CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Retiring Chairman Greg Ross completed his vibrant three year term at the last AGM, which for the first time, was conducted via zoom. During the past year the pandemic has had a significant effect on all our lives with lockdowns, restrictions on gatherings and travel, all of which have severely limited Rotary club activities. Despite these difficulties, ARH was able to continue all existing research projects with only minor interruptions. It was however decided not to award the usual number of research grants this year.

During the year the Board adopted a number of new initiatives. These included a major review of the ARH Business Plan, a decision to focus research on the 0-12 year age group and to conduct a Symposium early next year to launch this new area of research. Other developments have included planning for the 40th Anniversary of ARH and the establishment of a national committee to assist in promoting Lift the Lid Walks.

Life Membership Retiring Chairman Greg Ross served on the Board for seven years, the last three as Chairman. Greg introduced ‘Lift the Lid on Mental Illness’ which was adopted by the Board and is now widely used in ARH promotion. A gifted speaker and entertainer, Greg used his talents to publicise ARH at every opportunity. The Board unanimously supported Greg for Life Membership. It has been a pleasure working with you Greg - congratulations.

Board Appointments The Board welcomed new directors Lorraine Coffey, John Campbell, Don Ripper, DGE Representative Pat Schraven and DGN Representative Amanda Wendt.

Leaving the Board at this AGM will be Jane Cox and Mark Lean. Jane has served for five years and Mark four, both have given outstanding service to ARH and I thank them sincerely for their involvement and friendship. Also leaving the Board at the end of his term was DG representative David Jones, thank you David, your contribution has been much appreciated.

ARH 40th Anniversary This year is an important one in the history of Australian Rotary Health as we celebrate forty years of ARH achievement. It was back in 1981 that Ian Scott, a Rotarian in the Rotary Club of Mornington, became concerned that SIDS was causing the tragic death of approximately 500 babies each year. After hearing Professor Williams speak about the urgent need for research into this problem, Ian suggested to his Rotary club that a fund be established to support medical research in Australia. His concept not only reduced the incidence of SIDS by 80% but went on to establish a great Rotary Project that supports a wide range of medical research. It has become one of the largest non-government funders of mental health research in Australia.

Celebratory dinners are deferred for the coming year when it is expected a large number of Rotarians and supporters will gather to mark this important occasion.

Change of Research Focus After careful consideration the Board decided that the next round of Mental Health Grants would focus on the 0 -12 age group. Medical advice has indicated that 50% of those who develop mental illness as adults show symptoms by the age of 14. We are advised that by giving attention to this younger age group, it may be possible to reduce the incidence of mental illness in later life.

Symposium To launch the new research program a Symposium is planned for late March 2022, this will be the eleventh Symposium ARH has conducted. It will be held in Sydney and bring together approximately 30 eminent clinicians and researchers who

are currently working with young people in the mental health area.

The Symposium title is: ‘Healthy Children - Bright Futures’ Improving the Mental Health of 0-12 year olds.

Goals include: • Launch the new research 0-12 year olds • Seek advice where ARH funding can most effectively be employed • Provide a forum for Australian researchers to describe current innovative research relevant to the new ARH program • Generate material that can publicise the ARH program to Rotarians, donors and the community

The Board thanks Professor Michael Sawyer OAM for his role in planning this event.

Lift the Lid on Mental Health Walks The Rotary Club of Mooloolaba was the first to hold a walk raising funds and promoting Australian Rotary Health. The Board fully supports this concept and has engaged the PR firm Media Hut to assist. A national committee chaired by Mark Lean has been established to promote the concept to Districts around Australia. Detailed guidelines have been drawn up and planning assistance is offered by the committee and Kara Geyer of the Media Hut.

It is hoped this will become a popular and regular event in many Districts. Business Plan Over the last year the Board has given considerable attention to drawing up a new business plan. Assistance from Greg Hudson of SCA Marketing has been greatly appreciated. The plan has reviewed, in detail, all aspects of ARH activity. Emphasis has been given to fundraising concepts and at this stage the Executive is involved in considering how it might engage Foundations and Corporations. This is an ongoing process and further potential fundraising areas will be examined.

ARH Medal Lyn Jones has been awarded the ARH Medal this year for her outstanding fundraising efforts. Lyn conducted a very effective Partners Program involving all clubs in District D9510. She held a number of successful fundraising events including an open day in the family’s impressive garden and a very profitable wine sales event. Congratulations Lyn, well deserved.

Appreciation The outstanding success of ARH is due to the efforts of many people. My thanks to fellow Board members for their dedicated commitment to ARH. Special thanks to medical advisor Michael Sawyer for his valuable contribution to Board discussions. The majority of Board meetings and all subcommittee meetings were held via zoom, and while less personal, it has been an effective substitute. The Board greatly appreciates the support of the Research Committee currently chaired by Professor Jane Pirkis. This year the huge task of selecting research projects from the several hundred received did not take place but their advice was sought on a number of policy matters. Thank you to all committee members.

My thanks to District Governors and District Committees for promoting ARH to Rotarians and Rotary Clubs. Their role continues to be more important as competition for funds increases.

ARH is particularly fortunate to have a committed and competent staff, very capably lead by our CEO Joy Gillett. Managing the near 70 research projects, scholarships, the many PR interviews and publications, ARH finances plus a busy office is a huge task and the Board thanks all staff for their excellent work.

Despite a number of challenges ARH is in a sound position and the research grants will be reinstated in the coming year. The work of our researchers continues to bring high praise as new discoveries are made and medical knowledge increased.

Through research and awareness ARH is improving the health of all Australians.

Director Jane Cox receiving a Companion award from Chairman Kevin.