Vale Jack Bendat

24 Feb 2022

Jack Bendat (centre) at the opening of the Bendat Family Comprehensive Cancer Centre 

Jack was passionate about improving the lives and health outcomes of West Australians and his contributions have made significant and long-lasting impacts to so many.

He, along with his family, have been philanthropic supporters of St John of God Foundation for 20 years.

His philanthropic contributions of almost $10 million over that time have enabled world class cancer care, leading medical research and provided stability and support for vulnerable young people at St John of God Health Care services in Western Australia.

Notably, he and his family provided generous support towards the Bendat Family Comprehensive Cancer Centre at St John of God Subiaco Hospital, which brought together many of the elements involved in cancer care including oncology, haematology and palliative care, and research.  Outside of his and wife Eleanor’s personal donation, Jack was instrumental in the fundraising campaign for the centre, serving as Campaign President.

He also provided generous support to establish several Bendat Horizon Houses across Western Australia and Victoria which provide accommodation and support services for young people who are either homeless or at risk of homelessness.

His legacy will also live on through the ongoing advancements in medical care enabled through the Bendat Respiratory Research and Development Fund, which included establishing and continuing the only thoracic cancer biobank in Western Australia, enabling meaningful research into the future.

His passionate support for the health care and wellbeing of our community was boundless.

We are honoured to have an enduring legacy with the Bendat family, and are forever grateful for Jack’s long term support and dedication to improving and transforming the lives and health outcomes of West Australians.

We extend our deepest condolences to Jack’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.

Mrs Kerry Sanderson AC CVO Chair of St John of God Health Care

Dr Shane Kelly Group CEO St John of God Health Care

Mr Tony Howarth AO Board Chair of St John of God Foundation

Bianca Pietralla CEO St John of God Foundation

St John of God Health Care Group CEO Dr Shane Kelly said:

St John of God Health Care and St John of God Foundation is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jack Bendat.

Jack’s passionate support of transformational health care in Western Australia in particular has enabled St John of God Health Care to provide world-leading care, informed by the latest research to patients at their time of greatest need.

His vision and support to create a program and accommodation for vulnerable young people at risk of homelessness known as Horizon House has been far-reaching, with the service which started as one home now operates across 11 locations in WA and Victoria.

We are proud that Jack’s legacy will live on through the service, care and research Jack and his family have enabled to support our community.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.

St John of God Foundation CEO Bianca Pietralla said:

Jack was an icon in West Australian business and philanthropy. The impact of his philanthropic leadership on the lives of thousands of West Australians is without measure.

Through his generosity and advocacy, Jack and the Bendat family have given hope to the sick, the marginalised and the most disadvantaged in our community.  Their commitment to health is a legacy that will continue well into the future. He will be greatly missed and our thoughts are with his family.

Eleanor and Jack Bendat at the opening of Bendat Horizon House in Geraldton.