Australian Billionaire Lang Walker Leaves Transformative Legacy

Lang Walker, a renowned Australian billionaire and property developer, passed away in January 2024 at his home in Sydney, leaving behind atransformative impacton the country's urban landscape and a legacy of philanthropy. A public memorial service was held at Sydney's Town Hall to honor his life and achievements, attended by prominent figures including former Prime Minister John Howard, former NSW Premier Nick Greiner, media billionaire Lachlan Murdoch, and Ryan Stokes, head of Seven Group.

Why this matters: Lang Walker's legacy extends beyond his iconic developments, as his philanthropic efforts and community building initiatives have had a lasting impact on the lives of many Australians. His passing serves as a reminder of the importance of giving back to the community and leaving a positive legacy.

Walker started his company, A L Walker, with his father Alec in the 1970s, which later branched into residential property, industrial parks, and commercial centers. His privately owned development group,Walker Corp, made him one of the richest people in Australia, with a personal wealth estimated at $5.8 billion at the time of his passing. Walker's property empire included over 1000 projects across Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia, delivering iconic developments such as the King Street Wharf complex and the heritage-listed Finger Wharf at Woolloomooloo in Sydney.

Beyond his business ventures, Walker was known for his philanthropic efforts and community building. He established the Walker Family Foundation and partnered with various charitable organizations, including the St Vincent's Curran Foundation, the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, and the Children's Cancer Institute Australia. Walker's son, Blake Walker, remembered his father as a humble figure with an enormous sense of fun, saying,"If it wasn't fun, it wasn't worth doing. And there had to be a story in the adventure."

Walker's philanthropic initiatives includedscholarships for studentsfrom disadvantaged backgrounds in western Sydney, which will "ripple positively through families, neighbourhoods and communities for generations to come," according to Jobs and Skills Australia Commissioner Barney Glover. He also donated $50 million to the Lang Walker AO Medical Research Building, with construction commencing just days after his death. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Walker as a transformative force in Australia's urban landscape, embodying the Australian spirit and contributing to making the country a better one.

Walker is survived by his wife Sue and three adult children, Blake, Chad, and Georgia, as well as 10 grandchildren. His family remembered him as a devoted dad and grandfather who loved spending time with family more than anything. "Lang loved creating incredible places where people can live and work, but he loved his family more than anything else in the world, and his generosity and affection had no boundaries,"his family stated. David Gallant, Walker Corporation managing director and chief executive, noted,"Lang's vision will remain an enduring force through the Walker DNA and the Walker Way, which he actively passed on. It is embedded in our culture and our modus operandi."

Lang Walker's legacy extends beyond his transformative impact on Australia's urban landscape. He was awarded an Order of Australia in 2015 for his philanthropy and service to the community. Walker's health had deteriorated before his passing, but his vision and values live on through his family, the Walker Corporation, and the countless lives he touched through his charitable initiatives and community-building efforts. As Emeritus Professor Barney Glover aptly stated,"One name resonates throughout this transformational period: Lang Walker."

Key Takeaways

• Lang Walker, Australian billionaire and property developer, passed away in January 2024.
• He left a legacy of philanthropy and community building, with a focus on education and medical research.
• Walker's property empire included over 1000 projects across Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia.
• He was awarded an Order of Australia in 2015 for his philanthropy and service to the community.
• Walker's family and business will continue his vision and values through the Walker Corporation and charitable initiatives.