Our Patron

Sir Nicholas Shehadie AC, OBE

Sir Nicholas Shehadie, The Infants' Home CEO Anita Kumar, and the Governor of NSW Marie Bashir

"This year, The Infants' Home, will complete 138 years of service to some of the most vulnerable members of our community – children burdened with a tough start in life. In the early years, they were children who were abandoned. Today, they are children with special physical and emotional needs, and children and mothers fleeing domestic violence."

Letter from our Patron: The Infants' Home Priceless Gift of Opportunity Appeal

The son of Lebanese migrants, Sir Nicholas Shehadie ranks among the highest achievers in Australian civic and sporting life. Sir Nicholas is married to the Governor of NSW, Professor Marie Bashir. They have three children and six grandchildren.

Born and raised in Sydney's Redfern, Sir Nicholas spent his formative years in Randwick and Coogee. His natural athleticism brought him to the attention of the Randwick Rugby Club and the Australian Rugby Union.

Sir Nicholas went on to play 30 Tests for the Wallabies in the 1940s and 50s. He later became president of the Australian Rugby Union.

While establishing a successful business, Sir Nicholas served as Lord Mayor of Sydney.

For nearly 20 years he served as chairman of SBS – during its formative years – and oversaw the building of the Sydney Football Stadium while chairman of the Sydney Cricket Ground Trust.