THI Founder Stuart Hornery
Stuart Hornery AO (1939-2012)
The Hornery Institute’s (THI) founding Chair, the late Stuart Hornery AO, had a vision and unwavering commitment to create a more equitable society, shaped by the needs of people and communities.
In understanding the role of urban development in shaping the way people live, learn, work and play, he believed it was his duty to create extraordinary places that changed people’s lives. It was from this belief that THI was established in 2001, with the intention to support community planning and development by taking a ‘people-centred’ approach.
Through his 36-year career with Lendlease, 12 of which saw him as Chief Executive Officer, Stuart was able to make a practical difference to communities, promoting grassroots involvement in development; an ideology still embraced by the THI today.
His approach to encourage dreams, underpin them with research, and work like crazy to achieve them, influenced not only a multi-billion dollar company but an industry, and in turn, THI, which has stayed true to his philosophies of daring to be different, thinking outside the square, questioning everything and combining creativity with discipline.'
From his early days as a Site Engineer, to Chief Executive and Non-Executive Chair of Lendlease, Stuart played an integral role in cultivating an industry focused on creating better outcomes for people.
“How do you want to be remembered? That you made a buck or made a difference?”
Stuart Hornery
Stuart was a member and Chair of the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) and played a pivotal role in the strategic direction of vocational education in Australia which now forms part of the Department of Education, Science and Training.
Stuart’s work across various industries was recognised by many with Stuart awarded a Centenary Medal by the Prime Minister of Australia and an Honorary Fellowship by the Institution of Engineers, Australia. His personal contribution to the construction industry was also recognised by the Australian Constructors Association and the Property Council of Australia where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
In recognition of his service to both Australian and international business, having held board roles with Westpac, IBM Asia Pacific and IBM Global Services, Stuart was awarded an AO in 1988 and was named ABM Businessman of the Year in 1994. On his retirement from Lendlease, the employees and shareholders recognised his enormous contribution by establishing The Hornery Institute of which he was the Chair for 12 years.
Today, THI’s work continues to reflect Stuart’s vision to approach all challenges with optimism, engage with and listen to the needs of people, and dare to do what has never been done before. This ethos remains central to THI and guides everything we do.