A successful entrepreneur himself, Bussau started life in an Anglican boys' home and launched his business career at the age of 15 with a rented hotdog stand.
[1] In 1974, answering a call for help, Bussau moved his family which includes Carol, his wife, and Natasha and Rachel, his two daughters, to Darwin and headed up a national movement to assist the victims of Cyclone Tracy.
Soon after, he began aid work in Indonesia and eventually endowed a private foundation committed to responsible wealth creation and entrepreneurship, believing this is the best way to alleviate global poverty.
[2] He is especially remembered for his work beside Bishop Wayan Mastra of the Protestant Christian Church in Bali in erecting a contextual worship center in Blimbingsari [3] Challengins belief that there are many creative and talented poor people and all they need is an opportunity.
[5] Bussau has been recognised for the work he has done in the international development sector: chosen by The Bulletin magazine "as one of Australia's 10 most creative minds"; awarded the Order of Australia for services to international development; named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2003[6] and most recently awarded Senior Australian of the Year 2008.