Court said.

"An interim payment has been received and the Gerald Frank Brown Memorial Trust has been established.

"Mr HasselI is hopeful that the capital funds in the trust can be supplemented by donations from British and European companies with interests in Australia."

Mr Court said the objective of promoting WA through young future leaders in Britain and Europe was one he strongly supported.

"Bill Hassell, the outgoing Agent General, is a strong supporter of the trust and is keen to assist in the continuing organisation of the annual visit to WA," he said.

It is expected that the first student will be welcomed to WA in the latter part of next year.

Media contact: Casey Cahill 222 9475