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Telephone: 0418 932 798 |
ABN 26 201 855 9000
Incorporation A1006 501W
DGR 900 452 141
What is the Val Lishman Health Research Foundation Inc?
The Val Lishman Health Research Foundation Inc is a community driven volunteer organisation that promotes health research in the South West region of Western Australia. The Foundation is independent, incorporated and does not receive direct government financial support. Donations made to the Foundation are tax-deductible. Foundation Members, drawn from donors and other supporters across the South West, elect a volunteer Board of Management.
The vision of the Foundation is to promote health research that will provide significant health gain for people in the South West region of Western Australia.
The Foundation aims to be respected as the leader of community driven regional health research. The Foundation plays a brokerage role in initiating research by establishing research priorities, initiating specific research, soliciting community and industry support, identifying key researchers, and coordinating finance.
The Val Lishman Health Research Foundation Inc is innovative and pioneering, as there is no similar community based research organisation in Australia. This is the first time that funds have been raised and deployed in a rural area for direct community benefit through health research. The Foundation will provide a role model for other communities.
How did the Foundation start?
The vision for the Foundation emerged from a group of individuals from Rotary International, local community members and health professionals in 1997. An Inaugural Board commissioned feasibility studies, provided a constitution, established legal incorporation, and obtained ATO tax-deductibility for contributions. Management passed to a nominated Board in 1998. Substantial gifts from Rotary International, St John of God Health Care System, Millennium Inorganic Chemicals, Home Building Society and private donations financed this phase.
How is research promoted?
For major research projects, the Foundation may act as a broker and build partnerships to make research possible. The Foundation identifies practical health research needed in the South West. The Foundation invites capable researchers to design high quality research projects (this may involve the provision of funding for preparation of a formal research proposal). The Foundation has a Scientific Review Panel to ensure the quality and relevance of research proposals. The research proposal is then used to build financial support through stakeholders, private and community donations, and from external grants.
For smaller research projects costing $5000 or less, the Foundation invites researchers to submit an application for funding. Proposal Guidelines for applicants are available on this website.
Why conduct health research in the South West?
- Local research provides answers for local health problems, and builds a healthier and more self-reliant community.
- Health research is a world-wide industry. We are developing and supporting the establishment of a new South West research industry through organisation, training and employment.
- Health research attracts and retains high quality health professionals to the region. This in turn underpins industry confidence in local investment.
- Employment and economic dividends:
- by keeping research donations within the local community.
- by attracting external grants
Why is it the "Val Lishman" Health Research Foundation Inc?
In 1965, Dr Val Lishman, a surgeon,became the first medical specialist to work in the South West of Western Australia. The Foundation is guided by his example of selfless service.
For the first twelve years, Val was 'on call' twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. He served community hospitals throughout the South West with essential care in all surgical specialities. In health promotion, Val set a personal example with his active involvement in long-distance swimming, cross country running and marathons. Val helped initiate a Sports Fitness Assessment Centre at Hay Park, the South West Games, and the Bunbury City to Surf Fun Run.
Val retired in 1997 and lives in Bunbury. He assists his wife Jean with Riding for the Disabled and served the community until 2006 by relieving remote area surgeons and filling service gaps in the North of Western Australia. Val teaches and examines trainees in Emergency Medicine on behalf of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Val was awarded the AM in 1993, and the Rotary International Paul Harris award in 1997. Even in retirement, Dr Val Lishman continues to live a remarkable life.
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