Supporter snapshot: Judy Brinsmead

 "It is important to embrace generosity because it is an essential key to a successful life and a healthy society. Support, care and empathy fosters empowerment to make positive change for all."
Supporting needs in the community – personally and professionally – is essential practice for Judy Brinsmead.

Chairperson and owner of the national construction company ADCO, rated as one of Australia’s top 50 private companies with annual revenues of around $1 billion and 500 direct employees, Judy has supported The Salvation Army for more than 25 years.

She explains: “Our team members believe in the importance of generosity and participation in their local communities. As The Salvation Army has a national (and international) reach, this allows ADCO, with its national business, to participate with them in many ways across Australia.

“The Salvation Army provides a variety of ways ADCO staff can support their work – from volunteering for appeals, to building and renovating shelters, and financial donations. I have personally been involved in all these aspects of support and continue to be a staunch supporter of The Salvation Army.”

Before joining ADCO in 1990, Judy studied law at the University of Queensland, was admitted as both a barrister and solicitor, and became one of the youngest female partners at a top-tier law firm in Australia at the time.

Home-schooled, raised on a farm and privileged to travel extensively with her family, Judy says her belief and practice in giving to others is something that was modelled by her parents and wider family.

In addition to raising their own four children, her parents regularly fostered children.

“Over the years this included 10 children who came from different and sometimes difficult circumstances,” Judy says. “I had to share (my parents’) attention, but it was also a blessing to be part of a large, loving family.”

Judy says this taught her and her siblings the importance of caring and sharing.
“I (remain) very committed to helping others,” she says, “not just financially, but also by giving my time in supporting and mentoring others and I do have a special interest in helping young people.

“One of my greatest joys in life is to watch my son Tom Hill [who was recently appointed to the Red Shield Doorknock Advisory Board, Gold Coast (Qld) and Northern Rivers (NSW)] and his friendship group supporting others, including The Salvation Army. Giving is a natural part of his thinking and really it’s more than giving – it’s a complete framework for living life and interacting with others.”

Judy says ADCO’s support of The Salvation Army will continue.

“We appreciate that The Salvation Army is very open and direct in their giving,” she says, “and wisely direct administration resources to where they are most needed.”

Your gift provides essential care and support to those who need it most.