$30 million donation for melanoma research

From the Sydney Morning Herald:

A little-known millionaire has donated $30 million towards finding a cure for melanoma and hopes other rich Australians will follow his act by giving money to charity.

The money donated by Sydney businessman Greg Poche, who built the private freight company Star Track Express, is believed to be the largest single public charitable donation by an individual, a Sydney newspaper reported.

It will be put towards a new Sydney Melanoma Unit at North Sydney's Mater Hospital.

The 63-year-old said he wanted to inspire Australia's multi-millionaires to give some of their wealth to similar projects, a move popular in America.

It was believed Mr Poche, persuaded by a friend who is a Friends of the Mater member to make the donation, was originally asked for $10 million.

The funding will allow projects such as the development of an anti-cancer vaccine to be developed, said Sydney Melanoma Unit director Professor John Thompson.

Mr Poche has also committed to more funding of the centre once it is established.