A $1.1 million war chest of donations from rich benefactors and ordinary people helped independent Zali Steggall topple Tony Abbott at the federal election.

Wealthy donors to Steggall's pro-climate action campaign included Southern Cross Star Group founder Neil Balnaves, who gave $20,000, businessman and environmental philanthropist Rob Purves and his doctor sister Sandra, who gave $104,000 between them, Beauty Point businesswoman Anna Josephson, with a donation of $57,725, and Sally Perini, the director of a not-for-profit promoting renewable-energy vehicles and equipment, who gave $20,000.

Clockwise from left: Zali Steggall and key supporters Neil Balnaves, Anna Josephson, Robe Purves and Sally Perini.

The donations will be published by the Australian Electoral Commission on Monday, as part of the election disclosure returns for independent candidates.

Annual disclosure returns for the political parties are not published until February 3 next year.