He served as a director on the boards of several companies, including Qantas, BHP, the Commonwealth Bank, Accolade Wines Australia and UK, Austar, Macquarie University Asia Pacific Council, Austal and the Australian Institute of Management[2][1], Brandon BioCatalyst and AdvanCell Pty Ltd. Ferris founded Australia's first venture capital firm in 1970.
[citation needed] The foundation supports various initiatives, including the arts and cultural programs, environmental conservation, medical research and education.
[7][1] This is a government fund that "will provide $450 million over 10 years from 2022-23 to support innovative early stage health and medical research in Australia".
[7] Ferris has also been recognized for his contributions to and made Companion of Australia for venture capital and private equity and philanthropic support of medical research.
[1] In the 2008 Australia Day Honours List, he was elevated to a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) "for service to the community through a range of philanthropic endeavours, as a leader in support of medical research, and to business and commerce through ongoing roles supporting Australian exports, venture capital and private equity.