In a world driven by rapid technological change that feels like it is trying to outpace the speed of light, head-whirling political flux that, with each spin, sheds a bit of the moral standards we were nurtured with, and ever-present environmental challenges, art remains a powerful medium that transcends boundaries and inspires new ways of thinking amid its constancy of beauty and creativity. Celebrating globally renowned artists such as Sydney-based Charles Billich is not just an act of appreciation – it’s an investment in the enduring stories, in the emotions, and insights that define us as human beings. Whether by intended harmony or as a matter of spiritual providence, it is significant that the gala celebration of the 40^th Anniversary of the Billich Gallery in Sydney, Australia, took place on the same day as the 2026 ANZAC Day, which honours the courage and contribution of soldiers to national identity.

One of the things I’ve learned from charitable giving is that one does not go out and start one’s own organisation. One finds organisations that know what they’re doing, that have been working on the ground with their boots on and sleeves rolled up for years and years, for the needy and the vulnerable, and one puts one’s money and/or valuable possessions behind them. One gives them the opportunity to grow.

On 25 April 2026, in the Shagari-La Hotel Grand Ballroom in Sydney, on behalf of St John NSW (Ambulance), Mr James French, in a solemn gesture, awarded Charles Billich and Christa Billich a plaque of gratitude, honouring their exceptional support of St John NSW.  St John has, for many decades, been one of the leading charity organisations in Australia, built on a strong foundation of humanitarianism and community support.

By donating Charles’ iconic works of art to charitable efforts and events, helping those in need and in other ways vulnerable people in our society, Charles and Christa have made a significant impact through empathy and generosity for decades. Their outstanding and steadfast philanthropy contributes highly to that binding fabric of our Australian society.

Whether they be cityscapes, equestrian and sports endeavours, nudes, historic beauty or tragedy, myths, surreal, realistic, or impressionistic, Charles’ works unite both art connoisseurs and observers in a powerful way. That powerful way produces in people of all cultural backgrounds the universal positive emotions of joy, awe, romantic nostalgia and serenity. It is therefore no surprise that Charles and his artworks won the prestigious recognition from the World Olymp’Arts Council (WOAC) in Geneva, Switzerland, in 2025.  Charles’ paintings can be found in the Vatican, the White House, the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva, and on postage stamps in China, to name just a few of the world’s landmarks.   Charles Billich was appointed the official artist for the Olympic Games of Sydney 2000, Beijing, Athens and Sochi, and the awards he has received over the years include  Winner, Florence Biennale 2009, Lorenzo Il Magnifico Painting Prize, 77th Honorary Shaolin Monk, Henan, China 2004, Order of the Eagle Exemplar, USA 2000, Olympic Gold Order from the French Ministry for Sport 2000, Milan & Spoleto Awards, Italy 1989, Victorian Heritage & Cultural Award 1988, United States Sports Academy 1996, Centennial Olympic City, USA 1996, Honorary Citizen of Atlanta 1996, Order of the Eagle Exemplar USA 2000, Doctor of Philosophy Honoris Causa, United States Sports Academy, Prints award/Gold Medal 1987/88 and Spoleto Award, Italy, 1987.

With all these and many more achievements, together with his philanthropic deeds, Charles Billich is one of the most important living artists in the world. At the age of 92, he stands as one of the most globally credentialed artists of all time, and his ongoing works of art carry with them the promise of much more to come from Billich’s paintbrush.  Indeed, his newest absolutely stunning and awe-inspiring oil on canvas of St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, which has yet to be finished in the coming week, is, I am informed by Ms Alenka Bonic of the Billich Gallery, who ably organised the celebration at the Shangi-La Hotel on 25^th April, to be auctioned at a Gala Dinner in May 2026 and the proceeds of the auction “will go towards protecting the Cathedral’s heritage, ensuring this sacred place continues to inspire generations to come, and helping prepare for the Holy Father’s visit in 2028.”         

Blending her superior business acumen, Christa Billich has, over the decades, made the Billich Gallery into a world-renowned landmark, skilfully utilising the reality of profound spiritual and sound financial investment that Charles Billich’s artworks represent and exude.   

Charles was born in Lovran, Croatia, at the time when it was part of Yugoslavia, but the communist purges of those who had different political views from the Yugoslav regime saw Charles Billich lose several members of his immediate and extended family.  The communist regime’s oppression and persecution saw Charles escape from Yugoslavia as a young man, and it is fortunate for us because here, in Australia, he was able to develop his extraordinary talents and dedication so much so that his name resonates deeply within the wider world today. Charles’ journey is indeed one of unwavering commitment to his craft, marked by a profound influence, especially on contemporary surrealism. Among other notable accolades, Charles is touted as the Salvador Dali of the 21^st century. The 20^th century’s Pablo Picasso’s philosophy in donating works of art for charitable purposes does seem to ring true for the Billich Gallery: “the meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” So much creativity gifted by the Billich Gallery to improve the well-being of the community we live in that one struggles to find a more deserving champion in the art world in Australia and beyond. Ina Vukic