Inala is thrilled to welcome to Richard Wilkins AM, Inala’s new Patron.
Not only is Richard well-loved, admired and enormously respected for his long and distinguished media career, he is also renowned for being the proud father of five children, and for his commitment to philanthropic work. In 2014 Richard was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his “significant services to the community through a range of charities, and the entertainment industry”.
Richard was inspired to take up the role of Patron for Inala by his son Adam, who was born with Down Syndrome. Richard welcomes the opportunity to give back to the community that has provided Adam with a beautiful, strong and caring environment that has enabled him to live a life full of meaning, joy and purpose.
“I have witnessed firsthand how it takes a community to raise a child, and especially one with a disability. Adam has to be one of the happiest people on the planet, and that is because of the many, exceptional people he has had in his life. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to assist the wonderful work Inala does.” – Richard Wilkins
Richard steps into the role of Patron for Inala following Blanche d’Alpuget’s recent retirement from the role, which she has held for the past 24 years. Blanche has been a strong, untiring, and generous advocate and champion of people living with disability in general, and for the Inala community in particular. We are honoured to have had her immeasurable support and leadership, and immensely grateful for all she has achieved for Inala and its people. We know Blanche will remain a lifelong friend and supporter of Inala.
Richard is Channel Nine’s Entertainment Editor and host of weekend shows on SmoothFM nationally, and has been at the forefront of Australia’s entertainment industry for 30 years.
During his long and distinguished career, Richard has hosted a number of top-rating TV shows including MTV Australia, Entertainment Tonight, and New Year’s Eve Festivities on Sydney Harbour for a decade. More recently he had a significant role at the state memorials of Olivia Newton-John and Barry Humphries. Richard is also the author of the best-selling book Black Ties, Red Carpets, Green Rooms.
Richard supports a number of charities and organisations that are close to his heart and will continue to do so in addition to his role with Inala. We are honoured that Richard has chosen Inala to be one of the charities he supports.
