2007-2008 Report from the Chairman

Felicity Barr 

It is with pleasure and pride that I once again pick up my pen to acknowledge the completion of another successful year in the development of the ANZAC Research Institute. It has been a very challenging year and the success which the Institute’s scientists have achieved under the fine leadership of the Director, Professor David Handelsman is a tribute to their dedication and commitment to outstanding research. I know all members of the Board of the ANZAC Health and Medical Research Foundation join with me in congratulating Prof Handelsman and the Institute’s scientists on their achievements, including the very impressive list of international publications, awards and competitive grants you will see elsewhere in this report.

The Institute was founded as a cooperative initiative of the Commonwealth and NSW State Governments, with strong support from the University of Sydney and Concord Repatriation General Hospital. Those entities have continued to provide strong support as the Institute enters the next phase of its development. The Board was very grateful to receive funding support from the University to enable the Institute to take the opportunity to expand its premises as part of the development of the Bernie Banton Centre. The Institute will occupy the top floor of the Centre which has been built to house the Asbestos Disease Research Institute. This much needed expansion of the ANZAC laboratories will allow continued growth in research, giving the opportunity to offer laboratory space to outstanding scientists whose work will contribute to the Institute’s reputation. The support of our landlord, the Sydney South West Area Health Service, during the building of the new Centre has been excellent and is very much appreciated.

The year has brought many funding difficulties, especially in ensuring the protection of research funds in the adverse investment climate, and in maintaining income to sustain the operation of the Institute buildings and operations. The Board has noted with concern indications of reduced infrastructure funding from government which may exacerbate these difficulties. I expect 2008-09 will be another challenging year, especially as we will need to find extra funds to support the opening and operation of the new laboratories.

 On behalf of the Board I would like to close by thanking the Director and his administrative team, especially Julie Taranto, Annet Doss and Tracey Dent for support to the Board. I would also like to thank my Deputy Chair, Danny O’Connor, the members of the Finance Committee Mrs Eve Bosak and Prof David Cook for their efforts in this difficult year and to pay tribute to all members of the Board for their commitment to the future of the ANZAC Institute.

Felicity Barr
Chairman