{
  "id": 1383688,
  "title": "Roy and Nola spent millions wanting to help, now their community mourns",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/roy-and-nola-spent-millions-wanting-to-help-now-their-community-mourns",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-17T00:28:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-17/roy-and-nola-thompson-philanthropist-sunshine-coast/107045106"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Philanthropists Roy Thompson OAM, 95, and his wife Nola Thompson passed away in recent weeks, leaving behind a legacy of generosity that made a profound impact on the Sunshine Coast community. The couple, who were married for nearly 70 years, dedicated their lives to supporting various community organizations through their substantial donations.\n\nRoy Thompson passed away on August 7, followed shortly by his beloved wife Nola. Roy's funeral will take place in Maroochydore on August 27. Nola's funeral had already occurred, with a private service being held in their honor.\n\nThe Thompsons made significant contributions to the Sunshine Coast through their support for critical services, including co-founding the region's LifeFlight rescue helicopter service, the Thompson Institute brain and neuroscience center, and the Wishlist building. Their generosity also resulted in the establishment of a suite of bursaries and scholarships at the University of the Sunshine Coast, which will continue to assist students until at least 2075.\n\nSunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli praised the couple's remarkable generosity and deep love for the region, stating that the Sunshine Coast is stronger and better because of them. Roy Thompson's funeral service will be a testament to their unique bond as a father, father-in-law, Pop, Great Pop, brother, uncle, friend, and business associate.",
  "summary": "The Queensland couple is remembered for spending their money helping improve their community.",
  "key_points": [
    "Roy Thompson died on August 7, 2023",
    "Nola Thompson passed away shortly after Roy",
    "Generous donations established LifeFlight, brain center, scholarships"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Thompsons' legacy of targeted philanthropy cements their status as pillars of the Sunshine Coast community, whose institutions and students will benefit from their generosity for generations.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}