Olga Tennison's gift to Autism research
Thanks to Olga Tennison's incredible generosity, the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC) was established at La Trobe University in 2008 as Australia's first Centre dedicated to Autism research. Through her ongoing relationship with La Trobe, Olga transformed her initial gift into a legacy – one that is creating a better future for Autistic people and their families.
Olga’s donation let us expand Autism research across the full lifespan and full spectrum of ability and disability. That simply wouldn’t have been possible otherwise
Olga Tennison turned belief into action. She saw the struggles faced by Autistic children and their families, including her own grandson, and knew more needed to be done. “She wanted to fund research,” recalls Emeritus Professor Cheryl Dissanayake, founding director of the Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre (OTARC). “Olga saw the importance of advancing knowledge to create better futures for Autistic people.”
Her initial $500,000 donation was matched by La Trobe University to fund Australia’s first research centre dedicated to Autism. Over the next decade, her unwavering commitment grew into a $45 million bequest – one of the most significant philanthropic gifts to an Australian university. That generosity helped establish OTARC as a world leader in Autism research, driving groundbreaking advancements in diagnosis and supports, employment and mental health.
Her gift did more than fund research; it built a legacy. OTARC’s work has greatly influenced policy, made global advancements to early Autism identification and supports, and fostered international collaborations that continue to profoundly shape the field. “Autistic lives have been changed because of Olga,” says Cheryl. “She built something that will last for generations.”
Olga’s gift sparked a movement. She saw La Trobe turn her initial generosity into real change for Autistic people, and her bequest ensured that progress would continue. Today, her legacy lives on, delivering lasting impact where it’s needed most. Your gift could do the same.
Vibrant and Cohesive Communities
La Trobe University is shaping how Australia supports Autistic people. Thanks to Olga's gift, our experts have helped shape the country’s first National Autism Strategy and the new National Roadmap. We are influencing government policy, building inclusive systems and developing tools now used in 17 countries for earlier, more accurate Autism diagnosis.
Like Olga, your gift today could help build a more healthy, inclusive and resilient communities across Victoria and beyond.