Results Australia wishes to honour the life of our extraordinary Hobart-based advocate Mike Picone who passed away on 29 August 2023, aged 72. Mike was a thoughtful, caring, and generous person - he was always willing to help - he was a humanitarian in every sense of the word. He embodied the Results belief that no matter where people are born, everyone should have equal opportunities to fulfill their potential in life.
The advocacy fire was lit for Mike when he helped organise a 2007 event to fundraise for son Jeremy Olivieri (née Picone) and Sarah Taulava (née Brinckman) to attend the Results International Conference in Washington DC. Mike became a passionate advocate for Results’ global health and poverty issues - especially microfinancing; Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance; and the Global Fund. It was all for his “global children” about whom he cared so deeply. Mike said to the Results History Project, "there are no orphans in the world – they’re all my children".
Almost every Tasmanian Federal Parliamentarian who served during Mike’s time with Results was a target of his prolific letter-writing and regular meeting requests. Those who knew him personally respected his warmth, his integrity, and his gentle determination. Mike’s fundraising abilities - including 9 quiz nights and 3 dinner dances - were legendary. He certainly put the fun into fundraising. But Mike was proudest of the young people who rose to the surface in the Hobart group – all committed to making a difference. More recently, his World TB Day Light Up Red events - including a local history tour of a former TB Sanatorium, and another in the pouring rain - were examples of his dedication.
In recognition of his efforts over many years, Mike received the inaugural Results Long Standing Volunteer Award in 2019 for his persistent and thoughtful advocacy. It was perhaps only fitting that Mike was laid to rest on the International Day of Charity - 5 September - which commemorates the passing of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Mike was a much-loved partner, father, grandfather, friend, and active member of his local community. He will be sorely missed by everyone whose life he touched, but we are so grateful that he found time to help generate the public and political will to end extreme poverty and help make the world a better place.
Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
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