Harry Hoffman OAM

 

·         Chairman, Ardross Group of Companies

·         Chairman, Korsunski Charitable Trust

·         Life Governor, United Israel Appeal (WA Branch)

 

Harry Hoffman OAM was born in 1929 in Dubove, Czechoslovakia.  He and his family were taken to Auschwitz in May 1944 where he lost his mother and two sisters.

 

Harry migrated to Australia in 1949 and through hard work and persistence, quickly learned English and developed a career in real estate.  He also met Sylvia Frochter.  Harry & Sylvia were married in 1953.  They have two children Susan and Alex and one grandson, Joshua.

 

In 1957, Harry & Sylvia established Ardross Real Estate which was the foundation of what was to become the Ardross Group.

The Ardross Group has constructed and/or owned commercial, industrial and residential properties. Its specialty is land development, with numerous property developments around Perth and currently focused on the regional locations of Albany, Manjimup, Bunbury and Jurien Bay.

 

The Groups landmark project is the 60km² Turquoise Coast project at Jurien Bay, 230km north of Perth.  The project focuses on developing Jurien Bay as a major tourism destination and as the regional centre for the Turquoise Coast.  This will be accelerated by the completion of the Indian Ocean Drive, which reduces the travel time from Perth to Jurien Bay to just over two hours.

 

Harry Hoffman is a survivor, not only from the Holocaust, but also from the rigors' of an active business life as a property developer during the typical “boom” and “bust” economic cycles associated with Western Australia’s recent history.

Aided by his wife Sylvia, he has continued to over that time employ a “hands-on” approach to the management of his Group’s operations, which has traditionally contained a significant bank of land that could be brought onto the market at the most appropriate time.

Harry was awarded an OAM in 2000 for his philanthropy to community groups and educational institutions. He was awarded a Centenary Medal in 2003. 

 

Harry has been active in a number of organisations, supporting Jewish causes and is a Life Member of the Carmel School, Life Governor of the United Israel Appeal and Chairman since 2001 of the Korsunski Charitable Trust. Harry & Sylvia support many philanthropic causes. The most significant of these is the Carmel School. In 2009, Carmel School was renamed the H & S Hoffman and G Korsunski Carmel School.

 

Harry and Sylvia also provide support to the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra, Property Education Foundation, United Israel Appeal and Leadership Western Australia, amongst others.

 

Harry & Sylvia’s support for Hebrew University in Jerusalem is long standing and culminated in 2007 with an agreement to establish the Harry and Sylvia Hoffman Leadership Program. Displaying leadership through many facets of his 50 year business career, Harry has recently helped instigate a Leadership Program for the Hebrew University to administer, with the stated aim of producing a future crop of Israeli leaders for Jewish society to look up to and be proud of. This program supports 36 students in their post-graduate research complemented by an active program to enhance the leadership skills of the participants. Harry & Sylvia were recipients of Honorary Fellowships of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in 2007.

On the occasion of his 80^th birthday Carmel School launched a book on the life of Harry Hoffman, written by Christina Dullard OAM “Hate never sat at my table”.  In her words “Harrys' story is a tale of resilience in the face of adversity; a story of robust optimism, opportunity and exhilarating success, despite diverse and significant challenges which few of us have ever faced; an inspiring story of a remarkable life and partnership which exemplifies yishar koach (from strength to strength)”.

 

His support for the State of Israel and educational causes appears limitless, valuing highly a complete Jewish education that he himself was forced to forego.

 

Harry received an honorary doctorate from the Hebrew University in the spring of 2012.

 

"I am very proud to be associated with the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and to have this honor bestowed upon me.

Since arriving in Australia and establishing what has ultimately become a successful business, I have personally strived to contribute as much as I can to society and behave as a model citizen, adhering to learning’s I derived from my early childhood Jewish education.

This background has helped inspire me to seek the continuation of excellence in Jewish education, both in Israel and in my adopted home, Australia.

I look forward to continuing a close relationship with the Hebrew University in the many years to come." - Harry Hoffman OAM

 

Sylvia Hoffman

 

·         Director, Ardross Group of Companies

 

Born and bred in Perth, Western Australia, Sylvia after marrying her husband Harry responded to the challenge of helping to manage a rapidly expanding business, whilst bearing children and raising a family, without the luxury of extended family support.

Whilst fulfilling an important administrative role within the business entity, Sylvia always endeavored to balance the responsibilities of business and family. 

Described by others as being extremely pragmatic, Sylvia provided much needed stability to the family and business during times when economic circumstances dictated that tight reins be held on spending. 

After retiring from active service in the Ardross Group during the mid-1990s, Sylvia has continued to support various charitable causes both in Australia and Israel.

"I feel privileged and really honored to be recognized with an Honorary Fellowship. 

I’m also extremely pleased that the contribution Harry and I have been able to commit to the Hebrew University, will assist Israel in its development of future leaders. 

Additionally, my admiration goes out to those students who will become eligible to be selected to participate within the Leadership Program." - Sylvia Hoffman.