19/08/2026
Sad message from the local ABC radio.
A Sunshine Coast philanthropist who donated millions to charities, community groups and the local university has died at 95.
Roy and Nola Thompson came to the Sunshine Coast in the 1970s, building the once iconic Chifley's Hotel in Alexandra Headland, later buying the Mooloolaba Hotel then continuing to build their fortune in property development.
However, the Thompsons have in recent years become best known for their generosity.
The former publican and developer funded bursaries at the University of the Sunshine Coast for the disadvantaged, and supported a mind and neuroscience research centre, now known as the Thompson Institute.
The couple also co-founded the helicopter rescue service, that would become LifeFlight on the Sunshine Coast.
Mr Thompson was awarded a Companion of the Order of Australia in 2018 for eminent service to the community.
Thompson Institute founding director Dr Jim Lagopoulos says he has known Roy and Nola for the past 10 years, after moving to the Sunshine Coast to found the neuroscience centre that bears their name.
"They had such tremendous vision for what we wanted to achieve for mental health here on the Sunshine Coast," he told ABC Sunshine Coast on Monday morning.
"They had a very deep passion for their community and in particular the more disadvantaged people within the community, wanting to make sure that there were the available services so that people who couldn't afford services could gain access to them.
"They were tremendous people, incredible philanthropists and very, very kind and special people."
"We're going to miss them very much."
Dr Lagopoulos is now involved with Thompson Brain and Mind Healthcare, also funded by the Thompson family.
He said in the past 18 months alone, the group has seen more than 4,000 people and provided care more than 7,000 times.
Dr Lagopoulos said many of those would otherwise have never received treatment on the Coast.
"We removed that barrier of money to come into the service and receive treatment," he said.
"So their legacy will be ongoing."
Mr Thompson died on August 7, following the recent death of his beloved wife Nola, after almost 70 years of marriage.
He is being remembered as a "dearly loved father, father-in-law, Pop, Great Pop, brother, uncle, friend and business associate".
His funeral service will be held in Maroochydore on August 27.
