ARH Annual Report 2012-2013

Page 1

AUSTRALIAN

ROTARY HEALTH ANNUAL REPORT

2012-2013 ANNUAL REPORT 2011-2012

SUPPORTING HEALTHIER MINDS, BODIES AND COMMUNITIES THROUGH RESEARCH, AWARENESS and EDUCatION


Annual Report 2012-2013

Australian Rotary Health

CONTENTS

Australian Rotary Health, supporting healthier minds, bodies and communities through research, awareness and education.

Chairman’s Report

2

CEO’s Report

4

Financial Report

7

Our Board of Directors

9

Our Research Committee

11

Awards & Companions

12

01. FUNDRAISING AND EVENTS 2012 Events 2013 Events National Symposium for the Prevention of Mental Disorders

13 14 15

02. MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH PostDoctoral Fellowships Mental Health Research Grants Ian Scott PhD Scholarships Mental Health SERVICE Provision Pilot Projects - young Australians

18 19 20 22 24 25

03. GENERAL HEALTH RESEARCH Research Companion PhD Scholarships Funding Partner Research Grants Funding Partner PhD Scholarships BowelScan PhD Scholarships Special Research Grants

26 27 28 29 32 33

04. PROGRAMS Indigenous Health Scholarships Rural Medical Scholarships Rural Nursing Scholarships

34 35 37 38

Our Supporters

40

WHO WE ARE Australian Rotary Health is one of the largest independent funders of mental health research within Australia. In addition to funding mental health research, we provide funding into a broad range of general health areas, provide scholarships for rural medical and nursing students, as well as Indigenous health students. We also promote good mental health to all Australians. Australian Rotary Health has a broad vision of health. We are a catalyst for projects that improve the quality of life for people who are least able to assist themselves.

WHAT WE DO Established in 1981 by Rotarian Ian Scott, Australian Rotary Health

17

was set up to research the mystery of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Australian Rotary Health has since provided over $31 million of funds into a broad range of health and medical research areas, as a result of our generous supporters. Since 2000, our focus has been to improve the mental health of all Australians, particularly the mental health of young Australians aged up to 25 years old. Australian Rotary Health assists Indigenous and rural communities through the provision of medical and nursing scholarships to students studying health care.

OUR MISSION Our mission is to create better health for all Australians through improved education and advancements in knowledge through medical research. We support excellence in research in an effort to provide both preventative and curative solutions for a broad range of health conditions.

Photo by Fabian Kreilans

1


Australian Rotary Health

Annual Report 2012-2013

Chairman’s report

welcomed our new Research Chairman, Professor Ron Rapee, to the chair and Ron brings with him vast experience in our current field of Mental Health of Young Australians ­ from ages zero to 25 in our

As I write my second report as Chairman of this

PDG Peter Williams assisted the Board by standing in to fill a casual

wonderful program of Rotary in Australia, I cannot

vacancy ­ thanks to Peter for his support.

endeavours for the health betterment of ALL Australians. Special thanks also to our Honorary Medical Advisor Professor

believe where the last year has gone. As such, it is no surprise that I have many acknowledgements

At the Annual General Meeting in November 2013 we will say good

Michael Sawyer and our Honorary Treasurer Ron Beslich for your

and thanks to highlight.

bye and thank you to ARH Vice Chairman PDG Don Whatham and PDG

years of selfless commitment to our program.

Patrick Hartley. They have been highly valued and we thank them I wish to extend our deepest thanks to all the clubs, Districts and

deeply for their efforts in service.

The Board agreed to the allocation of $300,000 for research into prevention, and to commence an initial $50,000 for a pilot program

varying supporters for their ongoing commitment to Australian Rotary Health (ARH) for another year. Likewise, I am thankful to our

DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES

of forums discussing Mental Illness Prevention. These forums will aim

District Governors for their continuing support and encouragement.

The training of our District Representatives has been progressing very

to determine best practices, and upon conclusion ARH will seek

well with most areas having conducted team training either as a single

federal funding to roll it out Australia­wide.

THE BOARD

group or as a multi­District event. The Board extends its thanks to Vice

I am pleased to report that all Board Members have worked

Chairman PDG Don Whatham for the implementation of the training

STAFF

tirelessly and diligently to ensure that ARH is managed with good

guide booklet used. We continue to refine the process of better

Once again a sincere heartfelt vote of thanks to our dedicated team

governance at all times. It also is a sad time as we farewell some of

preparing our District Representatives for their valued roles as the

in the office at Parramatta who provide assistance to all Board

our Directors who are retiring by rotation after having served YOU,

club and/or District liaisons.

Members, Districts, clubs and our many donors. They have the tools

the Rotarians of Australia, in the 2012­2013 Rotary and financial

NEIL FOGARTY, JOE WEHBE, Don Stein, ARH Chairman Terry Grant & Garry Brown at the ARH Golf Day,

necessary to keep you all appraised of the regular goings­on of the

Once again I say thank you to our Chief Executive Officer, Joy Gillett,

RESEARCH

programs we undertake. Without their dedication and commitment

for her total dedication to Australian Rotary Health ­ you make our

To our retiring Research Committee Chairman, Professor Tony Jorm,

to ARH we would not be able to enjoy the level of success and

roles so much easier.

We farewelled PDG Peter Kaye at the 2012 Annual General Meeting,

we thank you for your initiative of the Symposium you convened in

recognition we currently do, especially with the programs you run and

and welcomed PDG Jeff Crofts. PDG Harold Sharp has also departed

Canberra with over 30 of the nation’s leading researchers to

the multi­District events you host, such as: Golf Days, Hat Day events,

THE FUTURE OF ARH

in August, 2013 due to personal commitments ­ we thank them both

determine a course for future research programs in Australia. The

Race Days, the Christmas Dinner and our newest venture; The Parra­

The first three months of our current Rotary and financial year have

for their valued input and service to Rotary. As PDG Harold resigned,

overwhelming outcome was the “Prevention of mental disorders”. We

Amble.

seen a lot of activity as we roll out our "relaunch" of ARH. We have

year.

been fortunate enough to have the wonderful support of State and Thank you to all the Directors for their efforts and those particularly

Territory senior officials and have already seen a reception held at

of our Corporate Manager, Terry Davies, who makes these events a

Government House, Darwin with The Hon Administrator Sally Thomas

success.

in July and at Government House in Perth with His Excellency and Mrs McCusker in September.

A reception at Government House in

Through the year we welcomed our newest staff member, Michelle

Adelaide is scheduled in December. Functions are being held where

Nicholas, to the role of Research Administration Manager, she is doing

we invite local government officials, corporate entities and Rotarians

a great job. She replaces Kelly Anne Martinez who left for Cairns and

to celebrate the works undertaken by ARH over the past 32 years.

new opportunities and we wish Kelly Anne the very best and thank

This is to foster closer relationships between all parties and promote

her for her dedicated service. Michelle joins Steff Fenton who is doing

Rotary and our programs.

a wonderful job with PR and communications.

CONCLUSIONS Our successful Indigenous Health Scholarship program continues to

In closing, we look forward to another year of growth as we head into

grow from strength to strength throughout Australia as ARH continues

the 2013­2014 Rotary and financial year. This will only be possible

to be the successful recipient of grants from the Federal Government

with your continued support as we aim to increase our funding to

­ congratulations Cheryl Deguara, Programs Coordinator.

allow for the allocation of more research grants and ensure that ARH maintains its position as the largest independent organisation

Officer Manager, Jenny Towe, must be thanked for her efficient

DG Brian and Sue Martin from D9810, ADO President Rowan Thomas, ARH Chairman Terry Grant, Eileen and DG John Gatt from D9790

undertaking mental health research.

management of the office and the monthly figures to keep us all on track of our progress.

Terry Grant Chairman

2

3


Australian Rotary Health

Annual Report 2012-2013

CEO’s REPORT 2012­2013 was a successful year for Australian Rotary Health. Australian Rotary Health organized many events including Golf Days, Race Days, dinners and we were the beneficiary for funds raised at bike rides, canoe rides, walks, runs, lawn mower rides, the Parra­Amble and the Perth Ramble, teddy bear picnics, trivia nights and many, many more events and occasions. Thank You Australia for your support! HAT DAY A highlight of the year was the decision of the board to encompass Hat Day as a major activity of Australian Rotary Health. Hat Day would

Genesys Wealth Advisors Cameron Pereira, Gordon Campbell and Dominic Mulcahy with ARH Chairman Terry Grant and ARH CEO Joy Gillett.

be held as a national fund­raising day on Mental Health day (in October each year) and the day would be promoted not just to Rotary Clubs but to the general public, businesses and government entities

Governor­General joins our three Rotary Patrons, Past Presidents of

throughout Australia. Hat Day will also appear on the government

Rotary International Sir Clem Renouf AM, Royce Abbey AO, DCM and

proclaimed national “calendar” each year as the day to raise funds

Glen Kinross AO.

for mental health research through Australian Rotary Health.

FINANCIAL CHALLENGES

Health. Your support is truly appreciated and we will continue in

member of the committee.

Australian Rotary Health has had a pleasing year with support from

our endeavours to be a wonderful example of community service in

The members of the Research Committee are always willing to assist

Rotary Clubs and Rotarians continuing to be strong. We are very

Rotary and to keep Australian Rotary Health in the forefront as a

and we are very grateful to their commitment.

grateful to the many clubs and individuals who make Australian

provider of research funds and health awareness in Australia.

Hat Day will shine the light on Mental Health Research. PATRON

Throughout the year, several members of the Research Committee

Rotary Health a regular beneficiary of their donations. Our donor recognition program continues to gain numbers and to

resigned for various reasons and we thank them individually for their

Financial support from the Commonwealth Department of Health

the very special people who are our Friends and Companions, we

efforts and assistance, some over many years.

& Ageing was received for the Indigenous Scholarships program

thank you.

The Governor­General of Australia, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, CVO continues to be a Patron of Australian Rotary Health. The

ARH CEO Joy Gillett and ARH Director Barney Koo presenting Louisa Degenhardt with a plaque for her newly awarded Mental Health Research Grant

All mental health research grants and scholarships awarded by

which continues to grow both in size and in interest from Rotarians, government, corporations and the general public.

AUSTRALIAN ROTARY HEALTH – DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES

Australian Rotary Health are reviewed and recommended by the

AND COMMITTEES

Research Committee.

Our investment returns were very much improved, meeting budget

Our hard working volunteers continue promoting Australian Rotary

expectations and allowing increased funding to our programs. The

Health by encouraging support from clubs and Rotarians ­ the efforts

SYMPOSIUM

demand from researchers, scholars and programs applying to

of Rotary volunteers are vital to our success.

In May 2013 the board of Australian Rotary Health requested Professor Tony Jorm to convene a “Symposium” titled “Prevention

Australian Rotary Health for funding continues to outweigh available

Past ARH Chairmen gather at the 2012 ARH AGM (left to right) Terry Edwards, Noel Trevaskis, Dianna Boag, RI Director John Boag, past ARH chairmen Bruce Edwards and Ian Oliver, ARH CEO Joy Gillett and current ARH Chairman Terry Grant.

4

funds so every effort is being made to increase both our investment

ROTARY AMBASSADORS

of Mental Disorders across the Lifespan: Setting New Directions for

return and donations. Substantial savings have continued to be

Our strong band of Ambassadors continues to promote Australian

Research and Implementation”. The Symposium was attended by

made in administration, marketing and other expenses during the

Rotary Health at every opportunity and we are grateful for their

Australia’s leading researchers and mental health clinicians and

past twelve months.

commitment and dedication to our programs.

focussed on Prevention.

SUPPORTERS OF AUSTRALIAN ROTARY HEALTH

RESEARCH COMMITTEE

The Symposium generated excellent media coverage thanks to the

To the many people who work tirelessly for Australian Rotary Health

Professor Ron Rapee of Macquarie University accepted the position

efforts of Professor Rob Morrison, our media advisor and Steff

– Rotarians and non­Rotarians – thank you.

of Chairman of the Research Committee – in January 2013.

Fenton our in­house media officer, and led to articles in the Medical

Professor Rapee took the place of Professor Tony Jorm of the

Journal of Australia and other prestigious journals. Following the

We are very fortunate to have many special supporters who make

University of Melbourne who held the position for three years and

Symposium, the board agreed to invest an additional $350,000 in

regular donations – both in money and in kind – to Australian Rotary

fortunately for Australian Rotary Health, has agreed to remain a

research into Prevention of Mental Health Disorders.

5


Australian Rotary Health

Annual Report 2012-2013

STAFF

Board, has continued to provide advice and input to our research

The efforts of all members of staff are truly appreciated and I would

and health programs. Michael’s involvement over many, many

like to thank them for helping make Australian Rotary Health such a

years is of great value to Australian Rotary Health.

FINANCIAL REPORT

wonderful organisation. Honorary Treasurer Ron Beslich remains in that position by CURRENT STAFF:

invitation of the Board. His enthusiasm for Australian Rotary Health

Terry Davies – Corporate Manager

remains strong and his questioning and challenging of procedures

Jenny Towe – Office Manager

and practice is appreciated by all board members. I would like to

Cheryl Deguara – Programs Coordinator

thank Ron for his assistance with all governance matters and his

Michelle Nicholas – Research Administration Manager (replacing

general guidance in these areas. I also appreciate Ron’s mentoring

Kelly Anne Martinez who resigned July 2012)

role and his advice freely given is always constructive and

Stephanie Fenton ­ Media and Communications Officer

appreciated.

Alis Alexander – Office assistant (part time) Dick White – Special Events. Although not a permanent or “paid”

And finally, Australian Rotary Health Chairman Terry Grant, who has

member or staff, Dick has become an important part of Australian

concluded his second year as Chairman.

Rotary Health and I am both grateful for, and admiring of, his 100%

background and wide Rotary knowledge and experience he leads

commitment.

Australian Rotary Health with enthusiasm, commitment

With his business and

The audited Statement of Accounts of Australian Rotary Health (a company

dedication.

limited by guarantee) is circulated to Members for adoption at the Annual General Meeting.

HONORARY RESEARCH ADVISER

Joy Gillett OAM

During the financial year there were no significant changes in the state of affairs of the company.

Professor Michael Sawyer, as Honorary Medical Advisor to the

Chief Executive Officer

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, HONORARY TREASURER AND

Some financial features for the 2012­2013 year are summarised as follows: Total Revenue

$4,263,275

Total Expenses

$2,545,558

Total Surplus

$1,717,717

The financial result of $1,717,717 exceeds the Board’s adopted budget of $36,672 surplus which is attributable to an 18% combined return and increase in market value on investments. Donation revenue from our Rotary Clubs, Rotarians and supporters of $1,945,169 was again magnificent.

Current Assets Cash assets Receivables Other financial assets Other

2013 $ 798,998 51,950 12,430,288 25,608

2012 $ 862,629 385,934 10,848,291 36,203

Total Current Assets

13,306,844

12,133,057

Non-Current Assets Other financial assets Property, Plant & Equipment Intangible Assets

­­ 48,332 ­­

64,463 37,695 1,500

Total Non­Current Assets

48,332

103,658

13,355,176

12,236,715

Total Assets

Front Row from left: Joy Gillett, Alis Alexandra, Cheryl Deguara, Terry Davies, Back Row from Left: Jenny Towe, Steff Fenton, Michelle Nicholas.

6

CONTINUED OVERPAGE

7


Australian Rotary Health

Annual Report 2012-2013

OUR BOARD of DIRECTORs Current Liabilities Payables Provisions Annual & Long Service Leave Total Current Liabilities Total Liabilities Net Assets

920,590 147,997 1,068,587 1,068,587 12,286,589

1,534,476 133,367 1,667,843 1,667,843 10,568,872

Accumulated Funds Retained surplus Total Accumulated Funds

12,286,589 12,286,589

10,568,872 10,568,872

4,263,275

3,024,817

(1,197,176) (323,161) (378,886) (646,338)

(1,891,808) (305,843) (271,321) (639.780)

1,717,717

83,935

2013 $ 71,181 73,304 63,566 66,117 97,223 18,489 57,240 35,546 11,794 73,086 53,525 168,060 97,072 28,053 44,710 153,116 37,437 44,563 62,343 120,949 92,752 47,926 215,493 1,733,545 208,124 3,500 1,945,169 17,725 ­­ 241,000 940 1,373,803 616,819 69,053 (1,234) 4,263,275

2012 $ 36,987 46,497 73,139 62,386 148,552 20,840 108,161 41,235 16,831 89,254 231,625 221,132 113,540 29,317 53,557 169,859 63,884 41,989 80,573 175,376 70,852 28,871 213,146 2,137,603 198,763 11,375 2,347,741 19,424 121,045 270,000 1,115 (426,079) 638,151 51,537 1,883 3,024,817

Revenue from Ordinary Activities Less Expenditure Grants & Programs Marketing expense Indigenous Scholarship grants Other expenses – includes administration, programs, meetings & board expenses Surplus/Loss From Ordinary Activities Operating Revenue: Revenue from Donations: District 9455 District 9465 District 9500 District 9520 District 9550 District 9570 District 9600 District 9630 District 9640 District 9650 District 9670 District 9680 District 9690 District 9700 District 9710 District 9750 District 9780 District 9790 District 9800 District 9810 District 9820 District 9830 Individual Donations Club Donations – Indigenous Scholarships Cancer Australia partnership Interest/dividend– non­related party Revenue from government grant – MHFA Revenue from government grants ­ Indigenous Membership Fees Realised & unrealised losses on market value of investments Trust distributions reinvested Imputation Credits Profit on sale of assets

8

CHAIRMAN: TERRY GRANT Director of following companies: Grant Family Pty Ltd, Grant Property Pty Ltd, Grant Assets Pty Ltd, T&G Super Pty Ltd, Altaire Servicing Pty Ltd and All Services Pty Ltd, North Queensland Fire Services Pty Ltd Joined the Rotary Club of Sunbury, Vic, 1989 – current member. Past Governor of District 9790. South Pacific Regional Coordinator of Rotary International 2006­2010. Director of Australian Rotary Health since November 2007.

Vice Chairman: Don Whatham Worked previously as a Teacher and High School Principal with NSW Department of Education. Joined the Rotary Club of Leeton, NSW, in 1985. Current member of the Rotary Club of Nelson Bay, NSW. Past Governor of District 9670. Currently District Chair – Youth Committee. Mentor for the Science and Engineering Challenge. Director of Australian Rotary Health since November 2008.

Phil Cordery Still working in the building industry as a Ceiling Contractor. Joined the Rotary Club of Gosnells, WA in 1991. Current Member of the Rotary Club of Bentley Curtin, WA. Past Governor of District 9470 [now D9465]. Chairman of two District programs. Paul Harris Fellow with three sapphires. Director of Australian Rotary Health since November 2011.

Jeff Crofts BE, MEngSc Worked previously as a Civil Engineer with national and international engineering consultants, specialising in the fields of Water Supply and Sewerage. Joined the Rotary Club of Cairns Mulgrave, Qld. in 1988 – Past President and current member. Past Governor of District 9550. Past District Youth Exchange Chair, Foundation Chair, District Trainer, PR Chair and Council on Legislation Representative. Current District 9550 Timor­Leste Project Coordinator, District Vision Facilitation Chair, Master PRLS Trainer. Past Secretary of Rotary Youth Exchange Australia. Past Director and Chairman of Australian Rotarians Corporate Alliance Program (ARCAP). Past member, Australian New Generations Committee. Director of Australian Rotary Health since November 2012.

John Egan B.ED, PPA Worked previously in family photographic business. Joined the Rotary Club of Wollundry, Wagga Wagga in 1984 – current member Past President of the Rotary Club of Wollundry, NSW. Past Governor of District 9700. Chairman of Board of Directors District 9700. Public Relations Chairman 9700, Membership Committee Chairman. Director of Australian Rotary Health since November 2011.

Patrick Hartley MSc, PhD Worked previously as a senior executive in the Synthetic Fibre Industry. Joined the Rotary Club of Lilydale, VIC, in 1986 – current member. Past Governor of District 9810. Chairman of several District Committees for District 9810. Multiple Paul Harris Fellow. Director of Australian Rotary Health since November 2010.

9


Australian Rotary Health

OUR BOARD of DIRECTORs

Annual Report 2012-2013

OUR RESEARCH COMMITTEE

Peter Kaye

CHAIRMAN: Professor Ronald M. Rapee

Worked previously as an insurance broker. Joined the Rotary Club of Mundingburra, Qld., 1965 – current member. Longest serving member of the Rotary Club of Mundingburra, Qld. Currently RYEA Insurance Officer. Past Chair National Insurance Committee. Past Governor of District 9550. Recipient of Rotary International’s ‘Service Above Self Award’. Director of Australian Rotary Health November 2009 ­ December 2012.

Barney Koo MA (Hons), PhD Worked previously in senior corporate management and part­time teaching at the University of Western Sydney. Joined the Rotary Club of Sydney, NSW, in 1992. Current member of the Rotary Club of Sydney CBD, NSW. Past Governor of District 9750. Rotary Foundation Major Donor. Australian Rotary Health Diamond Companion. Director of Australian Rotary Health since November 2010.

Russ O’Malley Worked previously in sales and sales management (life insurance and real estate). Joined the Rotary Club of Rockhampton, Qld, 1980. Past President of the Rotary Club of Ross River, Qld. Past President and current member of the Rotary Club of Ashgrove/The Gap, Qld. Past Governor of District 9600. District Committee member for 30 consecutive years in areas including Youth Exchange, Membership Development, The Rotary Foundation and Aitape Rehabilitation. Recipient of the Citation for Meritorious Service & District Service Award from The Rotary Foundation. Director of Australian Rotary Health since November 2010.

Harold Sharp Worked previously for not for profit organisations, predominately in fundraising and consultancy. Joined the Rotary Club of Bondi Junction, NSW, 1977. Current member of the Rotary Club of Crow’s Nest, NSW. Past Governor of District 9680. Facilitator of the world’s first Wheelchair Group Study Exchange. Recipient of Rotary International’s ‘Service Above Self Award’. Director of Australian Rotary Health March 2011 ­ August 2013.

Dick Wilson MBBS, DObstRCOG, FRACGP, FACRRM Works as a General Practitioner­ Rural from 1973 to 1985; Urban from 1986 to present. Senior Medical Adviser at Avant. Joined the Rotary Club of Strathalbyn, SA in 1974 – past President. Past President and current member of the Rotary Club of Stirling, SA. District Governor Nominee of District 9520. District Committee member of Polio Plus, GSE and MedicAlert. Past Team Leader of GSE to Philadelphia. Past Chair of District 9520. Past Regional Co­ordinator and Regional Director. Director of Australian Rotary Health since November 2011.

10

BSc (Psych), MSc (Psych), PhD, AM and FASSA Psychology NSW

MEMBERS:

MEMBERS: Associate Professor Jordana Bayer

Associate Professor David Pierce

BA (Hons), MPsych (Clinical), PhD Psychology VIC

MBBS, MGPP, MMed, MD, FRACGP, FAAPM GP VIC

Associate Professor Peter Butterworth

Professor Jane Pirkis

BA (Hons), PhD Psychiatric Epidemiology ACT

BA (Hons), MPsych, MAppEpid, PhD Psychology VIC

Professor Stanley Catts

Associate Professor Clare Roberts

FRANZCP, MD, MBBS Psychiatry QLD

BA (Hons), Mpsych, PhD Psychology WA

Associate Professor Melissa Green

Associate Professor Meg Smith OAM FAPsS

BA, MLitt, PhD Psychology NSW

BA (Hons), M.Psychol, PhD, MAPS Psychology NSW

Professor Tony Jorm BA, M.Psychol, GDipComp, PhD, DSc, FASSA Psychology VIC

11


Australian Rotary Health

01. FUNDRAISING & EVENTS

AWARDS THE AUSTRALIAN ROTARY HEALTH MEDAL

DICK WHITE AUSTRALIAN ROTARY HEALTH DISTRICT

The Australian Rotary Health Medal is awarded by the Board of

ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Directors and is one of the highest awards of meritorious service.

In honour of Past Australian Rotary Health Director PDG Dick White, The

Congratulations to PP Rob Henry who received The Medal for his

District Achievement Award acknowledges significant District

tireless leadership efforts of District 9810’s ‘Ride for Research $$$s’.

achievements. In 2012 District 9550 received The Award for their

In 27 years, Ride for Research Dollars has raised almost $900,000 for

continued success in organising the Banish the Black Dog Ride. D9550,

Australian Rotary Health.

and particularly the Rotary Club of Townsville Central, Qld. have raised over $180,000 for mental health research projects since the inaugural

The fundraising initiatives of Rotarians and individuals in Australia are the driving force behind the donation we receive and therefore the research and programs we fund.

BtBD Ride in May, 2009.

Rob Henry and wife Valerie with ARH Chairman Terry Grant

D9550 PDG Brendan Porter, ARH Chairman Terry Grant and DG Ian Lomas

NEW COMPANIONS Cliff Hoare from the Rotary

Emil Weber from the Rotary

Club of Dural, NSW was

Club of Caringbah, NSW

presented as an Emerald

presented

Companion at the 2012

Companion by ARH Director

Christmas Dinner by ARH CEO

Barney Koo for his generous

Joy Gillett and ARH Director

support of our research and

Barney Koo. Cliff has always

programs.

as

a

Ruby

been a generous supporter of Australian Rotary Health both financially and in service.

Keith Henning from the Rotary Don Stein, member of the Rotary Club

Club of Parramatta City, NSW

of Winston Hills, NSW, was named an

was this year named a

Emerald Companion this year. He

Diamond

continues to be involved in a number

Donations from the Henning

of the Australian Rotary Health

Family are used to fund a

Corporate

Golf

Days,

including

sponsorship of the Hole in One green at the Annual Corporate Golf Day at Riverside Oaks Golf Course, NSW.

12

Companion.

number of scholarships which

Emerald Companion Don Stein, Diamond Companion Keith Henning, MIKE Cuming, John Surian and David Ross.

include research into suicide, depression and Alzheimer’s disease.

Thank you to all those who raised funds for Australian Rotary Health this year. Without your generous support we would not be able to achieve what we do.


Annual Report 2012-2013

Australian Rotary Health

2012 EVENTS

2013 EVENTS

Australian Doctors Orchestra 20th Anniversary Concert - September 16, 2012

Annual Christmas Dinner – December 3, 2012

ARH Photography Competition – January 25 (Australia Day) to April 26 (ANZAC Day), 2013

Friends, staff, Scholars, supporters, Directors, Researchers and the

Australian Rotary Health launched their inaugural photography

“We were very happy with the submissions in both the adult and

The Australian Doctors Orchestra is a group of over 600 medical

like celebrated the achievements of Australian Rotary Health

competition this year to help promote themselves to the public. As

youth categories,” Cheryl Deguara, Program Coordinator at Australian

professionals from around Australia who play one concert together

during 2012 at the Annual Christmas Dinner. Dr John Yu AC,

Rotarians and researchers have come to know Australian Rotary Health

Rotary Health said. “We are excited to be running the Photography

each year and donate their proceeds to a medical charity. In

distinguished paediatrics doctor and 1996 Australian of the Year,

for their work in providing grants and scholarships for mental health and

Competition again next year, launching on Australia Day.”

September 2012 they celebrated their 20th Anniversary with a special

was guest speaker for the evening. A number of PhD Scholars and

other health research, has the public known us for this work as well? The

concert held at Melbourne Town Hall, Vic. Acclaimed violinist, Natsuko

Researchers were presented with plaques and spoke about their

theme, ‘Supporting healthier minds, bodies and communities through

PEOPLES CHOICE WINNER (picture below left)

Yoshimoto, performed with the ADO and almost $6,000 was donated

novel findings. Prominent Companions, including Maisie Grady,

research, awareness and education’, was chosen to allow people to be

Monique Pitchford­Brown

to Australian Rotary Health.

Cliff Hoare and Dick Smith, were also brought to the stage to

creative, as well as look into what Australian Rotary Health does. Prizes

The importance of fresh water

acknowledge their generous support. The evening was an

were donated by generous sponsors the Rotary Club of Menai, Australian

enjoyable, relaxed time for all those involved with Australian

Photography+Digital Magazine, iSUBSCRIBE and SmallBusiness Essentials.

Rotary Health to meet and catch up.

Hat Day - October 12, 2012 2012 was the first year Australian Rotary Health celebrated Hat Day in October to coincide with Mental Health Week. Members of the public wore hats to acknowledge that research is critical to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health and vital to finding its preventions and cures. An influx of events were registered around Australia including morning tea parties, family barbeques, individual hat parades and Rotary dinners ­ thank you to all Rotary

1ST PLACE ADULT WINNER (pictured above)

1ST PLACE YOUTH WINNER

clubs, individuals and organisations who hosted a Hat Day during October ­ a total

Choo Beng Chew

Connor Russell

of $78,000 was raised from events held in Australia.

Tai Chi the way to achieve healthy lifestyle

Jumping for Joy—Health and Happiness

2ND PLACE ADULT WINNER (pictured top right)

2ND PLACE YOUTH WINNER

Hat Day also broke the Guinness World Record™ for the most paper hats worn in

Tyler Thieson

India Martin Cogger

one place when 817 people attended the official celebrations at Melbourne’s City

Supporting Development: Birth to Community

Monkeying Around

Square. A number of organisations collaborated with Australian Rotary Health to

3RD PLACE ADULT WINNER

3RD PLACE YOUTH WINNER

host the event and its success must be attributed to the support they received. The

Fabian Kreilaus

Jack Collings

Millinery Association of Australia was especially significant in generating crowd

Researcher Freezing Cells

Exercising in the Surf

support with their hat parade performed by Dancentre. Future Hat Days will use a new logo and target support from workplaces, as well as Rotary Clubs and

Ride to the Other Side – February 16-27, 2013

individuals. For more information visit www.hatday.com.au

Craig Alford and the Rotary Club of Armadale in Western Australia have completed the 2nd part of their journey around Australia on a Hustler Super Z ride­on lawn mower. The team drove 2,176km in 12 days from Kalgoorlie to Adelaide raising $65,000 with proceeds donated to

Perth Rotary Ramble – October 21, 2012

Australian Rotary Health.

The Rotary Ramble is run by the Rotary Club of Mill Point, WA and described as Perth’s very own treasure hunt crossed with the ‘Amazing Race’. In its second year,

D9820 Ride to Conference – February 17-22, 2013

there were new questions, wackier challenges and over 60 checkpoints to visit.

This is an annual 600km ride attracting approximately 55 cyclists who aim to

Teams of 2­6 people had a map and a mobile phone to move from checkpoint to

raise a minimum of $65,000 for Rotary projects. It began 12 years ago as an

checkpoint and tackle challenges, riddles and puzzles. They visited some of Perth’s

initiative of Roy Knudsen and a small group of bicycle riding Rotarians. The

quirkiest hidden locations as well as its best known landmarks.

Ride has rapidly grown in popularity and fundraising success. After riding through various parts of Victoria, riders were this year greeted by the Mayor

This year was their most successful year yet with 4,000 participants and $150,000

of Geelong, Vic. upon arrival. Australian Rotary Health benefited $21,000 from

raised with part proceeds going to Australian Rotary Health.

the event.

14

15


Australian Rotary Health

Annual Report 2012-2013

2013 EVENTS Ride for Research $$$s – March 17-22, 2013

Banish the Black Dog Ride - May 18-19, 2013

District 9810 ran a ‘Homeward Bound Tour’ this year for their Ride for

Members of the Rotary Club of Townsville Central, Qld. are

Research $$$s. 40 riders completed the ride from Wangaratta to

passionate about assisting those who suffer from mental health

Boronia in Victoria where Rotary Clubs in each town welcomed the

conditions. They have been running the Banish the Black Dog

cyclists for overnight stays and lunch stop­overs. A ‘good will scroll’

Charity Bike Ride for five years now. Participants in May 2013 rode

was signed by local Officials along the way and presented to the

from Townsville to the Ayr Showground, where they camped

Mayor of the Shire of Yarra Ranges upon completion. Approximately

overnight and returned to Townsville the next day. The ride is

$37,000 was raised this year.

approximately 260km, raising $68,000.

National Symposium for the Prevention of Mental Disorders

Parra-Amble – May 19, 2013 Inspired by the Rotary Club of Mill Point’s Rotary Ramble and hosted by the Rotary Club of Parramatta City, the inaugural Parra­Amble was a fun day out for all participants. Teams were dressed in colourful costumes and made their way around 20 checkpoints completing quirky tasks within Parramatta CBD.

The Alliance for the Prevention of Mental Disorders at the Symposium in Canberra

$13,722 was raised at The Amble which owes success to the sixteen local Rotary Clubs who had members volunteer as Checkpoint Marshalls, registrars, photographers and more; Blackheath, The Hills / Kellyville, St Marys, Penrith Valley,

Australian Rotary Health has been the catalyst for two significant

effective approaches and to assess the long­term impacts of

Holroyd, Kincumber, Dural, Carlingford, Winston Hills, Sydney CBD, Hurstville,

events that have highlighted the need to focus on the prevention of

preventive interventions. Evidence showed:

Haberfield, Chatswood Sunrise, Blacktown, and Terrigal. Special mention must also

mental disorders in Australia. In May, they hosted a national

go to major sponsors Parramatta City Council, V By Crown and the local businesses

symposium entitled ‘Prevention of Mental Disorders across the

who donated prizes and infrastructure.

Lifespan: Setting New Directions for Research and Implementation’ which brought together Australia’s top experts on the prevention

Tour de Norfolk Plains

of

Chris Brown, bike ride organiser and member of the Rotary Club of Launceston West,

prevention and guide the future funding priorities of Australian

Tas. has revamped the ‘Ride to the Rotary Tasmania District 9830 Conference’ calling

Rotary Health.

mental

disorders. It was used to showcase evidence for

it ‘Tour De Norfolk Plains’. The ride was also successfully shifted to the Sunday

• parenting interventions can prevent mental health problems in children; • school­based programs can prevent anxiety and depression in adolescents; • cognitive behaviour therapy­based programs can prevent depression and anxiety in tertiary students; • interventions targeting job stress can prevent depression in adults;

morning and opened to the public. 89 participants started the 63km long course,

At the symposium, the Alliance for the Prevention of Mental Disorders

including a contingent from the Rotary Club of Central Launceston and 45 completed

(http://apmd.org.au) was established by a group of researchers

the shorter 23km ride.

working in mental disorder prevention. The Alliance aims to: advocate

and • psychosocial interventions may prevent depression in older people.

for funding for prevention research and for the translation of evidence A number of riders wore yellow jerseys to support Australian Rotary Health, made

into policy and practice; facilitate research and encourage new

Australian Rotary Health has committed new funding in 2014 for

possible by their generous sponsors. Tasmanian Tour de France rider, Richie Porte,

researchers; facilitate knowledge translation; and build partnerships

further research in prevention and is proposing to work with Rotary

also donated a signed jersey that he wore in the 2012 Tour de France winning BSkyB

with other disciplines and organisations with common aims.

clubs nationally to run community forums to inform Australians of

team; $12,500 benefited Australian Rotary Health.

Corporate Golf Days: GOLF FOR RESEARCH AT TWIN CREEKS GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, NSW – NOVEMBER 23, 2012 AUSTRALIAN ROTARY HEALTH CORPORATE GOLF DAY AT RIVERSIDE OAKS GOLF COURSE, NSW – MAY 7, 2013

what they can do for personal prevention. Combined with the The Australian Government has focused support for clinical services

establishment of the Alliance for the Prevention of Mental Disorders,

for mental disorders which has improved access to treatment.

these events offer significant opportunities to make progress in the

However, there is no evidence that they have improved mental health

area of mental health prevention.

in Australia and the prevalence of mental disorders appears unchanged.

Australian Rotary Health hosts a number of charity golf events each year to attract regular corporate sponsorship. These Ambrose events

*This story was based on an article written by Professor Tony Jorm entitled ‘Preventing mental disorders: the time is right’ which

usually involve activities such as Hole In One, Closest to the Pin, and Beat the Pro where players can win a range of prizes including a car. Golf

Evidence presented at the Australian Rotary Health symposium

appeared in the Medical Journal of Australia

for Research also involves a trivia challenge run through­out the day where sponsors learn about mental health in Australia and the importance

suggests that prevention of mental disorders across the lifespan is

https://www.mja.com.au/insight/2013/40/mental­health­vital­all­

of investing in research. Australian Rotary Health raised $20,000 from golf days held this financial year.

possible. However more research is needed to establish the most

health.

16

17


Annual Report 2012-2013

02. Mental Health RESEARCH Australian Rotary Health has supported five funding programs in the area of mental health research aimed at finding preventions, treatments and cures for mental illnesses; two recently finished programs and three current programs.

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS Postdoctoral Fellowships are available to early career researchers to facilitate research into the field of mental health. They provide researchers with an annual salary of $75,000 for up to three years while they complete their projects. Three fellowships have been named in honour of the first three Chairmen of Australian Rotary Health; The Royce Abbey Postdoctoral Fellowship, The Geoffrey Betts Postdoctoral Fellowship and The Colin Dodds Postdoctoral Fellowship. Each Australian Rotary Health Postdoctoral Fellowship is valued at $225,000 (over three years). Dr. Maree Abbott

significant reductions in their symptoms from pre to post treatment,”

Royce Abbey Postdoctoral Fellowship “Assessing the effectiveness of mindfulness training in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder” Macquarie University, NSW 2003­2005, $180,000

Dr. Abbott said. “It has provided two validated and successful

ANXIOUS SUFFERERS FINALLY TREATED

“The reduction in both life interference for sufferers and health care

After 16 years of ineffective treatment programs, Dr. Abbott has

costs for the community are direct results of our successful treatment

developed and trialed two treatments that have significantly reduced

interventions,” Dr. Abbott said. “We are hopeful that these

symptoms for people with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). It was

interventions can be applied on a wider scale to improve the suffering

one of the largest trials in the world for GAD patients, involving 100

and impact caused by Generalized Anxiety Disorder.”

treatments for GAD for health professionals.” Results from the trial have been published in a book by Dr. Abbott, disseminated to key health professionals and implemented into a number of specialist treatment units.

participants over a 3 year period. Prior to the project, approximately 50% of patients saw little to no improvement in their anxiety symptoms using existing treatments.

Figure 1: Shows the severity of General Anxiety Disorder for participants at different stages of treatment and those in the waitlist.

Two treatment programs were trialed:

8

excessively to develop realistic thinking skills and challenge negative beliefs that maintain their worrying. They also learnt to face feared situations in a gradual step­by­step way. Mindfulness Training – taught participants attention training skills to

GAD Severity

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – taught people who worry 6 Waitlist

4

CBT MFT

2

Current: Postdoctoral Fellowships Mental Health Research Grants Ian Scott PhD Scholarships

bring their attention back to their present experience, rather than

present experiences.

2013 Grant Recipients DR MONIQUE ROBINSON

Recently Finished: Mental Health Service provision Pilot projects young australians

Participants were assessed using questionnaires and interviews –

Colin Dodds Postdoctoral Fellowship

before treatment, after treatment and 6 months post treatment.

“Early life influences on child and adolescent mental health

worrying about the possibility of a negative event happening in the

0 Pre

Post

Follow -up

future. Clients were introduced to a range of meditation exercises to help them practice awareness skills and refocus their attention on

problems: A life course approach to prevention and intervention” “The two active treatments showed comparable change with Photo by Fabian Kreilans

Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, WA 2011­2013

19


Australian Rotary Health

Annual Report 2012-2013

Mental health Research Grants Mental Health Research Grants are awarded annually for a one, two or three year period. They are used to fund researchers undertaking research focusing on the mental health of young Australians up to 25 years. In 2013, Australian Rotary Health funded 9 Mental Health Grants totaling $362,555.75 Dr Nicola Reavely

Dr. Delyse Hutchinson

Professor Tony Jorm & Associate Professor Eion Killackey “Guidelines for tertiary education institutions on how to support students with mental health problems” The University of Melbourne, Vic. 2011, $60,500

Professor Richard Mattick, Professor Stephen Allsop, Professor Ann Sanson, Dr. Lucy Burns “Impact of parental substance use on family functioning and child development in an Australian Birth Cohort of 2,000 families: Pilot study proposal for the Wave III follow­up of Preschoolers” National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre / The University of New South Wales, NSW 2012, $76,100

NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH GUIDELINES FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION A research team at the University of Melbourne has developed

Professor Helen Christensen

A/PROF ANTHONY HARRIS

Dr. Kathleen Griffiths, Ms. Julia Reynolds, Ms. Kylie Bennett “Living with deadly thoughts: Reducing suicidal thoughts through a web­based self­help intervention” Black Dog Institute, NSW 2012, $74,098

Mr William Gye & Dr. Marie Antoinette Redoblado Hodge “Does cognitive remediation improve employment prospects for people with a mental illness returning to work?” University of Sydney, NSW $18,564.72

DR. KRISTEN LAURENS Dr. Elizabeth Maloney & Dr. Melissa Green

guidelines for tertiary education institutions on how to support students

WEBSITE TO REDUCE SUICIDE

“Identifying targets and timing for early intervention: A NSW

Australian Rotary Health has funded a pilot project to build an online

population record­linkage study to detect childhood indicators of

self­help website aimed at reducing suicidal thoughts. 2.3% of

risk for mental illness”

Australian adults report having suicidal thoughts, equating to

University of New South Wales, NSW $55,694.10

approximately 400,000 people, with 2,500 people dying each year by suicide. A significant proportion of people thinking about suicide do

DR CHRISTOPHER LEE

not seek help. This research was built on the premise that providing

Professor Peter Drummond, Professor Arnoud Arntz &

anonymous help via the Internet might overcome some of the barriers

Assistant Professor Joan Farrell

to help­seeking and explored the feasibility of providing web­based

“Multi­site randomized controlled trial of group schema therapy for

self­help to suicidal people across Australia.

borderline personality disorder” Murdoch University, WA $20,993.48

Researchers built an online program consisting of the self­help program

AUSTRALIANS STILL UNINFORMED ABOUT ALCOHOL DURING PREGNANCY

aimed at reducing suicidal thoughts, along with a number of configurable

PROFESSOR RICHARD MATTICK

in tertiary education is also the age of peak onset for mental health

research functions to enable future, larger­scale trials. The website was

Professor Jackob Najman, A/Prof Kypros Kypri,

problems. With over 50% of young Australians in tertiary education,

A study involving 2,000 families will finally provide clear information

visited by over 1,200 people, indicating a high level of community interest,

Dr. Tim Slade, Dr. Laura Vogl, Dr. Delyse Hutchinson &

improving support for them in this critical period of their lives has the

about the implications of low/moderate to excessive substance use

with four ending up as participants in the pilot study.

Dr. Raimondo Bruno

potential to bring lifelong benefits to a significant number of Australians.

during pregnancy. Researchers were funded by Australian Rotary

with mental health problems. The age at which most young people are

“Young people, drinking, and the parental supply of alcohol: A

Health to conduct a pilot study of 60 families and have successfully

The program established during the pilot has attracted further funding

longitudinal cohort study”

Prior to the study, there were no nationally recognised guidelines for

received government funding to conduct one of the most widespread

and is now being used to conduct a large randomized controlled trial.

National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South

tertiary education institutions and policies were developed individually.

studies in this area. The Triple B Study (Bumps, Babies and Beyond)

If outcomes are positive, it is envisaged that this program will be made

Wales, NSW $44,969.08

It is hoped that the guidelines will be used to inform practice and policy

will be the first large­scale Australian birth cohort study to rigorously

available to all interested Australians within the next six years.

development in both vocational education (TAFE) and higher education

monitor substance use patterns in women and their partners from

institutions.

early in pregnancy to when their child is three years old.

JEANNETTE MILGROM 2013 Grant Recipients DR. SARAH BENDALL

Dr. Charlene Schembri “Young people, drinking, and the parental supply of alcohol: A

“The guidelines, which are based on consensus between health

Researchers identified the need to develop a broader knowledge base

Professor Henry Jackson, Dr Mario Alvarez­Jimenez,

longitudinal cohort study”

professionals and consumers (in this case students with experience of

of substance use during pregnancy and its implications on child

A/Prof Eoin Killackey & Professor Patrick McGorry

Austin Health, Vic. $76,737.08

mental health problems), provide guidance on how to facilitate

development

“Cognitive behavioural treatment for PTSD in young people with

improved educational outcomes for students with a mental illness,” Dr.

recommending women drink no alcohol during pregnancy have been

first episode psychosis: A randomized controlled trial of an

JEANNETTE MILGROM

Nicola Reavely said. “It is hoped that they will be of practical benefit to

criticised due to a lack of adequate research to support guidance. A

intervention within the Australian service delivery model”

Dr. Charlene Schembri

all such institutions.”

recent National Drug Strategy Household Survey indicated that 1 in 2

University of Melbourne, Vic. $76,923

“Does treating maternal antenatal depression and anxiety prevent

and

family

functioning.

Current

guidelines

adverse infant neurodevelopmental outcomes?”

mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy, 1 in 5 smoked cigarettes and “They can be drawn on by professionals and workers from a wide array

1 in 20 used some kind of illicit drug.

PROFESSOR LOUISE DEGENHARDT

Austin Health, Vic. $26,322.36

Professor George Patton, Professor Wayne Hall, Dr. Wendy Swift &

of organisations including disability support units, counseling services Improved understanding of the effects of mid to long­term parental

Dr. Christina O’Loughlin

DR. HELEN STALLMAN

substance use on children and families will be used to direct

“The relationship between alcohol use and mental disorders from

Dr. James Bennett­Levy, Professor David Kavanagh &

The guidelines were launched at the 2011 National Tertiary Student

community­based interventions and health policy in Australia (e.g.

adolescence to young adulthood­longitudinal analyses from a

Dr Cameron Hurst

Mental Health summit. They have been made freely available to all

early intervention campaigns aimed at educating parents). Findings

large Australian cohort study”

“A randomized trial of a low intensity intervention model within a

Australian tertiary education institutions and were sent by mail to all

will be disseminated to researchers, educators, clinicians, the general

Burnet Institute, Vic. $38,456

university health service to improve the mental health of students”

Australian Universities and TAFEs.

public, policy makers and others.

and youth mental health services.”

20

University of Queensland, Qld. $3,895.93

21


Australian Rotary Health

Annual Report 2012-2013

IAN SCOTT PHD SCHOLARSHIPS

“It is likely that rather than there being specific dysfunctions, there is

development process which involved significant input from clients,

involvement of a larger functional network associated with general

caregivers and clinician experts. Results of the testing were positive.

attention and cognitive processes,” Dr. Silk said.

In 2000, the Ian Scott PhD Scholarship was created to honour and recognize the founder of Australian Rotary Health. The late Ian Scott (1933-2001) had a broad vision to better the health of all Australians, beginning with the cause and prevention of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Ian Scott PhD Scholarships are awarded annually for up to 3.5 years, to the value of $29,000, for scholars researching a chosen area of mental health. This year a total of 12 Ian Scott PhD Scholarships were awarded, totaling $348,000.

“By empowering young people to make evidence­based and preference­

Dr. Magenta Bender Simmons

sensitive decisions, we hope they will be more likely to seek help and stay

“Treatment decision­making for young people diagnosed with depressive disorders” The University of Melbourne, Vic. 2008­2011

engaged with the health service they are attending,” Dr. Simmons said. This study has also demonstrated that young people, on the whole, do want to be involved in making decisions about their own mental health

Dr. Sylvia Kauer “An investigation of an early intervention mobile phone self­monitoring program for adolescents” University of Melbourne, Vic. 2008­2011

EMPOWERING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DEPRESSION TO MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT THEIR TREATMENT

care. Their levels of desired involvement varied for individuals and varied

A decision aid has been developed to help young people diagnosed with

“A key recommendation is that young people should be asked explicitly

moderate to severe depression to make informed and individually

about how involved they wish to be in making decisions about

appropriate decisions about the treatment they receive. It presents

treatment.”

over time.

evidence­based treatment options consistent with Clinical Practice

MENTAL HEALTH SELF HELP, THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT

Guidelines and invites young people to think about their preferences and

The decision aid is being further developed and evaluated and will be

values relevant to treatment choices. It went through a rigorous

made freely available to all Australians when complete.

Dr. Sylvia Kauer has introduced the first self­monitoring program in the world to run on a mobile phone. Mobiletype was a mobile application

2013 Scholarship Recipients

that young people used to self­monitor their mood, daily activities and stressful experiences. It took about 2 minutes to complete and

PAUL ANDERSON

“Managing depression within low vision

“The development of an effective response

reminded participants to complete the program four times a day. The

University of Melbourne, Vic.

rehabilitation services: the effectiveness of

for the management of suicidality in primary

program was piloted with high school students and then a clinical trial

“Gamma frequency oscillations and the

integrating an evidence­based therapy

care for patients with depressive symptoms”

was conducted through primary care. It was the first study to explore

NMDA receptor hypofunction hypothesis of

‘Problem­solving therapy for primary care’

schizophrenia: Exploring functional

on depression, quality of life and service

CARMEL SIVARATNAM

disconnects in psychosis”

utilization in those with low vision”

Monash University, Vic.

and evaluate the use of mobile phones and self­monitoring to assist young people with mental health problems throughout Victoria.

One of the mobile phones used in Dr. Sylvia Kauer’s mobiletype study

“Environmental and biological factors

JESSICA ANDREWS

ANIKA MARTIN

influencing everyday social interaction

who completed the mobile self­monitoring program had an increase in

Dr. Tim Silk

University of Wollongong, NSW

National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre, NSW

impairments in young children with autism

emotional self­awareness which was related to a decrease in depressive

“An fMRI investigation into the fronto­ parietal brain function in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)” Monash University, Vic. 2006

“Lingo­1 signalling pathway: an emergent

“Do depression and anxiety complicate the

and children with traumatic developmental

role in schizophrenia pathophysiology”

risks and treatment outcomes for individuals

experiences”

“Our study showed that young people with mild or more symptoms

symptoms,” Dr. Kauer said. Results have shown that electronic devices can be effectively used in

with chronic pain?”

ANNIE BRENNAN

ASHLEY SKILLETER

Brain Dynamics Centre, NSW

NATALIE MATOSIN

Neuroscience Research Centre, NSW

UNDERSTANDING ADHD

“Cognition in first episode psychosis:

University of Wollongong, NSW

“Can adjunctive treatment with raloxifene

Findings from this project have enhanced the current understanding of

Mapping relationships between task

“Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 in the

reverse schizophrenia­related deficits in brain

The program provides GPs with information about a young person’s

the neural networks involved in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

performance, brain changes and symptoms”

pathology and treatment of schizophrenia”

activity?”

daily activities and may be used to detect early signs of mental health

(ADHD), and have the potential to be used to develop better therapeutic

problems such as elevated negative mood, stress and cause of stress,

outcomes for ADHD sufferers.

ROSE CHESWORTH

CLARE MCCORMACK

BEN SMITH

general practice settings, and may provide a useful framework for first­ step care in depression ­ low­cost, quick and easy to use.

Florey Neuroscience Institute, Vic.

National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre,

University of Sydney, NSW

Dr. Silk examined the brain network which underpins key cognitive

“The role of the metabotropic glutamate 5

NSW

“Understanding the psychosocial impact of

problems in ADHD. In his project, he discovered that ADHD appears to

and adenosine 2A receptors in

“Impacts of prenatal alcohol and drug

surviving testicular cancer”

“Today, apps on phones and monitoring programs exist for various

involve dysfunction in a larger network of brain regions than was

methamphetamine addiction”

exposure on infant cognitive development”

health and mental health concerns,” Dr. Kauer said. “I believe the

previously understood. A relatively new MRI method known as Diffusion

mobiletype program had a little something to do with this

Tensor Imaging was used to pin­point structural and functional differences

EDITH HOLLOWAY

AVES MIDDLETON

“Redox biology and autism”

advancement.

in all regions of the brain and connections between brain regions.

University of Melbourne, Vic.

University of Melbourne, Vic.

University of Melbourne, Vic.

isolation from peers, diet, exercise and other risk factors. Accurate information can be provided to GPs almost immediately.

22

KRISTI-ANN VILLAGONZALO

23


Australian Rotary Health

Annual Report 2012-2013

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE PROVISION

PILOT PROJECTS - young AUSTRALIANS

From 2007 to 2009 Australian Rotary Health funded 20 research grants to conduct evaluation studies on mental health care services in rural and urban settings. These tested the relevance and effectiveness of each service, to ensure mental health facilities were providing the highest quality of care. Dr. Frances O’Callaghan Professor Peter Creed & Professor Melanie Zimmer­Gembeck Griffith University, Vic. 2007­2008

MOTIVATING DRUG USERS TO SUCCESS: GOLD COAST DRUG COUNCIL

across the north­eastern metropolitan catchment of Melbourne, Vic. Result 1:

Behaviour problems were significantly reduced, and social & academic competence improved.

Aim 2:

Young people are at the greatest risk of suffering mental health problems, as the prevalence of mental disorders declines with age. To combat this, in 2010 Australian Rotary Health funded 10 pilot research projects to focus research into the mental health of young Australians. These programs allowed researchers to gather enough data to make their research eligible for further funding. Ten grants were awarded in 2010 totalling $292,292. Dr. Naomi Wray

changes in sleep patterns precede an onset of depression in the

Dr. Grant W Montgomery, Professor Bernhard Baune & Dr. Margaret Wright “Genetic variation of pro­inflammatory markers and their association with depression in adolescence” Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Qld. $35,000

teenage years, and whether these changes are related to puberty.

Tested two different parenting programs – Triple P,

Data was collected using urine and blood samples, as well as questionnaires. Real time assessments of mood using text messaging worked well and was liked by participants. Data gathering is still ongoing and will be published in the near future.

an emotion­focused program.

NEW TREATMENT APPROACH FOR DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENTS

The pilot study was primarily used to test and tailor methods for a larger

Both were proven effective, but each program was more

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between levels of

longitudinal study. Researchers have been successful in acquiring

mental health conditions. Motivational Interviewing is a counseling

effective with specific types of children – this information

cytokine proteins which regulate responses to infection, immune

further funding, and are now undertaking the ‘ARCHER study’ of

technique which aims to increase motivation and commitment to

will be used in future implementations of each program.

responses, inflammation, and trauma ­ and levels of depression in

adolescent development in rural New South Wales.

a behavioural parenting program or Tuning in to Kids,

This study examined the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing in the treatment of chronic substance users also suffering co­occurring

Result 2:

change. Staff at the Gold Coast Drug Council, Queensland were trained in Motivational Interviewing, which they integrated into drug and

adolescents. Cytokines had previously been shown to have an affect on Aim 3:

alcohol rehabilitation for chronic substance users also suffering co­ occurring mental health conditions.

Result 3:

Evaluated the effectiveness of the CASEA to enhance

depression in adults, however, there has been a lack of research involving

Dr. Robert Tait

collaboration between schools and CAMHS.

adolescent participants. In the present study, twins and siblings were

These relationships are enhanced and the initiative sees

tested using blood samples at ages 12, 14 and 16 for levels of cytokines.

Professor Helen Christensen Development of materials for a web­based intervention targeting adolescent alcohol use Australian National University, ACT $34,895

children more easily and more effectively looked after. Results showed that clients who received this approach were more motivated towards treatment, more likely to successfully complete the treatment program and demonstrated more positive and stronger treatment outcomes.

Dr. Sophie HaVIghurst Dr. Emma Frankling & Dr. Robyn Stargatt University of Melbourne, Vic. 2009­2010 $ 100,136

Preliminary results showed that the role of cytokines in depression in

Professor Jeanette Milgrom

adults and adolescents varied. This has allowed researchers to successfully gain funding for a larger, more encompassing study.

HELPING TEENAGERS TACKLE ALCOHOLISM

Dr. Charlene Schembri Austin Medical Research Foundation, Vic. 2007­2009 $163,060

Increased understanding of the role of cytokines in adolescent

The primary objective of this pilot project was to develop materials for

depression may lead to improved outcomes in the treatment of

an online alcohol intervention for adolescents, with a particular focus on

adolescent depression.

binge consumption.

BEATING THE BLUES BEFORE BIRTH

Professor Philip Hazell

Researchers used qualitative methods to examine the use of alcohol

This study sought to evaluate the ‘Beating the Blues before Birth’

Karen Paxton, Dr. Chin Moi Chow, Professor Katharine Steinbeck & Dr. Catherine Hawke Rotary District 9650 Youth Depression Grant “Sleep, puberty and depression” Thomas Walker Hospital, NSW $16,500

consumption by adolescents aged 16­17 years to explore the reasons

program which aimed to reduce depression during pregnancy (antenatal depression), anxiety during depression, as well as helping

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR ANTI­SOCIAL KIDS IN VICTORIA

women to recruit more social support. The treatment was tested in a

The CASEA (Child and Adolescent Schools Early Action) is a Victorian

setting, which achieved high success rates.

group therapy setting ­ proving successful ­ and in an individual therapy

Government initiative to intervene early with children at risk of later

behind alcohol use, as well as the potential influences in reducing alcohol consumption. 110 participants were recruited ­ 39 males and 71 females. The reasons participants gave for binge drinking were generally reactive. For example, participants listed stress related to school, exams, and family and relationships as reasons to binge drink. Interestingly, some

developing antisocial behaviour. It aims to reduce the frequency and

Following the ‘Beating the Blues before Birth’ individual therapy

GOOD SLEEP, GOOD MOOD

participants commented that in some ways they are encouraged to binge

severity of disruptive behaviour in young children and enhance the

program, participants reported significantly lower depression and

The Sleep, Puberty and Depression study aimed to follow 40

drink due to the expense of pre­mixed drinks. The findings of this study

collaboration between CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health

anxiety scores, and significantly higher levels of social support.

adolescents for 9 months and gather data about their sleeping patterns,

will now be used as part of a larger project (Centre for Cooperative

Service) and the Education sector. The research was threefold:

Depression scores were reduced from severe to mild, and anxiety

pubertal stage and mental health. Researchers studied the interaction

Research) that is in the process of developing a “virtual school clinic” to

levels dropped from moderate to mild. This was one of the first studies

between puberty hormones, environmental influences, and physical

provide interventions for mental health problems in young people of

to focus on the prevention of mental disorders during pregnancy.

and mental health. Their primary aim was to test whether specific

which alcohol use is a major contributory factor.

Aim 1:

24

Tested the services in a randomised control group

25


Annual Report 2012-2013

03. GENERAL HEALTH RESEARCH Each year Australian Rotary Health partners with a range of businesses, community organisations, Rotary clubs, Rotary Districts, individual sponsors and Governments to fund Research Grants and PhD Scholarships. These projects encompass a broad range of general health areas including cancer, heart disease, children’s health, motor neuron disease, diabetes and more.

RESEARCH COMPANION PHD SCHOLARSHIPS Australian Rotary Health offers Research Companion Scholarships to PhD students completing their research in any health area over a three year period. They are named after the sponsors who choose the health area and fund the PhD project. This year, Australian Rotary Health is funding four Research Companion PhD Scholarships totalling $116,000. Dr. Anna Devlin Bartolina Peluso Scholarship “Investigating Fitness to Drive in Older Drivers with Cognitive Impairment” Deakin University, Vic. 2010­2013

KEEPING OLDER DRIVERS SAFE ON THE ROADS It is important for the community and the government to identify drivers who may be unsafe, and to keep them driving safely. This project aimed to determine whether drivers with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), a memory problem that occurs in older age, have any difficulties driving through intersections and to investigate

Driving Simulator used in Dr. Devlin’s study

whether these drivers avoided certain driving situations.

Research Companion PhD Scholarships

“By understanding how older drivers negotiate intersections and

2013 Scholarship Recipients KELLY BAIRD

what aspects they find most challenging, we can help to develop

The Terry Beslich PhD Scholarship

driver training programs and fitness to drive assessments with the

“Through the eyes of the child: The impact of parenting programs

ultimate aim of keeping older drivers safe and on the road longer,”

on vulnerable young children”

Dr. Devlin said.

Macquarie University, NSW

Initial evidence suggested that drivers with MCI were less likely to

SIAN MCLEAN

stop at stop­sign intersections, and also less likely to stop at critical

The Lorraine and Bruce McKenzie PhD Scholarship

light change intersections. In comparison to older adult drivers

“Sociocultural and peer related factors in body image in adolescent

without memory problems , those with MCI demonstrated a greater

girls: Implications for prevention”

number of right foot hesitations between the accelerator and the

La Trobe University, Vic

brake, and engaged in higher risk braking patterns.

STEPHANIE SHEPHEARD

Funding Partner Research Grants FundIng Partner PhD Scholarships

This preliminary research will be useful as a foundation for larger

Neville & Jeanne York PhD Scholarship

studies into the area of at­risk driving. Telephone interviews

“p75NTR as a biomarker for disease progression in the Motor

conducted during the study indicated that older drivers would

Neuron Disease mouse model SOD1 G93A”

benefit from more support as they near the end of their driving life

Flinders University, SA

and programs for transitional support would be helpful.

MONIKA WADOWLOWSKI

BowelScan PhD Scholarships

“Driving is an integral part of independence and therefore it is

Whitcroft Family PhD Scholarship

important to keep older drivers driving safely for as long as

“Parental modelling & supply of alcohol: Does this improve or

possible.”

worsen drinking outcomes in young Australians?” National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre, NSW

Special Research Grants

Photo by India Martin­Cogger

27


Australian Rotary Health

Annual Report 2012-2013

FUNDING PARTNER RESEARCH GRANTS

FUNDING PARTNER PHD SCHOLARSHIPS

From 2004 to 2010, Rotary clubs, Rotary Districts and other funding partners joined with Australian Rotary Health to fund research into a nominated health area. Funding Partner Research Grants were awarded to established researchers from a diverse range of specialty health areas.

Funding Partner PhD Scholarships, established in 2002, are funded by three parties: a Rotary Club or District, a University and Australian Rotary Health. They provide Rotarians with an opportunity to contribute to research in an area that is of particular or personal interest to them.

A total of 32 Funding Partner Research Grants were awarded from 2004 to 2010.

Funding Partner PhD Scholarships have supported research in a range of health areas including cancer, heart disease, neurological disorders and children’s health. Scholars receive a tax free stipend of up to $29,000 per year while completing a research project relevant to their area of expertise.

Dr. Seanna Gall Professor Alison Venn, Professor George Patton, Dr. Kristy Sanderson “A 25­year longitudinal study examining the influence of childhood school engagement on the mental health of young Australians” Menzies Research Institute, University of Tasmania, TAS 2012, $47,387

This past year Australian Rotary Health has funded 31 Funding Partner PhD Scholarships to the total of $899,000.

DON’T LIKE SCHOOL? THAT COULD AFFECT YOUR MENTAL HEALTH Researchers in this study analysed the association between school engagement, measured in childhood, and mental disorders measured in adulthood, up to 25 years later. School engagement was measured using items on how much a child liked school and how often they were bored. Mental health was assessed using the World Health Organization's Composite International Diagnostic Interview. 1,804 participants had complete data for both school engagement in 1985 and adulthood mental health, in 2004­2006.

Funds for Dr. Gall’s research were raised by Sally Fletcher, Emerald Companion for ARH, through ‘Sally’s Ride – Tamar Valley Cycle Challenge’ which attracts approximately 500 cyclists each year. Sally featured on the cover of the Launceston White and Yellow Pages for her fundraising for youth suicide

Dr. Rebecca Sheean

Dr. Stephen Dowdell

Margaret Roberts Scholarship Rotary Club of Bendigo South, University of Melbourne & Australian Rotary Health “The interaction between brain glutamate transporters and cytoskeletal proteins” The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Vic. 2007­2010

Riverside Clubs, University of Wollongong & Australian Rotary Health “Proton radiotherapy for brain tumours” University of Wollongong, NSW 2008­2010

NEW TREATMENT APPROACH FOR MND

Proton radiotherapy, also known as Proton Therapy, is one of the

Changing the shape of particular cells in the brain and nervous

most advanced radiotherapy treatments currently available. It is

system may be a potential focus for treatment for Motor Neuron

becoming ever­increasingly popular worldwide, but is not currently

Disease (MND). Glial cells keep neurons healthy by converting toxic

available in Australia. Proton therapy differs from other radiotherapy

protein (glutamate), taken from the space surrounding neurons, to

treatments, as it uses protons to kill cancer cells rather than x­rays.

non toxic protein (glutamine), using transporters called EAATs.

Protons allow the dose to be delivered precisely to the tumour,

ADVANCED CANCER THERAPY APPROVED FOR USE IN AUSTRALIA

whilst exposing healthy tissue to lower doses than is possible using In MND there is a significant decrease in the number of EAATs in glial

x­ray techniques.

Dr. John Kwok

The genes Microtubule associated protein Tau (MAPT) and glycogen

cells which means there is less uptake of glutamate from the space

Professor Peter Schofield & Dr. Clement Loy “The role of genetic contributions in the presentation of psychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease” Prince of Wales Medical Research Institute, NSW 2007, $27,000

synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3B) were examined because researchers

surrounding neurons, exposing them to higher contents of toxic

Dr. Stephen Dowdell’s study was two­fold:

had suspected their role in increasing the risk of psychosis in patients

molecules. Dr. Sheean looked at regulating the EAATs in glial cells in

1. Investigate the efficacy of proton radiotherapy to inform the

with Bipolar Disorder.

order to promote the protection of neurons from injury and toxins.

debate for its introduction into Australia. 2. Study the benefits of ‘pencil beam scanning’, a newer and more

Results showed that individuals who inherited two copies of a specific

The study showed that by changing the structure of the glial cells,

variant of the Tau gene, known as the H1 haplotype, suffer from more

EAATs were less active and fewer toxins were being converted. Dr.

severe psychosis than individuals who only have one or no copies of

Sheean reversed this effect and showed that the cells could return

Results:

this genetic variant.

to regular activity.

1. The study showed that proton radiotherapy reduced the exposure

REDUCING PSYCHOSIS IN DEMENTIA

advanced method of proton radiotherapy.

of radiotherapy to normal tissue, allowing a clinician to accurately

Dr. Kwok has uncovered a potential cause of psychosis within

Dr Kwok has previously shown that the H1 haplotype is associated

Current MND drug treatments work by blocking excess toxic

target the tumour, with reduced risk of harming the healthy tissue

dementia. The role of two genes was examined to see whether they

with higher levels of the tau protein. These results can also be used

glutamate. Findings from this project highlight the importance of

around it.

increased psychotic symptoms or not. 42 patients with dementia

in the design of therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing the level of

the shape of glial cells in regulating glutamate clearance. They

which involved psychotic symptoms were tested.

tau protein for people with dementia and serve also as important

identify a potential target for protecting motor neurons against

preliminary data for future studies of psychosis in dementia.

toxicity and ultimately reducing the effects of MND.

28

“This thesis demonstrates the potential usefulness of proton CONTINUED OVERPAGE

29


Australian Rotary Health

Annual Report 2012-2013

radiotherapy and provides additional evidence for the adoption of

BIANCA BORCHIN

ANTHONY ESPINOZA

BEVAN MAIN

metalloproteinases in diabetic would

this technology in Australia,” Dr. Dowdell said.

Rotary Club of Bondi Junction, NSW

Rotary Club of Dural and Penrith Valley, NSW

Ron Fallaw Memorial PhD Scholarship

healing”

“Derivation of skeletal myocytes from human embryonic stem cells”

“BrachyPix: advanced QA in prostate cancer

Rotary Club of Mornington Inc, Vic.

University of Sydney, NSW

Monash University, Vic.

treatment by High Dose Rate

“The role of type­I interferons in Parkinson’s

brachytherapy”

disease”

SHOSHANAH LONGMUIR

University of Wollongong, NSW

University of Melbourne, Vic.

Rotary Club of Parkes, NSW

2. Computer simulations showed that by adopting the newer pencil beam scanning delivery method, the benefits of proton radiotherapy could be further enhanced.

REBECCA BROWN The Lloyd Binet PhD Scholarship

“Biomarkers in Parkinson’s disease”

“The number of secondary particles is significantly reduced using

Rotary Club of Hunters Hill, NSW

EMMA GLIDDON

RAYAN SALEH MOUSSA

pencil beam scanning, which further reduces the dose delivered to

“The role of protein aggregation and inclusions in MND pathology”

Ian Parker Bipolar Fund PhD Scholarship, Vic.

Rotary Club of Liverpool West, NSW

healthy tissue,” Dr. Dowdell said.

University of Wollongong, NSW

“Assessing an online psychotherapy

“Development of novel anti­tumour agents

GIEDRE MILINKEVICIUTE

program for Bipolar Disorder”

and investigating the role of metals for

Rotary Club of Dural, NSW

Since completing his PhD., Dr. Dowdell has continued researching

MATTEO CARLINO

Deakin University, Vic.

treatment of cancer”

“Conserved modifiers of Parkinson’s

proton therapy at Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard

The Gordon Braid Melanoma Research Scholarship

University of Sydney, NSW

disease”

Medical School in Boston, USA.

Rotary Club of Wollundry – Wagga Wagga, NSW

TONELLE HANDLEY

“Determining the molecular mechanisms of B­RAF/MEK inhibitor

Rotary Club of Parramatta City, NSW

DANIEL QUINTANA

Plans to build Australia’s first ever proton therapy facility in Sydney

resistance in Melanoma”

“Suicide in Australia: Determinants,

The Hooton Family, Rotary Club of Crows

BLAGOJCE JOVCEVSKI

are now underway, with opening currently scheduled for January

Westmead Millennium Institute, NSW

moderators and treatment options for

Nest PhD Scholarship, NSW

The Henning Family PhD Scholarship, NSW

suicidal thoughts and behaviours”

Rotary Club of Crows Nest, NSW District

“Structure, function and interactions of

University of Newcastle, NSW

9680

Hsp20 with Hsp27 and aB­crystalin:

“Impact of depression, substance abuse and

Potential implications in neurodegenerative

2015. It is envisaged that proton radiotherapy technology will be increasingly introduced into Australia as growing evidence proves

JAESUNG PETER CHOI

its efficacy.

The David Henning Memorial Foundation PhD Scholarship

Howard Florey Institute, Vic.

Garvan Institute of Medical Research, NSW

Rotary Club of Dural & The David Henning Memorial Foundation, NSW

JANINE JAMES

its treatment using oxytocin: An animal and

disease”

2013 Scholarship Recipients JAMES SHINE

“Role of androgens via AR in PTEN inactivation induced female

The Margaret Roberts Motor Neuron

human research study”

University of Wollongong, NSW

reproductive pathology”

Disease PhD Scholarship

University of Sydney, NSW

Rotary Club of Parkes, NSW

ANZAC Research Institute, NSW

Rotary Club of Bendigo South, Vic.

“Identifying the pathophysiological and neural correlates of Freezing

KATE ROBERTS

“Kinase control of FUS and TDP­43

LE MYO THWE

Rotary District 9680, NSW

of Gait in Parkinson’s Disease”

DR DAMIAN CONWAY

accumulation in Motor Neuron Disease”

Rotary Club of Adelaide, SA

“Elucidating the role of extracellular mutant

University of Sydney, NSW

Rotary Club of Sydney CBD, NSW

University of Melbourne, Vic.

“Biomarker analysis in paediatric tumours

SOD1 in activation of glial cells and motor

diagnosed within a single institution”

neurone cell death in ALS”

Children’s Hospital at Westmead, NSW

University of Wollongong, NSW

“Novel approaches to HIV testing for men who have sex with men”

MARSHALL DALTON

Kirby Institute , NSW

The Ron Nichol Dementia PhD Scholarship

ISABELLA LAMBERT-SMITH Rotary Club of Dural, NSW

Rotary Club of Glenhaven, NSW

REBECCA DAGG

“Are proteostasis defects responsible for

DANNEL YEO

DIANAH RODRIGUES

“Characterisation of episodic memory deficits in frontotemporal

Harry Banks Sutherland Rotary PhD Scholarship

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis?”

The Ian Loxton Pancreatic Cancer Research

Rotary Club of Parkes, NSW

dementia and Alzheimer’s disease”

Rotary Club of Sutherland, NSW

University of Wollongong, NSW

PhD Scholarship, Qld.

“The influence of neural factors on

Neuroscience Research Australia, NSW

“A novel mechanism for sustained proliferation of neuroblastoma

NAZ AL HAFID

“Role of p21­activated kinases in pancreatic

secondary conditions such as pain and

cells”

CHARLES LO

cancer”

fatigue in persons living with spinal cord

Children’s Hospital at Westmead, NSW

Rotary Club of Parkes, NSW

University of Melbourne, Vic.

injury”

Rotary Club of Pennant Hills, NSW

“Socioeconomic factors associated with SCI:

University of Sydney, NSW

“Evaluation of a novel treatment strategy for Phenylketonuria”

SHANTEL DUFFY

Function priorities and determinants such

KEVIN LOO

Children’s Hospital at Westmead, NSW

Rotary Club of Parkes, NSW

as mood and perceptions of control”

Rotary Club of Parramatta City, NSW

ANNA ROY

“Understanding the in­vivo mechanisms underpinning the anti­

University of Sydney, NSW

“In body imaging BrachyVision: Improved

Rotary Club of Ballarat South, Vic

MELISSA BENSON

inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of omega­3 fatty acids: a

brachytherapy of prostate cancer

“The effects of different dietary fatty acids

Rotary Club of Koo Wee Rup / Lang Lang, Vic.

Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy study”

DAN LU

treatment”

and weight loss on endocannabinoid and

“PMX53 as a potential antiepileptic drug with both anti­convulsant

University of Sydney, NSW

The Ian McNair PhD Scholarship

University of Wollongong, NSW

adiponectin signalling in the skeletal

and neuroprotective properties”

Rotary Club of North Sydney, NSW

University of Queensland, Qld.

“Unravelling the complexity of glioblastoma

TARIA NG

relapse and drug resistance”

Diane Erskine/Rotary District 9680, NSW

University of NSW, NSW

“Investigating the adverse effects of matrix

30

muscle” Victoria University, Vic.

31


Australian Rotary Health

Annual Report 2012-2013

BOWELSCAN PHD SCHOLARSHIPS

Special Research Grants

Bowelscan is a program developed by Rotary to assist in promoting the importance of the early detection of bowel cancer. Australian Rotary Health supports and promotes this program and approximately 240 Rotary Clubs participate by selling Bowelscan kits around Australia.

Australian Rotary Health is partnering with a number of government, community and independent organisations to pool funds for two special research grants. 2013 Grant Recipients

Proceeds from these sales were used to co-fund a $29,000 scholarship, in partnership with Australian Rotary Health, to a student completing their PhD in the area of Bowel Cancer research. This past year Australian Rotary Health has funded 4 BowelScan PhD Scholarships to the total of $116,000. 2013 Bowelscan Scholarships AMY MARTIN Rotary District Bowelscan 9650 “Elucidating genetic predispositions to hereditary Non­Polyposis colorectal Cancer (HNPCC)” University of Newcastle , NSW

PHUOC THIEN HUYNH Rotary District 9640 Bowelscan “Inflammatory determinants for colorectal cancer treatment” University of Sydney, NSW

SARRON RANDALL-DEMLLO Rotary District 9830 Bowel Cancer PhD Scholarship

Funding Partner PhD Scholarship Esme Harris Gastro Intestinal Research Scholarship, Rotary Club of Melbourne South, Victoria.

Justine Marum “Developing an assay to determine inherited risks in colorectal cancer for population screening” Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Vic. 2009­2012

NEW TEST TO DETECT INHERITED BOWEL CANCER A simple blood test has been developed to detect a specific type of inherited bowel cancer, without the need to sample tumour tissues. The new strategy identifies certain DNA changes and paves the way for large­scale early diagnosis of inherited bowel cancer.

Rotary District 9830 Bowelscan

Elizabeth Waters / Dean Lusher “Beyond bushfires: Community, resilience & recovery” University of Melbourne, Vic. $44,000 Beyond Bushfires: Community, Recovery and Resilience is a five year research study investigating the medium to long term impacts of the February 2009 Victorian bushfires, commonly referred to as ‘Black Saturday’. Australian Rotary Health is a study partner along with government, community and emergency management agencies. This study consists of three main parts; ongoing community visits to support

exchange

of

information;

surveys

completed

by

approximately 1,000 participants; and in­depth interviews and focus group discussions involving a smaller number of people. Currently the research team are completing the interviews as a way of exploring in detail how people are getting on and how they are feeling about place and community.

“Investigation of carcinogenesis pathways in colitis­associated

A pilot study was undertaken where a group of patients with inherited

colorectal cancer”

bowel cancer were tested using the developed blood test. Preliminary

The majority of survey participants reported that they were not

University of Tasmania, Tas.

results showed that the test was capable of detecting DNA changes in

experiencing psychological distress 3­4 years after the 2009 bushfires.

this group of patients, however the test results were not reliable for

However, there are still a significant number of people (greater than

all patients. Importantly, further improvements to the test lead to

would be expected in the general population) who are reporting

enhanced test performance. “The test has the potential to be

symptoms of post­traumatic stress disorder, depression, psychological

MICHELLE PALMIERI

developed into a population screening test to detect inherited cases

distress or heavy drinking. Residents in highly impacted communities

Rotary District 9780

of bowel cancer,” Ms. Marum said.

were found to be at greater risk of psychological impacts. Survey

“Understanding oncogenic PI3K signalling in colorectal cancer – from function to therapy” The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, Vic.

responses are still being analysed to examine community attachment, “Implementation of this type of test has the potential to lead to increased diagnosis, earlier detection of high risk patients and

relocation and social networks as potential influences on mental health and wellbeing.

exclusion of low risk patients from cancer surveillance programs, which *This project is a Funding Partner PhD Scholarship contributing to the research area of Bowel Cancer, not a Bowelscan project.

reduces the burden on the health care system.” This test is also uniquely available prior to tumour development and could promote more effective pre­symptomatic diagnosis, patient management, early detection, and preventative treatments.

BOWEL CANCER RESEARCH 32

BEYOND BUSFIRES: Participants showing the interviewer places of significance around their property

CANCER AUSTRALIA Professor Wayne Tilley Dr. Lisa Butler, Dr. Luke Selth, Professor Stephen Plymate, Dr. Howard Scher, Dr. Ganesh Raj, Professor Villis Marshall The Priority­driven Collaborative Cancer Research Scheme “Mechanism and targeting of castration­resistant prostate cancer” University of Adelaide, SA $49,786

These findings and those still to be analysed will be shared through academic journals, conference presentations, partner networks and

Recent research has demonstrated that the growth of lethal forms

with community members. Our findings will feed directly through our

of prostate cancer can be driven by permanently­active variants of

government and service provider partners to assist in funding and

the androgen receptor (AR) protein. AR variants are resistant to

service delivery decision making now and in future disasters.

current therapies for prostate cancer. Professor Tilley and collaborators are testing whether a new class of drugs can effectively

A second part of this study involved a series of experiments which examined new genetic causes of inherited bowel cancer. “Gaining

This study will continue to progress and anyone who has completed

stop the growth of lethal prostate cancer, and will also aim to

knowledge of the specific genetic causes of bowel cancer will enable

a survey will be followed up next year, in order to obtain an

determine the mechanisms by which AR variants cause life­

investigations into targeted treatment options which can be tailored

understanding of the five year impact post disaster.

threatening disease.

to the specific genetic change causing the disease.”

33


Annual Report 2012-2013

04. PROGRAMS INDIGENOUS HEALTH SCHOLARSHIPS The Indigenous Health Scholarship program sees a Rotary Club, Rotary District, business or individual, partner with the State and Commonwealth governments and Australian Rotary Health to support a student training in nursing, physiotherapy, psychology, dentistry or other health related degree at university. Approximately 1 in 5 Indigenous Doctors in Australia have been supported by an ARH Indigenous Health Scholarship.

Australian Rotary Health supports three programs to help reduce staff shortages in rural and remote healthcare services, and to close the gap on Indigenous healthcare within Australia.

Photo courtesy of National NAIDOC

Kate Malpass Curtin University, WA 2011

PHYSIOTHERAPIST COMMITS TO CLOSING THE GAP Australia’s most recent Aboriginal physiotherapy graduate, Kate Malpass, was awarded ‘Youth of the Year’ at the 2013 National NAIDOC Awards in Perth. Kate, 25, from the Noongar people ­ the traditional land owners of the area surrounding Perth, WA ­ was an ARH Indigenous Scholar during her final year and is now one of just 35 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander physiotherapy graduates working in Australia.

Kate Malpass wins Youth of the Year at the 2013 National NAIDOC Awards

“I love that every time someone comes through the door, I am able to teach people about themselves and their body and how it works.”

“I have got a huge interest in Indigenous health as well and I will Kate graduated from Curtin University in 2011 before moving to

continue to see in what ways I can get involved with the Aboriginal

Melbourne, where she captains the Sandringham Sabres in the SEABL

community and continue to give back.”

competition, mentors young Aboriginal women, is the head physiotherapist for the under 16 AFL Australian Flying Boomerangs

Kate is committed to creating equitable opportunities for Aboriginal

and works as a physiotherapist at the Richmond Football Club.

and Torres Strait Islander people to train as physiotherapists and to receive physiotherapy treatment. She hopes to close the gap in life

“I think physiotherapy as a profession is very diverse and there’s a lot

expectancy for Indigenous Australians, and see physiotherapists gain

of ways a physiotherapy degree can be used to improve the health and

a greater understanding and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait

well­being of an individual,” she said.

Islander culture.

* We would like to acknowledge Nursing Carers Allied Health for allowing us to use their content in this article.

Rural Medical Scholarships Rural and Remote Nursing Scholarships Indigenous Health Scholarships

Photo by Laura Amos

2013 Scholarship Recipients

Science (Mental Health) ­ sponsored by RC of

Edjoni Blackledge ­ University of NSW ­ Medicine ­

AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

Wagga Wagga Sunrise

sponsored by RC of Miranda

Glenda Brown ­ University of Newcastle ­ Medicine

Murray Haar ­ University of NSW ­ Medicine ­

Jessemyn Luckhurst ­ University of Canberra ­

­ sponsored by RC of Terrey Hills

sponsored by RC of Parkes

Midwifery ­ sponsored by RC of Canberra East

Tameka Small ­ University of Newcastle ­ Nutrition

Haylee Solomons ­ University of NSW ­ Medicine ­

and Dietetics ­ sponsored by Wollondilly North

sponsored by RC of Fairy Meadow

NEW SOUTH WALES

Eleanor McCall ­ University of Newcastle ­

Jessica Webb ­ University of NSW ­ Medicine ­

Karen Pinter Klemenchic ­ Charles Sturt University

Midwifery ­ sponsored by RC's of D9710

sponsored by RC of Sutherland

­ Social Welfare ­ sponsored by RC of Oberon

Stephen Bell ­ University of New England ­

Aaron Collins ­ University of NSW ­ Social Work ­

Luke Burgess ­ Charles Sturt University ­ Health

Medicine ­ sponsored by RC of Orange Daybreak

sponsored by David Henning Foundation

35


Australian Rotary Health

Annual Report 2012-2013

Elisabeth Barrass ­ University of Sydney ­

Ann Cross ­ University of Queensland ­ Audiology ­

Daniel Hunt ­ University of WA ­ Dentistry

Physiotherapy ­ sponsored by RC of Picton

sponsored by RC of Cleveland

sponsored by RC of Scarborough

Rachael Green ­ University of Sydney ­

Jacqueline Brown ­ University of Southern

Physiotherapy ­ sponsored by RC of Campbelltown

Queensland ­ Nursing ­ sponsored by RC of

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Mark Ayre ­ University of Sydney ­ Radiography ­

Toowoomba East

Kim Morey ­ Deakin University ­ Public Health (part­

sponsored by RC of Marrickville

Bellinda Barker ­ University of Sunshine Coast ­

time) ­ sponsored by Coopers Brewery Foundation

Kristy Morgan ­ University of Western Sydney ­

Nursing ­ sponsored by RC of Bribie Island

Amanda Mitchell ­ Deakin University ­ Public Health

Medicine ­ sponsored by RC of Macarthur Sunrise

Dylan Shaw ­ University of Sunshine Coast ­

(part­time) ­ sponsored by Coopers Brewery

Raquel Fraser ­ University of Western Sydney ­

Biomedical Science ­ sponsored by RC of Noosa

Foundation

Medicine ­ sponsored by RC of Caringbah

Heads

Lauren Milera ­ Flinders University ­ Paramedic

Sharyn McDonogh ­ University of Wollongong ­

Samantha O'Connor ­ Queensland University of

Science ­ sponsored by Dr A Heah

Indigenous Health ­ sponsored by RC of

Technology ­ Nursing ­ sponsored by RC's of D9710

Jessica Beinke ­ Flinders University ­ Medicine ­

Bungendore

Florence Ash ­ Curtin University Indigenous

sponsored by Coopers Brewery Foundation

Kym Bowman ­ University of Western Sydney ­

Community Health ­ sponsored by RC of Karana

James Blewitt ­ Flinders University ­ Physiotherapy ­

Medicine ­ sponsored by Quality Occupational

Downs

sponsored by RC of Adelaide

RURAL MEDICAL SCHOLARSHIPS Australian Rotary Health offers Rural Medical Scholarships for medical students to undertake a year-long rural placement and experience what these facilities have to offer. Students get the chance to engage in more one on one time with supervisors and patients and experience a range of clinical problems that do not often present in urban communities. Rural Scholarships provide students with an opportunity to pursue a career in rural Australia when they have completed their studies.

Elise Butler University of Sydney, Orange, NSW Sponsored by Rotary Club of Parkes, NSW January 2012 ­ January 2013

that I could no longer disappear in a crowd (which was initially very intimidating!). Everything began to fall in to place for me, and both my confidence and examination results rapidly improved.

Hannah Fyfe ­ University of Adelaide ­ Medicine ­

I feel that my positive experience with the clinical staff is also congruent

Magenta Highfield ­ University of Techonology,

VICTORIA

Margaret Mayo ­ sponsored by RC of Alice Springs

with my experience of the community. I find the people of the central

Sydney ­ Nursing ­ sponsored by RC of Rockdale City

Veronica Kyle ­ University of Melbourne ­ Medicine

Lauren Sperring ­ University of Adelaide ­ Medicine

TREE CHANGE CURES DOCTOR­TO­BE

west are very friendly, honest and appreciative. I love the opportunities

Koby Elliott ­ University of Techonology, Sydney ­

and Surgery ­ sponsored by RC of Croydon

­ sponsored by Dr Helen Sage

“Being a medical student in the country has revolutionised my

to become more involved with the people in the area we service. I have

Midwifery ­ sponsored by RC of Minnamurra

Jessica McConnell ­ University of Melbourne ­

Aashama Bulner ­ University of Adelaide ­ Nursing ­

attitude towards the profession. In Sydney I continually felt that I was

been on a number of day trips with specialists to the surrounding

John Towney ­ University of Newcastle ­ Medicine ­

Medicine and Surgery ­ sponsored by RC of Ivanhoe

sponsored by RC of St Peters

being lost in a crowd and I could very easily fall between the cracks. I

towns, including Forbes and Parkes. I spent a month working in the

sponsored by RC of Sydney CBD

Ngaree Blow ­ University of Melbourne ­ Medicine

Amanda Richards ­ University of Adelaide ­ Medicine

never felt that I had a true handle on the basics, and I was preparing

hospital and GP clinic in Trundle (population approx. 380), and in that

Erika Chapman­Burgess ­ University of Newcastle ­

and Surgery ­ sponsored by RC of Templestow

and Surgery ­ sponsored by RC of Mitcham

to struggle through the rest of my degree. Little did I know that a “tree

time I was able to have a number of dinners with the locals ­ I even

Medicine ­ sponsored by Eastern Suburbs Law Society

Rebecca Kelleher ­ Deakin University ­ Diabetes

Bodie Rodman ­ University of SA ­ Medicine ­

change” was exactly what I needed.

went out on a header for some night time harvesting!

Education ­ sponsored by RC of Bright

sponsored by Professor Michael Sage

Health, Merrylands

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Tegan Conelissens ­ LaTrobe University ­ Midwifery

Trevor Richie ­ University of SA ­ Occupational

Upon starting my clinical years at Orange, I quickly came across

I am delighted to be an active and useful team member on the wards

Valery Martin ­ Charles Darwin University ­ Nursing

­ sponsored by Ian Graham from RC of Dinley

Therapy ­ sponsored by RC of Regency Park

clinicians that are truly passionate about teaching and mentoring, as

at the Orange Health Service. I am very thankful for the opportunities

­ sponsored by RC's of D9710

Village

Reginald Charles ­ University of SA ­ Physiotherapy ­

well as supportive and caring administrative staff. It also became clear

and support we are given here from both the hospital and the School

Ian Lee ­ Flinders University (Darwin) ­ Medicine ­

Marika Cox ­ Deakin University ­ Psychology ­

sponsored by RC of Hyde Park

of Rural Health staff. I have been completely converted to the country

sponsored by RC of Darwin Sunrise

sponsored by RC of Fitzroy

Margaret Brusnahan ­ University of SA ­ Nursing ­

lifestyle and consequently, I intend to work in a rural centre in 2014

Luarna Walsh ­ Bachelor University ­ Nursing

Kayla Bennett ­ LaTrobe University ­ Health

sponsored by RC of Salisbury

to begin my career in medicine.”

Science/Paramedical­ sponsored by RC of Bendigo

Amy Hocking ­ University of SA ­ Nursing (part­time)

QUEENSLAND

­ sponsored by Coopers Brewery Foundation

* Since writing this article, Elise has been offered an internship at Orange Hospital starting in January, 2014.

Gari Watson ­ James Cook University ­ Dental

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Myra Wilson ­ Deakin University ­ Social Studies ­

Surgery ­ sponsored by RC of Cairns Mulgrave

Vinka Cummins­Barunga ­ University of WA

sponsored by RC of Blackwood

Niels Kristen ­ James Cook University ­ Dental

Medicine ­ sponsored by Woodside Energy

Chelsea Moore ­ Flinders University ­ Nursing ­

Surgery ­ sponsored by RC of Cairns West

Naomi Smith ­ University of WA ­ Health Science ­

sponsored by RC of Morialta

Regan Davis ­ James Cook University ­ Nursing ­

sponsored by Woodside Energy

Kristal West ­ Flinders University ­ Paramedic ­

SPONSORED OCTOBER 2012 - JULY 2013

sponsored by RC's of D9710

Luke Davies ­ University of WA ­ Medicine ­

sponsored by RC of Brighton

University of Sydney School of Rural Health

Alexander Kuhle ­ James Cook University ­ Sport

sponsored by RC of Kenwick

Lisa Hanson ­ University of Adelaide ­ Public Health ­

Sponsored by Rotary Club of Parkes

and Exercise Science ­ RC of Mundingburra

Gemma Johnston ­ University of WA ­ Medicine ­

sponsored by RC of Stirling

Joshua Serov – Dubbo, NSW

Rebekah Kuhle ­ James Cook University ­ Nursing

sponsored by RC of Melville

Makisha Tilmouth ­ University of SA ­ Nursing ­

Elise Butler – Orange, NSW

Stuart Milne ­ James Cook University ­ Medicine

Shauna Hill ­ University of WA ­ Medicine ­

sponsored by Mr Gibson

Shani Lavender ­ James Cook University ­ Medicine ­

sponsored by RC of Margaret River

Damien Rigney ­ University of South Australia ­

RC of Thuringowa Central

Veronica Dolman ­ University of WA ­ Medicine ­

Nursing ­ sponsored by Mr Gibson

Bobby Hagan ­ James Cook University ­ Social Work

RC of Cockburn

Danielle Dodd ­ Deakin University ­ Social Work ­

­ RC of Wishart

36

2013 Scholarship Recipients

Current Scholar Joshua Serov and fellow student at Dubbo School of Health’s Snake Day

sponsored by RC of Coromandel Valley

37


Australian Rotary Health

Annual Report 2012-2013

RURAL NURSING SCHOLARSHIPS Australian Rotary Health has three Rural Nursing Post Grad Scholarships for students as an incentive to practice in rural areas and maintain a high standard of practice in rural settings in future. Students are supported in their 3rd year placement and graduation year in rural or remote hospitals. Students benefit from a broader experience, a higher level of responsibility and the opportunity to learn more advanced decision making skills. Nursing students who undertake placements in rural locations are also more likely to pursue a nursing career rurally in future. PARNELL RURAL AND REMOTE NURSING SCHOLARSHIP - $12,500

multidisciplinary team and I am thoroughly pleased with my decision.

Up to four scholarships are offered annually to nursing students to

I, along with four other Postgraduate Registered Nurses are rotating

undertake their third year clinical placement and graduating year at a healthcare service in country NSW or Queensland.

Without Australian Rotary Health’s help the fulfilment of my aspiration

knowledge I had obtained over the past 3 ½ years. Then there was the

of being a rural and remote nurse would not be possible. I would like

added challenge of learning to navigate my way around country

to thank all involved in the financial support and candidate selection of

Victoria, to places such as Benalla, Baddaginnie, Tarnook, Tatong,

the Parnell Rural and Remote Nursing Scholarships.”

Swanpool, Lima South, Lima East, Violet Town and Devenish. I have come to realise that to do this job well you need lots of

Caitlyn Grzmil Monash University, Vic. Rural Placement 2012 ­ Central Gippsland Health, Sale, Vic. Post Grad Year 2013 ­ Central Gippsland Health, Sale, Vic.

experience, a very broad set of skills and knowledge base, an open mind, flexibility, lots of patience and a sense of humour. The nurses here are amazing to work with, all of them are willing to answer my questions and help me out whenever I ask. I am learning new skills every day, sometimes simply by listening to their end of day reflection. The combined knowledge of these nurses is truly mind blowing and it makes me feel like I am working in a giant clinical database. WOW!

between Inverell and two smaller rural Multi­Purpose Services (MPS)

Rotary Club of Sales Rural Nursing Scholarship Pursuing a Passion for Quality Aged Care

in Warialda and Bingara in New South Wales this year. The newly

“It is fulfilling knowing that I can make a difference each shift ensuring

very much part of a team and that help or advice is only a phone call

devised program by Hunter New England Area Health (HNEAH) is

that adequate care is given to each resident. Aged care is my passion

away ­ which is comforting to know as things do not always go to plan.

ROTARY CLUB OF SALES RURAL NURSING SCHOLARSHIPS - $12,500

designed to allow new Inverell graduates a chance to experience even

and this placement has definitely confirmed this as an area of nursing

I have also realised that district nursing is like Aboriginal health in the

smaller rural health services and for those at the outlying outreach

that I will pursue at the conclusion of my graduate program.

way that there is a real holistic view to their health care with all relevant

Two scholarships are offered annually to nursing or

MPS’s to exchange and come to Inverell. This has certainly increased

nursing/midwifery students to undertake their third year clinical

my exposure to rural and remote nursing. The generalist nursing skills

I have been able to practice hands­on nursing, providing one on one

placement and graduating year at a healthcare service in the East

that need to be adopted are very complex. Particularly as at the MPS's

care to the residents, and experienced various roles during my time. I

The people I work with put thought into almost everything they do and

Gippsland area, NSW, on behalf of the Rotary Club of Sale.

there is only one RN per shift.

enjoy the interaction with the elderly and feel it is very fulfilling

I can see that after years in nursing they still love their work. It is really

providing care to those who have provided this generation with as

inspiring and I can only hope that I too can still feel as passionate about

MOTTO FASHIONS INDIGENOUS NURSING SCHOLARSHIP - $12,500

On most days I finish work feeling very satisfied with how well I have

much as they have around the world. I particularly feel very privileged

nursing at the end of my career as I do now.”

managed – but on the odd occasion I lean on the EEN’s/ EN’s and

to be able to provide end of life care to these residents, ensuring their

One scholarship is offered to an Indigenous nursing student from

delegate as I can’t keep up! Due to my past experience as an AIN/EEN

dignity is kept and they leave this world feeling honoured.

Deakin University to undertake their third year clinical placement

I am so very familiar and content to do the hands on work. I am finding

and graduating year at a healthcare service in country Victoria.

delegation as an RN a fine balancing act, as it’s important to monitor

At my interview for my graduate position I requested to be in an aged

RURAL NURSES SPONSORED 2012 - 2013 PARNELL RURAL AND REMOTE NURSING SCHOLARSHIP

what is going on with your patients and yet perform your RN duties.

care facility for two of my four rotations; this was granted. I intend to

Angela Iskov

Angela Iskov University of New England, NSW Rural Placement 2012 ­ Moree District Health Service, NSW. Post Grad Year 2013 ­ Inverell Health Service, NSW

I have found that even though we work alone most of the time, we are

parties involved indecision making and progress on a regular basis.

continue to offer residents the best care I can give them and I also wish

University of New England ­ Moree District Hospital, NSW

Needless to say, my newly developed skills seem to be working thus

to learn more about the government funding system for aged care and

Amy Orchard

far in my favor as the HSM has informed me that I am receiving good

spend time completing comprehensive resident assessments.”

Charles Sturt University, Mudgee Hospital, NSW

reports all round. Due to my expression of interest in emergency nursing and with the financial support of Australian Rotary Health, management at Inverell supported my submission to do FLEC (First

Parnell Rural And Remote Nursing Scholarship Aspirations Fulfilled In a Remote Health Service

Line Emergency Course) this year. Face­to face education is in

“I was extremely nervous at the prospect of working in a small rural

my generalist nurse responsibilities as an Advanced Clinical Nurse.

Tamworth and components of FLEC require travelling to Glen Innes and Guyra. Graduation is in December this year which will expediate

Barabara Johnson Deakin University, Vic. Rural placement 2011 ­ McKellar Centre, Geelong, Vic. Post Grad Year 2012 ­ Benalla Hospital, Vic.

ROTARY CLUB OF SALES RURAL NURSING SCHOLARSHIP Caitlyn Grzmil Monash University ­ Sale Hospital, Vic. Cara Berry Monash University ­ Sale Hospital, Vic.

in my local township of Bundarra to construct a community swimming

Motto Fashions Indigenous Nursing Scholarship Thrown in the Deep End and Learning to Nurse

MOTTO FASHIONS INDIGENOUS NURSING SCHOLARSHIP

hospital. Would I get enough support? Would I get enough rotations to other wards? Would I gain enough experience by not choosing a

Out of work hours I have been initiating and formulating a committee

metropolitan hospital?

pool to assist with all facets of physical and emotional wellbeing for

“When I started I was given one week of orientation before being

Laura Alsop

All I can say to someone deliberating as to whether to choose a small

our community. I also have joined the Rural Health Network Regional

allocated a car, a phone, the ‘A2’ round and then sent out on my own.

Deakin University ­ Geelong Hospital, Vic.

rural hospital or not is – go for it! I have been exposed to so much

Aged Care Working Group (in my spare time) which is designed for

I was immediately presented with the challenge of working

already, have had the most fantastic support from all members of the

Hospital avoidance of our elderly.

independently, thinking fast on my feet, and using the skills and

38

39


Australian Rotary Health

Annual Report 2012-2013

OUR SUPPORTERS

FRIENDS & COMPANIONS

Australian Rotary Health would like to thank our generous Friends and Companions and also our Life Members, Ambassadors and Patrons for their role in sustaining our organisation.

Become a ‘Friend’ or ‘Companion’ of Australian Rotary Health... All donations you make are accumulative. You become a

The Beslich Family

The Late Valda Mary

Sir Clem Renouf AM

Kynnersley

RI President 1978 to 1979

The Late Arthur R. Hawke

Royce Abbey AO, DCM

Brian Lanyon

RI President 1988­1999

Les Whitcroft AM

Ted Atkinson

Lorraine & Bruce McKenzie

Fred Hay

The Late Fred Barbagalio

George Dee

The Henning Family

Emerald Companions

Corporate Ruby Companions

Medal recipients

Eastern Region Alan Grady Denis Green

Rob Henry ­ 2012

Nevin Hughes OAM

Peter Lean ­2011

Tony Hennessy

Ron Beslich OAM­ 2010

Don Keighran

Geoff Kennedy­2009

Phil Lacey

PRIP Royce Abbey AO, DCM

Dick White OAM­2008

Noel Trevaskis OAM

PP Loch Adams OAM

Tony Jorm­2007

Dick White OAM

PDG Ted Atkinson

Paul Henningham OAM­

PDG Ron Beslich OAM

2006

Western Region

PDG Geoff Betts AM

Phil Francis­ 2005

Fred Marsh

Life Members

Don Stein AM

Akubra

PDG Bruce Edwards AM

Noel Trevaskis OAM­2004

Graham Brown

Sally Fletcher

Marsdens Law Group

PDG Terry Edwards AM

Michael SawyerOAM­2003

John Ranieri

Daniel Holzapfel

Woolworths, Safeway

PP David Finn

Fay Jackson­2003

Cliff Hoare

Caltex

PP Joy Gillett OAM

Fred Hay­2003

Ken Schilling

Toyota Motor Sales

PP Don Gordon

Loch Adams OAM­2003

Shimano Australia

PDG Alan Grady

McDonald’s Australia

PDG Denis Green

TrekBicycles Australia

PDG Fred Hay

Hansen Yuncken

PDG Des Jones

Harvey Norman

PDG Don Keighran

Central Region

John Brogden

Pratt Foundation

beyondblue

PDG Terry Lees

Terry Edwards AM

Michael Klim

The Pantry ­ Brighton, Vic.

Genesys Wealth Advisors

PDG Fred Marsh

Ian Oliver OAM

Danny Green

Winnebago Industries

Co­Ordinated Landscapes

PDG Bruce McKenzie OAM

Allan Wilson

Kate Hollywood

Masterton Homes

PDG Ian Oliver OAM

Camden Hire

PDG John Ranieri

Northern Region

Steve Roach

The Denlo Group

PDG Noel Trevaskis OAM

John Gough

Craig Hamilton

Angostura

PDG Les Whitcroft AM

Mel Langley

Glenn Turner

Dorothea Gordon

Microsoft

PDG Dick White OAM

Terry Lees

David “Big Dave” Foster

Jennifer Thomas AM

Woodside

Rob Wylie

John Konrads

Peter Kaye

Mike Bailey

Corporate Emerald Companions

Ruby Companions

We respectfully

Brian Goldstraw Geoffrey Kellerman AO

Patrons

Phil Asker

Rotary Ambassadors

You become a

‘COMPANION’ when your donations reach $5,000

You become a

You become a

You become a

‘SILVER FRIEND’

‘PLATINUM FRIEND’

‘DIAMOND FRIEND’

when your donations reach $500

when your donations reach $1,000

when your donations reach $2,000

for total donations of $2,500 or more

You become a

You become a

You become an

You become a

‘GOLD COMPANION’

‘RUBY COMPANION’

‘EMERALD COMPANION’

‘DIAMOND COMPANION’

when your donations reach $10,000

when your donations reach $20,000

when your donations reach $50,000

when your donations reach $100,000

Newly N Ne e Available in 2013 013 013

ECO BAGS $1.50 EACH

Hat Day Ambassadors Elle Dawe Matt Lee Professor Patrick McGorry

Lisa Sthalekar

acknowledge the service

HAT DAY BEARS - $15 EACH

VISORS

$10 EACH

AY DAY HAT D RSS ARS EAR BEA BE N BEARS P-ON CLIP-ON

Miss Helena

of Life Members PDG Leon

Southern Region

Emil Weber

Her Excellency Ms Quentin

Becker, PDG Colin Dodds,

Fred Hay

Margaret Dean

Bryce AC CVO

PP John Harley, PDG Clair

Tony Hennessy

John Ellis

Governor­General of the

Rogers, PP Ian Scott,

Des Jones

Athalie Lucas

Commonwealth of

PDG John Feros and PDG

Bruce McKenzie OAM

Geoffrey Betts AM

Australia

Geoffrey Stevens who are

Judy Nettleton

Margaret & Peter Waite

Glen Kinross AO

sadly no longer with us.

Ron Pickford

Mavis & Bill Jennings

RI President 1997­1998

40

‘FRIEND’ when your total donations reach $100

NEW

Diamond Companions

You become a

‘BRONZE FRIEND’

Graeme Woolacott OAM

CH CH AC EAC E EA 2 EACH $2

Ambassador Michael Klim OAM

D IN MIN HAM H T L A E G WITH H PAUL HENNIN

DR CH BY PDG $20 EA

HAT DAY PENS $5 EACH

CONTACT JENNY TOWE ON 02 8837 1900 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON PURCHASING THESE ITEMS


AUSTRALIAN

ROTARY HEALTH PO Box 3455 Parramatta NSW 2124 Phone 02 8837 1900 admin@australianrotaryhealth.org.au www.australianrotaryhealth.org.au

ABN: 52 006 119 964


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.