Terrence Mark Snow AM
(1943 – 4 August 2024)

Terrence Mark Snow AM, widely known as Terry Snow, was a prominent Australian businessman, accountant, entrepreneur, and philanthropist based in Canberra, ACT. Over his remarkable career, Snow transformed the landscape of Canberra and beyond, leaving a legacy of visionary commercial development, dedicated philanthropy, and deep-rooted community involvement.

Early Life and Education
Born in Canberra in 1943, Terry Snow was the grandson of the city’s first general store owner and the son of hoteliers who managed a property in Queanbeyan. His early education at Canberra Grammar School was shaped by the discipline of boarding life, and he later gave back to the school through generous philanthropic donations. His contributions included funding for educational initiatives and the development of facilities, reflecting his lifelong commitment to the city where he was raised.

Career Achievements
Commercial Development
Snow was the driving force behind the Capital Airport Group, which he chaired as Executive Chairman. Under his leadership, the group acquired a 99-year lease for the land containing Canberra Airport for $65 million in 1998. Snow’s vision led to the redevelopment of the airport into a state-of-the-art hub featuring an award-winning terminal, international air connections, and expansive business parks, including Brindabella Business Park, Majura Park Shopping Centre, and Fairbairn Business Park.

Brindabella Business Park became a landmark of sustainable design with the award-winning 8 Brindabella Circuit, the first building in Australia to achieve a five-star Green Star rating. Snow’s work attracted major international and national corporations, fostering Canberra’s evolution into a burgeoning aerotropolis.

Willinga Park
In 2017, Snow unveiled Willinga Park, an 810-hectare equestrian facility in Bawley Point, NSW, featuring world-class dressage arenas, campdrafting fields, and native gardens. The park became an iconic destination for equestrian enthusiasts and art lovers alike, hosting prestigious events such as the World Championship Gold Buckle Campdraft and supporting outdoor art exhibitions like Sculpture on the Clyde.

Residential and Mixed-Use Development
Snow’s Capital Estate Developments reshaped Canberra’s suburbs, with Denman Prospect becoming a model of sustainable and community-focused urban planning. The suburb featured mandatory solar power generation for homes and a commitment to affordable housing initiatives.

Philanthropy
Terry Snow co-founded The Snow Foundation with his brother, George, in 1991. The foundation focused on supporting regional charities and addressing social inequalities. By 2016, the foundation’s assets exceeded $40 million, with plans to triple its capacity by 2030.

Snow also made a lasting impact on education through donations to Canberra Grammar School, including an $8 million gift to establish the Snow Centre for Education in the Asian Century and a record-breaking $20 million donation in 2019 for campus redevelopment.

His contributions to marriage equality were equally significant, with his family playing a central role in supporting the national campaign for Australians for Equality.

Honours and Recognition
In 2006, Terry Snow was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his contributions to the construction industry and his community service. His portrait was later commissioned by the Australian National Portrait Gallery in recognition of his pivotal role in Canberra’s development.

Personal Life
Snow was married to Ginette, and together they raised four children: Stephen, Georgina, Tom, and Scarlett. Known for his love of dogs, he often brought them to his office. An avid pilot, Snow held a commercial license for both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft, demonstrating his adventurous spirit.

Snow passed away on 4 August 2024, at the age of 80, leaving behind a profound legacy of innovation, generosity, and civic pride.

Legacy

Terry Snow’s entrepreneurial vision reshaped Canberra’s infrastructure and economy, while his philanthropic efforts improved lives across Australia. His work stands as a testament to the power of community-driven innovation and a commitment to creating opportunities for future generations.