Blair Milan, a talented actor, much loved son and brother and incredible friend to many, died on Sunday, April 17 2011. Acute Myeloid Leukemia cut Blair's joyful life short suddenly. His family has been overwhelmed with support, well wishes and messages of love. Blair's family and friends have now teamed up with Charles Sturt University (CSU), Bathurst, to found The Blair Milan Fund.

High school girlfriend and long time best friend, Amelia Adams, currently a journalist for the Nine Network, is greatly moved to be part of the legacy that Blair leaves behind at CSU. A graduate herself in Journalism from CSU, she experienced Blair's successes first hand attending all of Blair's numerous theatre events and performances and witnessed his passion, enthusiasm and talent in all that he did. Blair graduated as a Bachelor of Arts (Communication -Theatre/Media) at CSU in Bathurst with Distinction.

"Blair loved Charles Sturt, and the Theatre/Media experience and community and he excelled in all subjects, events and shows. Blair's greatest achievement was his performance in 'Death's Waiting Room'. I know first-hand how hard students work to make these shows a success on a shoestring budget", explains Amelia.

When Amelia married her husband, Luke in 2008, Blair was "Chief Bridesman" as Blair called himself. He took his Bridesman duties incredibly seriously even carrying his own bouquet down the aisle. Blair also acted as MC, a highlight of the reception for all the guests.

Of the Blair Milan Fund, Amelia is truly proud of her best man, best friend and first love. "It is a true gift that Blair's infectious enthusiasm, passion, talent, and love of the industry will now be a lasting legacy. This legacy, in Blair's name, will continue to have an enormous impact on young people in the entertainment industry for years to come. In the same way Blair, in his short life, had such an enormous impact on so many."

The Blair Milan Fund will comprise of two components:

Part One - The Blair Milan Scholarship A scholarship of $3,000 will be awarded annually to a second year Theatre/Media student, who exemplifies the generous artistic spirit and attitude of Blair, while also aims to encouraging students studying Theatre/Media to demonstrate optimism, enthusiasm and a passion for their chosen field. The student will be carefully selected by the Theatre/Media staff, along with input from Blair's family and peers.

Part Two - The Blair Milan Tour A scholarship of $7,000 will also be awarded annually to assist a chosen production that will be selected by academic staff of the Theatre/Media course and with input from Blair's family and peers. These funds will cover the costs of the production for students to perform before metropolitan and regional communities. Blair's involvement in his final year with Death's Waiting Room was one of the most significant roles in his career, and Blair's family would like to provide other students with that same opportunity. Profits released from this presentation will be returned to the Blair Milan Touring Fund.

The objective is to raise over $100,000 so that the annual awards can be funded from the income of the Blair Milan Fund in perpetuity. Lyndey Milan and partner, John Caldon have undertaken to match dollar to dollar (up to $50,000), the amounts received during the initial fund raising in commemoration of the role played by Blair Milan in their Naked Flame production of Lyndey and Blair's Taste of Greece, which is currently being shown on SBS.

The Blair Milan Fund will sit within the Theatre/Media Foundation of the Charles Sturt University. There are no additional administration costs with the creation of this new fund.

For more information and to download the donation form, visit -

http://www.lyndeymilan.com/milan/blair-milan-fund.htm

Please direct all media enquiries to Sophie Foster at MPagency P: 02 8247 2000 or E: sophie@mpagency.com.au