Choosing Happiness, Leaving Hope
Why Julie Is Leaving a Gift in Her Will
After more than 20 years living in Australia, Julie, has made this country her home. Married to, in her words, “the world’s best Australian man,” she has built a happy life here - one shaped by gratitude, generosity, and a commitment to giving back.
Although Julie and her husband did not have children, she has long known that when her time comes, their good fortune should be passed on to organisations that reflect their values. Through careful research, she chose Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) as the charity to benefit from her Will.
After more than 20 years living in Australia, Julie, has made this country her home. Married to, in her words, “the world’s best Australian man,” she has built a happy life here - one shaped by gratitude, generosity, and a commitment to giving...
After more than 20 years living in Australia, Julie, has made this country her home. Married to, in her words, “the world’s best Australian man,” she has built a happy life here - one shaped by gratitude, generosity, and a commitment to giving back.
Although Julie and her husband did not have children, she has long known that when her time comes, their good fortune should be passed on to organisations that reflect their values. Through careful research, she chose Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) as the charity to benefit from her Will.
Planting trees for future generations
Julie describes her bequest as planting a tree, knowing she will never sit beneath its shade. “You’re never going to be there when it bears fruit, but you plant it wanting to help future generations,” she reflects.
Leaving a gift in her Will is not about recognition or control, but about trust and hope.
“I want to know that when I’m gone, what I’ve built with my husband will continue to do good in the world. MCRI will make sure it’s put to the best possible use.”
Advice for people writing a Will
Julie encourages others to act sooner rather than later.
“Making a Will is better done early, because one never knows what life holds. Sadly, bad things happen. If anything happens to us, I want our money going where we want it going - not left to chance or family disputes.”
Her practical advice is to leave a percentage, rather than a fixed sum, so that the gift can grow with time.
“That’s what I did with MCRI,” Julie says. “It makes it simple, no matter what stage of life you’re in.”
A philosophy of kindness
Those who know Julie describe her as kind, generous, fiercely loyal, and full of passion. She describes herself as someone who loves learning, reading, hiking and a competitive game of Scrabble.
She lives by a collection of quotes and mantras, many inspired by her love of Mark Twain: “React less. Respect myself. Choose happiness.”
“Happiness is a choice,” Julie says. “We all deal with adversity, but if we learn from it, it makes us stronger and more interesting. Everybody falls down - it’s your choice to get up.”
Leaving a legacy of hope
Julie’s decision to include MCRI in her Will reflects a life lived with compassion, gratitude, and purpose. Though she may not see the shade of the tree she has planted, her legacy will be felt in the lives of countless children and families for generations to come.
As she puts it simply: “I just hope it helps as many children and their families as possible.”
