Background
The Sir Edward Dunlop Medical Research Foundation an initiative of Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the RSL, Legacy and other service organizations, commenced via a meeting of a working party at the Repatriation General Hospital Heidelberg on 14 August 11985. Convened by the then Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Veterans Affairs Mr John Peck in the presence of Sir Edward Dunlop who agreed to be Patron, the committee comprised:
Mr D De Marchi – Chairman,
Mr G McCauley – Treasurer (War Widows Guild)
Mr B Everingham-Public Relations
Maj Gen S McDonald (TPI)
Mr C Harry (RSL)
Mr D O’Shea (DVA)
The Foundation became a public company on 5 May 1987 and the first meeting of the Incorporated body was Chaired by Sir Bernard Callinan AC ,CBE,DSO, MC on 4 June 1987. Sir Bernard retired due to ill health in 1992 and in 1994, Mr Dino De Marchi the Vice chairman was elected chairman of the Foundation. In that year Sir Arvi Parbo AC also became the Foundation’s Patron. At the request of Sir Arvi, his Excellency Major General Michael Jeffrey AC, CVO, MC (Retd) became the Patron in Chief of the Foundation. Sir Arvi retired in 2007 and Mr Hugh Morgan AC, a colleague of Sir Arvi who had spoken of the fine work of the foundation to him, gracefully accepted the role.
Objectives
The Foundation’s objectives are very broad and encompass the pursuit and undertaking of all things necessary for, or tending toward or likely to promote, the maintenance and improvement of the medical and health care and general welfare of veterans and their dependants, whether in sickness or in health. Towards this objective it funds medical research into ailments that afflict veterans and their families. Over the years it has provided over $3,000,000 to such research projects and has also expanded its role to include remembrance, education and commemoration.
For the last six years, in its education stream, it has conducted Symposia which promote the exchange and dissemination of ideas and research findings between Departments and Universities.
The Foundation has contributed to the funding of a Chair of medicine at the University of Melbourne named after it; and is engaged in a school’s project to disseminate the ANZAC spirit and the qualities of Weary Dunlop into secondary schools.
Composition
The Board of the Foundation is entirely composed of volunteer directors most are nominated by Ex Service organizations and fulfil various roles within the foundation. It has a Medical Research Committee (approved by the Health Department), a PR Committee and a Finance committee also composed exclusively of volunteers. Three part time projects officers were engaged until very recently, but currently only two are engaged together with a part time bookkeeper.
To reduce overheads the Board dispensed with the position of an executive officer two years ago and as a result the Chairman has fulfilled this role, pro bono with the assistance of the project officers, who are based at his legal office from where the Foundation has been administered. The financial aspects are dealt with by the bookkeeper and Treasurer at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital.
Future Direction
The Board is in the process of re-examining its operations to promote among the members of the Foundation and those in any manner associated with it a sense of pride and achievement; and to encourage at every opportunity, enthusiasm, creative thinking, imagination, forward planning, and practical useful action (original objectives of the working Party).
They are currently seeking additional space and resources from the Repatriation Hospital Heidelberg and the Board has appointed a steering committee to oversee its operation, future requirements and governance issues.
The Foundation's
Schools project, the placing of the book ‘Weary an Australian Hero’ in every secondary school is progressing. The Foundation has recently conducted a most successful commemoration of the life of Sir Edward Dunlop, and his POWs at the site of his statue. This is an annual event on Sir Edward’s birthday the 12th July. The Board is also planning a project entitled: ‘Little Acorns’ , wherein it is proposed to select and promote young talented researchers to be sponsored by corporations in association with the Foundation and guide them in their careers with sponsorship counselling and mentoring .Silver Jubilee Function at Government House
The function was designed to say thank you to supporters for contributing to the Foundation’s achievements so far, encourage new organizations and supporters to bond together, participate in existing programs and develop future activities, and extending the Foundation nationally to develop:
a. The appeal
b. The book project;
c. The little acorns project;
d. The Symposium; and
e. Commemorations.
This was an opportunity for the Foundation to reflect National aspirations and to bring on board supporters with fresh ideas, new developments and bring them into effect. The Foundation is looking to seek the support of a National Organization for mentoring and support and to launch this national expression.
Conclusion
Founded by , Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop the Foundation continues his lifetime work of support and recognition of those many thousands Australians who have sacrificed themselves for the nation.
Dino De Marchi RFD KSJ FRSA
Chairman
