Fagg Family Fund

Ruth and Bert Fagg
Bert and Ruth Fagg were both passionate supporters of the Geelong community, both in their active involvement in many organisations and in their financial support.
Bert Fagg, who was born in 1917, grew up and was educated in Geelong. He trained as a carpenter/joiner and went on to become a Director and then Chairman of the family timber and hardware business Fagg Bros, which is one of the oldest family businesses in Australia. Bert worked with the company for 67 years, retiring when he was 82.
Bert’s community work was extensive, including involvements in building projects and serving on committees over the years with the Belmont Kindergarten, 1st Highton Scouts, Rotary Club of Belmont, Wesley Uniting Church and other community organisations.
Ruth spent much of her childhood in country towns in Victoria, including a period in Geelong. After training as a secondary teacher, Ruth settled in Geelong when she and Bert married in 1945. Ruth taught in a number of schools in Geelong and has had a lasting influence on her many students.
Ruth has been an enthusiastic and caring worker within the community over many years, including school parent associations, Heartbeat, Community Aid Abroad (now Oxfam), Wesley Uniting Church and Probus. Bert and Ruth also took a very active interest in many families who have newly immigrated to Australia.
Bert and Ruth combined their “hands on” involvement with significant philanthropic support for myriad charitable organisations, both in Geelong and beyond. Their support of the Geelong Community Foundation has become a significant part of this, with a Named Fund within the Foundation. Their sons Barry and Keith Fagg are continuing that support.