Alexandra Burt Donates $120M to Environmental Groups

Alexandra Burt, a prominent Perth businesswoman and granddaughter of mining pioneer Peter Wright, has announced a donation of more than $120 million to environmental conservation groups. As of November 5, 2026, the donation is confirmed as one of the largest philanthropic gifts to nature in Australian history.

Why it is trending now

The donation is trending following the official announcement that the funds will be shared among 10 different organisations. The financial support comes from the couple's private charitable entity, the Wright Burt Foundation, and follows the sale of the family’s share in a major West Australian mining project.

Key facts

• The $120 million gift will be distributed to 10 separate conservation organisations by the end of 2026, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
• According to the Australian Financial Review, the beneficiaries include Greenpeace, an organisation that has previously maintained a public stance against environmental policies linked to other mining interests.
• Alexandra Burt holds significant business interests in agriculture, tourism, and winemaking, and was listed on the AFR Rich List this year with an estimated joint wealth of $7.86 billion.
• Julian Burt, who holds the title of Member of the Order of Australia, stated that the couple generally prefers to maintain privacy regarding their philanthropic activities.

Why this is trending in Australia

This news has generated significant interest across Australia due to the scale of the donation and the involvement of the prominent Wright-Hancock mining family. The public interest is driven by the size of the gift and the inclusion of high-profile environmental advocacy groups as recipients.

Background and context

Alexandra Burt is a descendant of Peter Wright, a historical partner of Lang Hancock in the Western Australian mining industry. Her husband, Julian Burt, is a descendant of Sir Archibald Burt, the first chief justice of Western Australia. The Wright Burt Foundation has historically provided support for arts, heritage, education, and community initiatives in addition to its new focus on environmental causes.

What happens next

The Wright Burt Foundation is expected to finalise the distribution of the $120 million to the 10 selected organisations before the end of 2026. No further details regarding the specific breakdown of funds or the identities of all 10 recipient organisations were available at the time of writing.