In December 2019, I joined the Institute from Western Sydney University, where I held senior philanthropy and fundraising roles since 2013, including Executive Director, Advancement from 2015 to 2019.

I am an accomplished philanthropy and marketing-communications executive, with more than 25 years’ professional experience and a versatile skill set. I bring insight from sectors including higher education, mental health, homelessness, domestic violence, disability, finance, building and construction, and private enterprise. I have presented at Asia Pacific CASE conferences and in 2019 held a faculty position at the CASE Asia Pacific Institute in Educational Fundraising. I will return to the CASE Institute in 2020.

I love fundraising and philanthropy, connecting passionate and committed supporters with the Institute’s incredibly talented and inspiring researchers. I enjoy stimulating collective thought, identifying new opportunities and developing a ‘culture of philanthropy’, which are paramount to building strong relationships and ultimately, strong philanthropic support. 

Philanthropy and fundraising at the Institute

I am delighted to be leading the strategy and activity for philanthropy and fundraising at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute. Given the Institute was established more than 100 years ago thanks to a philanthropic gift, the respect for donors and their contributions is deeply embedded in the culture of the Institute. 

The philanthropy strategy aims to ensure that a strong culture of giving advances the Institute’s research agendas. The Fundraising Team makes sure that donors have the chance to support research that is important and relevant to them, and that they are kept up to date on developments. 

We encourage supporters be an active part of the Institute’s success. Donors are welcome to meet the researchers, visit the Institute and ask questions about progress. It is the generosity of donors that enables the Institute to pursue ambitious ideas, support promising young researchers and invest in vital new technology.