Late Nickel Queen’s riches to fight antisemitism

A charitable trust using millions left by pioneering entrepreneur Millie Phillips will promote Jewish pride and combat antisemitism if green-lit by the courts.

Millions of dollars left behind by a pioneering woman entrepreneur could soon be used to fight antisemitism and promote Jewish pride after a court battle over the future of her vast estate.

“Nickel Queen” Millie Phillips was at one stage reportedly Australia’s richest self-made woman, going on to become a noted philanthropist who donated millions to the Jewish community.

The tycoon died on July 19, 2021, at the age of 92.

The final will covering her $62 million net estate was approved in September 2019 by the NSW Court of Appeal after the then-90-year-old refused to sign the document, having seemingly destroyed the previous version in 2001.

This refusal to sign on the dotted line came after a rocky period with her children, including the complete breakdown of the relationship with her son Robert Phillips.

In September 2019, the court found Mrs Phillips lacked the capacity to execute a will after experiencing a stroke almost 18 months earlier.

It ordered the creation of a new will dictating that her estate be used to establish a Jewish advocacy trust with the money remaining after settling her debts and sending gifts to family members and charities.

The NSW Supreme Court has now been asked to follow the last wishes of Mrs Phillips by approving the establishment of the Northfield Foundation, a charitable trust aimed at promoting “Jewish pride” while seeking to eliminate antisemitism in Australia.

The court bid was brought in September by two executors of Mrs Phillips’ estate – both of whom AAP has chosen to keep anonymous for safety reasons – against NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley, who requires notification of the establishment of the trust.

Her estate in March 2019 was estimated to have a net worth of around $62 million, according to documents filed with the NSW Court of Appeal.

The proposed Northfield Foundation would promote awareness of the accomplishments of Jews throughout history, increase an understanding of Israel, and counteract instances of anti-Israel biases and misinformation, court documents said.

It would aim to increase the security of the Jewish community in Australia by protecting its institutions and assets.

The board of the foundation would include at least four directors, including Mrs Phillips’ grandson Anthony Small and daughter Sharonne Phillips.

The trust would be able to donate money and organise fundraising and charity events to promote pro-Jewish causes.

If green-lit by a judge, the charity would be launched into an environment of community tension and a wave of antisemitic attacks, including graffiti and arson incidents at synagogues and other Jewish sites.

Mrs Phillips built her wealth out of the minerals and mining sector before turning her attention to aged-care facilities.

She established the JCA Millie Phillips Jewish Education Fund, which supports Zionist youth movements and Jewish students.

In October 2017, she pledged to give a $US15 million donation to Tel Aviv University in Israel.

As well as the establishment of the Northfield Foundation, Mrs Phillips’ will set out plans for her 10-hectare property near the Blue Mountains.

Gifts of $5 million for daughter Sharonne, $1 million for each of Robert’s five grandchildren and $1 million for the Sydney Jewish Museum were also included.

aap