Gavin Brown, vice-chancellor and principal of the University of Sydney, said, "[T]he Henderson's generous foresight is an inspiration to all those who want to make a real difference to others. The Conservatorium of Music at the University of Sydney is now on a trajectory to join the ranks of the world's great music academies."
Henderson, who died in 1991, owned and managed many properties in New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia, and was a great opera lover, according to Conservatorium dean Kim Walker. "[He] knew that musicians in North America and Europe have many more such opportunities than here," Walker said, "and the Hendersons also did so much to make music accessible in their own regional areas."
A bronze head of Henderson was unveiled in the Conservatorium's foyer on May 26. That evening, he was also honored, with his wife, Margaret, at a special concert for his relatives and other Conservatorium benefactors.