Late Nickel Queen's riches to fight anti-Semitism

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Millions of dollars left behind by a pioneering female businesswoman could soon be used to combat anti-Semitism and boost Jewish pride after a court fight over the future of her huge fortune.

"Nickel Queen" Millie Phillips was reportedly Australia's richest self-made woman at one stage, going on to become a well-known philanthropist who donated millions to the Jewish community.

The wealthy businessman passed away on July 19, 2021, at the age of 92.

The last will that covered her $62 million fortune was given the green light by the NSW Court of Appeal in September 2019 after the then-90-year-old refused to sign the document, having seemingly binned the previous one back in 2001.

This refusal to sign on the dotted line came after a rough patch with her kids, including the complete breakdown of the relationship with her son Robert Phillips.

In September 2019, the court determined Mrs Phillips was not mentally capable of making a will after suffering a stroke about 18 months beforehand.

It directed the creation of a new will, stipulating that her legacy be used to set up a Jewish advocacy trust, with the remaining funds to cover her debts and be distributed as gifts to family members and charities.

The New South Wales Supreme Court has been asked to uphold the final wishes of Mrs Phillips by approving the establishment of the Northfield Foundation, a charitable trust which aims to promote "Jewish pride" while working to eliminate anti-Semitism in Australia.

Her estate in March 2019 was estimated to be worth around $62 million, according to documents lodged with the NSW Court of Appeal.

The proposed Northfield Foundation would promote awareness of the achievements of Jews throughout history, improve understanding of Israel, and counter instances of anti-Israel prejudices and misinformation, court documents stated.

It would aim to boost security for the Jewish community in Australia by safeguarding its institutions and assets.

The board of the foundation would comprise a minimum of four directors, including Mrs Phillips' grandson Anthony Small and her daughter Sharonne Phillips.

The trust would be able to donate funds and organise fundraising and charity events to promote support for Jewish causes.

If given the green light by a judge, the charity would be established in a community with underlying tensions and a surge of anti-Semitic attacks, including graffiti and arson incidents at synagogues and other Jewish places of worship.

Mrs Phillips amassed her wealth from the minerals and mining industry before shifting her focus to aged-care facilities.

She established the JCA Millie Phillips Jewish Education Fund, which supports Zionist youth movements and Jewish students.

In October 2017, she committed to donating $15 million US to Tel Aviv University in Israel.

As well as the establishment of the Northfield Foundation, Mrs Phillips' will outline plans for her 10-hectare property near the Blue Mountains.

Donations of $5 million for Sharonne, $1 million for each of Robert's five grandkids, and $1 million for the Sydney Jewish Museum were also made.