Murdoch Childrens Research Institute The Royal Children’s Hospital Flemington Road, Parkville Victoria 3052 Australia
Phone: +61 3 8341 6200 Fax: +61 3 9348 1391 www.mcri.edu.au ABN: 21 006 566 972
annual report 2011
The Murdoch Childrens Research Institute celebrated a
and public health approaches. Throughout its history,
landmark milestone in 2011, our 25-year anniversary. Until
the Institute has transformed to include interdisciplinary
the merger in 2000, the Murdoch Institute for Research into
research teams of critical mass and excellence, and is now
Birth Defects, subsequently the Murdoch Institute, was
fully integrated ‘from bench to bedside to community’.
renowned for its human genetics and ethics research and for excellent clinical care for people with inherited diseases.
As well as celebrating our silver anniversary, we also
The Royal Children’s Hospital Research Foundation, with
entered into another exciting phase of growth in 2011
which the Murdoch Institute amalgamated, had a history
as the Institute moved to the new Royal Children’s
of excellence in child healthcare and research, community
Hospital campus, which meant a doubling of research
child health research and expertise in adolescent health.
space. The space was designed to ensure ease of access
The strengths of the two former institutes were clearly
between researchers and clinicians, which will improve
complementary and drove the merger in 2000.
communication and increase collaboration. This will be a critical factor in enabling us to find answers quickly to
Since then, Murdoch Childrens has become the preeminent child health research institute in Australia, and is among the world leaders in infant, child and adolescent health research. The Institute encompasses laboratory, clinical
the most important child health problems.
www.mcri.edu.au
1
annual report 2011 > contents
When our kids are sick, we take for granted that doctors and nurses will know what to do to make them better. It is only past research discoveries that have made this possible.
contents about us
2
25 years of life-changing discoveries 4 year at a glance
8
chairman’s report
10
director’s report
12
organisational chart
14
board of directors
15
board committees
16
executive committee
17
research priority reports allergy & autoimmune
18
brain & mind
22
genetics
26
obesity
30
research highlights
32
students, achievement awards & fellowships
38
victorian clinical genetics services
40
corporate & scientific services
42
global collaborations
46
financials
48
government & competitive grants
52
special events
54
corporate partners
58
major donors & supporters
60
donor list
62
about us 25 years of life-changing discoveries In 2011, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute celebrated
For 25 years, researchers at the Institute have been making
a significant milestone: our 25-year anniversary. In 25 years,
discoveries to improve child health. Now, with more than
Murdoch Childrens has become the preeminent child health
1500 highly-skilled researchers, we have the critical mass
research institute in Australia, recognised globally for its
needed in modern-day research to solve child-health
child-health discoveries. We’ve grown from having a handful
problems more rapidly.
of dedicated researchers to today being Australia’s largest child health research institute.
our work
World-renown paediatrician, the late Professor David Danks
Our team of more than 1500 researchers combat emerging
established the Institute in 1986 with generous philanthropic
conditions affecting children, such as allergies, diabetes and
support from Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC BDE, her family
obesity, as well as finding answers to unsolved problems,
and others.
such as cancer and genetic conditions.
In 2000, The Murdoch Institute and The Royal Children’s
Working across 70 large research groups, we conduct
Hospital Research Institute merged to form the Murdoch
nationally and internationally recognised studies to help
Childrens Research Institute. This prompted the biggest
give doctors and parents the knowledge to improve the
change to the Institute during its 25-year history, as it shifted
health and wellbeing of children. We work across four key
from a primarily genetics-based research institute to an
areas of child health in which we have the demonstrated
institute with a broader focus on child health.
skills to make a difference on the world stage.
annual report 2011 > about
us
OUR VISION
OUR MISSION
OUR VALUES
To be a major global contributor to the creation of knowledge that leads to improved child health.
To obtain knowledge to improve the health of children in Victoria and globally.
• Excitement of discovery • Innovation • Teamwork • Integrity
3
allergy & autoimmune
While we have a focus on these areas, our size allows us to
We strive to better understand how and why allergic and
also address other common and rare childhood conditions,
immune disorders are increasing. Allergic disease including
such as language disorders, heart disease, mitochondrial
food allergy, asthma and eczema affects up to 40 per cent
disease and cerebral palsy.
of Australian children, and the incidence is increasing rapidly.
brain & mind
how we spend donor funds
We look at brain development and the brain’s ability to
As a not-to-profit organisation, we rely on the generosity
function after disease, injury and intensive care. We also
of donors to seed fund priority research projects.
focus on understanding and improving the mental health and wellbeing of children and adolescents.
Every donation, no matter how small, has the potential to save lives. As governments and other grant-making bodies
obesity
tend to support established research, philanthropic and
Australian kids are among the most obese in the world. In
corporate funds are vital to providing the seed funding we
Victoria alone, more than 220,000 children are overweight.
need to bring bold, daring and innovative research ideas to
We look at ways to combat the obesity epidemic and prevent
life. Many of our research projects that now receive
the long-term health risks including type 2 diabetes, heart
government funding were initially established with funding
disease and high blood pressure.
from private sources.
genetics
For every dollar donated in 2011, we leveraged a further
Each year, eight million children globally are born with a
$6 from external sources. Most importantly, we distribute
serious birth defect of genetic origin. The genetic cause
philanthropic funds to our research teams based on
remains unknown for more than half of these conditions.
performance and research excellence. Gifts to Murdoch
We study genetics to ensure future generations are healthy.
Childrens are an investment in the future health of children.
Throughout its 25-year history, the Institute has cemented itself as a leader in child health research. This reputation has been achieved through hundreds of innovative research projects and life-changing discoveries.
25 years of life-changing
discoveries early discovery
using botox to help children walk
Whilst the Institute was still in its infancy, the Institute’s focus on
Researchers here and overseas worked on the link
Menkes syndrome, a disease of copper deficiency, culminated in
between botulinum toxin, a well-known muscle relaxant,
the co-discovery of the Menkes gene by researchers.
and reducing spasticity in the limbs of children with cerebral palsy. The finding has given children with
victorian infant hearing screening program
cerebral palsy the chance to lead a more active lifestyle, helping them walk and play. The ongoing work of researchers on gait analysis and botulinum toxin has resulted in a paradigm shift in the treatment of children
In the early 1990s, our researchers set up one of the first whole of state screening programs in the world to detect congenital hearing loss, which up until then had devastating
with cerebral palsy worldwide.
rotavirus vaccine
impacts on children’s life chances. For more than 20 years they have studied the epidemiology of deafness and effectiveness of
Rotavirus, the leading cause of severe dehydrating
early detection systems. This led to the Centre for Community
gastroenteritis in infants, leads to more than 500,000
Child Health at The Royal Children’s Hospital implementing the
deaths worldwide each year, mostly in developing
new Victorian Infant Hearing Screening Program (VIHSP) and
countries. As infection occurs very early in life, Murdoch
contributed to similar newborn screening programs throughout
Childrens is working with developing countries on an
Australia. Every Victorian baby born with hearing loss can now
oral vaccine that can be delivered at birth to those
join VicCHILD, a new Murdoch Childrens register that works
most at risk.
hand in hand with VIHSP to support cutting-edge research into deafness and to give these children the best possible start in life.
annual report 2011 > 25
years of life-changing discoveries
5
1986 – 2011 leading the way in allergy research
computer program which changed the face of diagnosis
We found that babies given egg after 12 months of age
Our doctors and researchers developed and designed a
were up to five times more likely to develop egg allergy
computer based system called POSSUM, which helps doctors
as they grew older than infants introduced to egg at four
around the world to diagnose genetically based syndromes
to six months of age. This contradicted Australian and
and malformations in their patients. The comprehensive
international guidelines that previously recommended
database contains photos and information on more than
that infants with a family history of allergy delay introducing
3000 syndromes. Using the system, doctors can search based
allergenic foods until two or three years of age. Egg allergy
on a patient’s traits or by syndrome name to assist them in
is the most common food allergy in infants and toddlers.
making a diagnosis, or to learn about syndromes.
change in thinking about children’s brains
sex determination Disorders of sex development occur one in every 4500 babies born. Development of the gonads (testes or
Research at the Institute showed for the first time that
ovaries) requires the coordinated functioning of many genes
early childhood brain damage and injury has a poorer
and proteins. A breakdown in this complex development
outcome than later or adult brain damage. The finding
pathway may lead to children being born with uncertain
was the culmination of a 15 year study looking at brain
sex. In 1999, our team found a gene responsible for the
injuries and goes against previous theory and practice in
production of normal testes. This discovery has improved the
this area, which hypothesised that children’s brains had
diagnosis and clinical management of children with disorders
greater plasticity and greater capacity to recover from
of sex development as well as providing insights into diseases
injury than adult brains.
that affect other organ systems.
25 years of
innovation
type 1 diabetes affects brain development, school function & mental health
haemochromatosis discovery Researchers at the Institute determined how significant the health problems were for people who carried a common gene that caused iron to accumulate in the body
A 15 year study by our researchers found that type 1
(haemochromatosis). The study was published in the world’s
diabetes results in reduced brain volume and cognitive
biggest medical journal, The New England Journal of Medicine,
function from childhood to young adult life. The same
and provides the basis for a screening program.
diabetes study cohort had double the rate (32 per cent)
Haemochromatosis can cause organ failure if not identified,
of failure of secondary school completion, with 39 per
but is easily treated through donating blood.
cent of patients failing to continue with specialist medical care after leaving hospital. The leading complication of
sound sleeping for babies
diabetes is now recognised as adverse mental health outcome during childhood and adolescence, with 38 per
Researchers found that having a baby with a sleep problem
cent of patients having been referred to mental health
triples the risk of postnatal depression symptoms in mothers.
services since their diagnosis. This highly significant and
Determined to do something to help, researchers then
prognostic burden of adverse brain development and
developed and trialled a baby sleep program, which was
poor mental health is a previously unrecognised
found to decrease infant sleep problems by 60 per cent and
consequence of type 1 diabetes. Researchers at the
postnatal depression by 30 per cent.
Institute are now recommending routine cognitive and mental health screening.
pioneering new technology
arthritis finding
We were co-leaders in an international study that found ‘next-generation’ DNA sequencing could accurately
Arthritis affects four in 1000 children and can impact
diagnose a rare genetic disease more quickly and cost
on the quality of life of babies as early as six months of
effectively than current techniques. Because current testing
age. Researchers identified the enzyme responsible for
can only screen one gene at a time, many children need to
destroying cartilage in the joints of arthritis patients.
undergo painful muscle and liver biopsies to identify which
The enzyme, called ADAMTS5, was found to degrade
genes should be tested, a process that can then take
aggrecan, which gives cartilage in healthy joints the
anywhere from a few months to several years. Next-
ability to bear loads and resist compression. The work
generation sequencing can test many genes at the same
that has followed seeks to identify new targets for
time through a simple blood test. The finding will lead to
arthritis therapies, for both children and adults.
more accurate diagnosis and will improve prenatal diagnosis and prevention of rare disease mutations.
annual report 2011 >
25 years of life-changing discoveries
helping children with a common condition
chromosome discovery
Researchers at the Institute discovered a new way of
Our researchers were the first to discover human
investigating and treating chronic constipation in children.
chromosomes could spontaneously form a structure that
This discovery will help thousands of children who
could control chromosome movement during cell division.
experience problems with chronic constipation who have
Using this structure, our labs were able to form mini
not responded to existing treatments.
chromosomes, which have the potential to be used in treatment of genetic conditions.
2000 stories of adolescents growing up
genetics in medicine The doctors and scientists at the Victorian Clinical
In 1992, 2000 adolescents were enrolled in a study looking at
Genetics Services have spent the past 25 years working to
mental health and substance use. They are now 35 years old
discover genes and characterise rare genetic disorders.
and many are still in the study and having children of their
This, in addition to the newborn screening program, has
own. Major findings from this study indicated that cannabis
been able to offer diagnoses, information and genetic
and alcohol use in adolescence precedes many mental
counselling for thousands of families across Victoria
health and substance use problems in young adults.
and Tasmania.
7
year at a glance research highlights Our research continued to deliver results to improve the health and wellbeing of children. Among the highlights:
• Our researchers identified a gene that causes a severe form of osteoarthritis. The TRPV4 gene regulates calcium entry into the cell, which is important for normal function of
• Murdoch Childrens was awarded two Centres of Research
cartilage cells. Researchers found that when the gene is
Excellence grants by the National Health & Medical Research
mutated, cells don’t function properly, causing the arthritic
Council (NHMRC). Professor Sheena Reilly was awarded
condition. The breakthrough could ultimately help develop
$2.5 million to establish a Centre of Research Excellence
new therapeutic treatments for all types of arthritis.
in Childhood Language to address gaps in current research, policy and capacity. Professor John Carlin was awarded $2.5
• The Institute began the process of establishing a Children’s
million for a new Victorian Centre for Biostatistics (ViCBiostat),
Bioresource Centre. The Centre, based on the UK Biobank
which aims to foster the careers of a new generation of
model, will enable investigation of a wide range of childhood
biostatistical leaders by developing an integrated program
conditions and diseases through storage of biological
of methodological and collaborative research.
specimens and health data. It’s anticipated the facility will include data from more than half a million participants and
• We were involved in an international study that found mental
will be among the largest of its kind in the world.
disorders such as major depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are the leading cause of disability in young people
• Preliminary results from the Early Language in Victoria Study
worldwide. The international study was the first to provide a
(ELVS) discovered that toddlers who later go on to be
comprehensive picture of the global causes of disability in
diagnosed with autism use fewer gestures. The results of
adolescence and the main risk factors for disease in later life.
the study could revolutionise the way autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is screened and provide better outcomes for children with ASD through early intervention programs.
annual report 2011 > about
Total income (like for like)
us
2010
2011
$85.9 million
$88.3 million
NHMRC grants awarded (for projects to commence in the following year)
$26.5 million
$26.3 million
Peer-reviewed publications
564
632
Peer-reviewed publications in the world’s top medical journals (tier one and two)
154
171
Paid staff, students and honoraries
1475
1512
Donations, fundraising and bequests
$8.1 million
$7.7 million
Media mentions
856
1163
9
income On a like for like basis, annual turnover increased from $85.9
communication to the scientific and medical community.
million to $88.3 million. With the one-off revenues from the
This enables key discoveries to be more quickly adopted and
Commonwealth Government grant and accrued interest
translated to ensure better outcomes for children. In 2011,
($66.6 million) and the associated fundraising campaign
we had 632 papers published, up from 564 in 2010. This
($7.8 million), 2011 revenue increased to $162.7 million.
included 171 in the world’s highest-ranked journals.
grants
staff
Grants from Government and external funding bodies are
There were 1512 paid staff, students and honoraries at the
awarded based on the quality and significance of research.
Institute in 2011. This number includes staff from The Royal
In 2011, we secured $26.3 million from the National Health
Children’s Hospital and allied health professionals and
& Medical Research Council.
University of Melbourne academics who conduct research
international grants
within Murdoch Childrens.
fundraising
We received $2.5 million in grants from international funding bodies in 2011 to support research into pneumonia, allergies
Our team engages with the community to raise monies to
and premature birth.
seed fund our research to get it to the point where larger
publications
grants can be attracted. In 2011, our fundraising, donation and bequest income totalled $7.7 million, excluding the $7.8 million raised from the campaign fundraising.
When our researchers make discoveries, their work is submitted to peer-reviewed journals around the world for
chairman’s report 2011 summary Murdoch Childrens consolidated its reputation as one of the
These results reflect the continued hard work and commitment
leading medical research institutes in Australia. Our results in
of Director Professor Terry Dwyer, his executive team and all of
grant funding, research publication, income growth and
the researchers and staff. I thank them for the contribution to
fundraising resulted in 2011 being a highly successful year.
our success.
Highlights for 2011 included:
celebrating 25 years
• Competitive grant funding secured from the National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) totalled
Murdoch Childrens celebrated its 25 year anniversary in 2011.
$26.3 million. This was the highest level of NHMRC
Highlights of the scientific discoveries and achievements of the
funding awarded to an Australian independent medical
Institute over this period are listed in this report. This important
research institute in 2011.
celebration gave us the opportunity to acknowledge our Patron,
• Annual turnover increased from $85.9 million to
Dame Elisabeth Murdoch AC DBE, her family and other
$162.7 million. This was due to a $66.6 million
founding donors who gave generous support to establish an
Commonwealth Government grant together with the
independent child health research institute in Melbourne.
accrued interest for the new building and a sum of
Murdoch Childrens is today comparable in size and output to
$7.8 million from campaign fundraising.
some of the leading child health research institutes globally, a
• Publication output, an important measure of new
tremendous achievement. We acknowledge those who have
knowledge creation, increased to 632 academic articles,
contributed to that journey, and look forward to an equally
up from 564 in the previous year.
distinguished future.
• Donors and supporters generously gave more than $7.7 million to support our research programs.
our move to new premises It is pleasing to report a very successful move to new research premises within the redeveloped Royal Children’s Hospital.
annual report 2011 > chairman’s
Funding for our new premises included a Federal Government
report
11
the future
grant and accrued interest of $66.6 million through the Health and Hospitals Fund enabling expansion our facilities to
Over the past 25 years, Murdoch Childrens has
20,000 square metres, as well as support from Victorian State
demonstrated its ability to make important global
Government through the Department of Health. The new
contributions to child health research, particularly in the
facilities will greatly improve the collaboration between
areas of genetics, premature birth and autoimmune
hospital clinicians and researchers, allowing even better
conditions. As we look to the future, we are very well placed
translation of important discoveries into clinical practice.
to capitalise on our intellectual capital and continue the
governance
formation of strategic collaborations internationally to further consolidate our position among the leading child health institutes in the world. With the support of Government,
Murdoch Childrens is fortunate to benefit from the
funding bodies, our donors, our Campus Partners, The Royal
involvement of highly committed and knowledgeable
Children’s Hospital, the University of Melbourne’s Department
individuals who provide invaluable expertise to the
of Paediatrics and the wider community, we look forward to
Institute through the board and its subcommittees.
building on our achievements.
In 2011 we welcomed Mr Ahmed Fahour, Dr Charles Day and Mr Jason Yeap OAM to the board, and a number of new
Our Director Professor Terry Dwyer will depart the
members to our subcommittees. The continued growth and
organisation in October 2012. Terry leaves to take up a
development of the Institute would not be possible without
prestigious role at the International Agency for Research on
their contribution.
Cancer in Lyon, France, to continue his research as part of the
our supporters
International Childhood Cancer Cohort Consortium (I4C) study into childhood cancer, which involves one million mothers and babies. Terry’s leadership over the past eight years has
The development of Murdoch Childrens over the past 25 years
resulted in the Institute becoming one of the major child heath
into a globally competitive research enterprise demonstrates
research organisations globally. His achievements are many,
the importance and transformational power of philanthropy
and include developing global collaborations, overseeing
to support the development of a major organisation.
significant increases in competitive grant funding, and transitioning the Institute into new premises to be poised
Our donors make a very significant contribution to the success
for our next platform of development.
of the Institute by providing vital funds to priority research areas and projects that need seed funding. To each and every donor, I extend the utmost appreciation and gratitude on behalf of all our researchers whose work you support. In addition to our annual fundraising program, we extend special thanks to those who gave to our campaign to raise funds for our move to the new building. This included a $10 million challenge grant from Rupert Murdoch and his family, as well as major contributions from a number of other donors. This campaign has now raised nearly $15 million (including pledges) for world-class fit-out, new equipment capability to expand research teams in key priority areas
Mr Leigh Clifford AO
to ensure we continue to build global competitiveness.
Chairman
director’s report new research facility
restructure
There is no question 2011 will be seen as a landmark year for
The new setting will also make it easier to recruit top level
the Institute. The year saw another substantial increase in our
staff from all over the globe as well as locally. Already we have
measurable outcomes – grants obtained and scientific papers
made senior appointments of individuals to core areas such as
published – reflecting the scientific competitiveness of our work.
bioinformatics and genetic statistics. During the year, there was
Despite the fact we have had to weather the global economic
also creation of two new Associate Director positions, which
crisis, we have increased our outputs substantially.
will oversee development of research strategy and the newly created ‘Affinity Groups’. Professor Sheena Reilly was appointed
The exciting thing is that we have been achieving this while many
Associate Director of Clinical and Public Health and Professor
of our research teams have occupied outdated research space,
Andrew Sinclair was appointed Associate Director of Laboratory
with many also in temporary accommodation awaiting the
Sciences. Affinity Group Leaders were named, and progress
completion of our new research facility. This new 20,000 square
has already been made on significant initiatives through the
metre development is a state-of-the-art construction. Our teams
establishment of these groups. This will strengthen our research
transferred to this facility in November, and from the start it has
into areas such as adolescents, neurodevelopment, healthcare
been clear this new environment will give us a real boost in our
innovation, cancer, allergy, autoimmune conditions, genomics
quest to find answers to health problems facing today’s children.
and personalised medicine.
Its design fosters easy interaction between team members in different parts of the organisation. This facilitates our strategy to
research excellence
build more complex interdisciplinary teams that we believe will find answers faster to the problems we are investigating. The
When our researchers make discoveries, their work is submitted
incorporation of the facility into the fabric of The Royal Children’s
to peer-reviewed journals around the world for communication
Hospital, with close proximity to the University of Melbourne’s
to the scientific and medical professions. This enables key
Department of Paediatrics, means that our close operational
discoveries to be more quickly adopted and translated to
interaction with our two campus partners will be enhanced.
ensure better outcomes for children. We published 632 papers
annual report 2011 > director’s
in 2011, of these, 171 were in the world’s most prestigious
report
13
donors
medical journals. This is compared with 154 in 2010. As always, donations are integral to our success. While we Some interesting and important findings from among these
are very good at securing large competitive grants, including
publications were:
those from NHMRC, we could not get these grants without
• A world-first international collaborative study involving
the research being first seed funded through donations. I am
the Institute, the Menzies Research Institute, Tasmania,
pleased that in very tough economic times we had another
and investigators in the USA and Finland, showed that the
successful year in fundraising, with income totalling $7.7 million
association between childhood obesity and cardiovascular risk
in 2011. Our research again received support from The Royal
is reduced when obese children become non-obese as adults.
Children’s Hospital Foundation, including income raised through
• Researchers identified a gene that causes a severe form
the Good Friday Appeal. I would like to thank those who
of osteoarthritis. The breakthrough, which was published
supported the Appeal, as well as our donors for their ongoing
in Nature Genetics, could ultimately help develop new
support and interest. I acknowledge the support provided by
therapeutic treatments for all types of arthritis.
our Development Board, led by Suzi Carp and Steven Casper,
• An international study that found mental disorders such as major depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are the leading cause of disability in young people worldwide. In 2011, income awarded by the Federal Government’s National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) totalled $26.3 million. This will help us fund 27 research projects and 20 fellowships and scholarships. This is a major achievement
for their role in helping us to achieve this result.
looking ahead Whilst our 25th year was a wonderful time to reflect on the considerable contribution the Institute has made, we are very focused on the future, to build on past successes. After years of sustained growth, development and organisational change, next year’s focus will be to consolidate and embed those
considering the competitiveness of the process and the flat
changes. We will also continue to focus on strengthening
funding environment for NHMRC. We also received $3 million
and further building our international collaborations, as
funding from the State Government’s Operational Infrastructure
global interaction is a priority moving forward.
Support scheme administered through the Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development. This
I thank our staff, Board committees, our Patron Dame Elisabeth
was an increase of 9.5 per cent on last year’s funding.
Murdoch and Ambassador Sarah Murdoch for their ongoing
25 year anniversary
support and dedication. Thank you also to all the researchers and staff for their hard work and determination, and for their contributions in improving
As well as the move to our new home, the Institute celebrated its
the health and wellbeing of
25th anniversary in 2011. It has been 25 years since the Institute
children worldwide.
was established as the Murdoch Institute for Research into Birth Defects, subsequently The Murdoch Institute, a world-class centre focused on genetics research and clinical genetic services. In 2000, the Institute merged with The Royal Children’s Hospital Research Institute to form what is today known as the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, and the scope of research was broadened to have an all-encompassing focus on child health. Over our 25 year history, the achievements have been many; today’s children are
Professor Terry Dwyer
the beneficiaries of our research discoveries. Our most prominent
AO MD MPH
research discoveries are highlighted in this annual report.
Director
organisational chart The Royal Children’s Hospital Professor Christine Kilpatrick
University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics Professor Paul Monagle
Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
Murdoch Childrens Research Institute Chairman Leigh Clifford
Director Professor Terry Dwyer
Associate Director, Clinical & Public Health/Research Enablement & Funding/Healthy Wellbeing & Policy Professor Sheena Reilly
Research Groups
Theme Director, Cell Biology Development & Disease Professor John Bateman
Research Groups
Research Groups
Theme Director, Critical Care & Neuroscience Professor Vicki Anderson
Research Groups
Research Groups
Theme Director, Population Health Genes & Environment A/Professor Katie Allen
Research Groups
Research Groups
Theme Director, Genetic Disorders Professor Andy Choo
Research Groups
Research Groups
Research Groups
Core Groups
Quantitative Sciences
Affinity Groups
Victorian Clinical Genetics Services Board Chairman Professor Terry Dwyer
Clinical Research Development Office/ Australian Paediatric Pharmacology Research Unit
Scientific Services Theme Director, Infection & Immunity Professor Andy Giraud
Research Groups
Research Groups
Associate Director Laboratory Sciences Professor Andrew Sinclair Victorian Clinical Genetics Services Director A/Professor David Amor Chief Operating Officer Mr Brent Dankesreither Research Strategy Dr MaryAnne Aitken Public Relations & Development Ms Alyssa Jones
Genetic Health Services Victoria
Corporate Services
VCGS Pathology
annual report 2011 > boards
& committees
15
board of directors Mr Leigh Clifford AO, Chairman Non Executive Director 2007 - 2009, Chairman from December 2009, Chairman of Qantas Airways Ltd, Director of Bechtel Group Inc (USA), Chairman of Bechtel Australia Pty Ltd and Senior Advisor to Kholberg Kravis and Roberts Mr Ian Miller, Deputy Chairman Non Executive Director from 2007, Executive Chairman of The Burnham Group, Former Ernst & Young Partner
Dr Charles Day Non Executive Director from February 2011, Project Director at the University of Melbourne, Director of Bionic Vision Technologies and the Oral Health CRC Professor Terry Dwyer AO Executive Director from 2004, International Scientific Advisory Board for UK BioBank, Board member of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Mr Martin Armstrong Non Executive Director from 1997, Principal of Plante & Henty, Chairman of Carnbrea & Co Ltd, Director of The Jack Brockhoff Foundation and other public, private and non-profit organisations
Mr Ahmed Fahour Non Executive Director from February 2011, Managing Director and CEO of Australia Post, Chairman of the Rip Curl Group, and a Director of AUX Investments
Mr Anthony Beddison AO Non Executive Director from 2004, Chairman, The Royal Children’s Hospital and the Beddison Group of Companies
Professor Christine Kilpatrick Non Executive Director from 2008, Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Children’s Hospital
Mrs Janet Calvert-Jones AO Non Executive Director from 1986, Director of Herald & Weekly Times Limited, Chairman of Tapestry Foundation of Victoria
Professor Paul Monagle Non Executive Director from 2008, Stevenson Professor, Department of Paediatrics, the University of Melbourne
Mrs Suzi Carp Non Executive Director from 2006, Director of River Capital, Chair of Pilotlight Australia
Mrs Judy Paterson Non Executive Director from 1996, Director of Ace Radio Broadcasters
Mr James Craig Non Executive Director from 2009, Chairman of Macquarie Capital Advisers, Director of other public and non-profit organisations
Mr Jason Yeap OAM Non Executive Director from February 2011, Chairman of Mering Corporation Pty Ltd, trustee of the National Gallery of Victoria, former Senior Partner of Stamford Law Firm and Director of Herbaceutic Holdings Ltd, China
Mrs Patricia Cross Non Executive Director from 2005 – Resigned 3 March 2011, Non Executive Director of National Australia Bank, Qantas Airways, JB Were and the Grattan Institute
Company Secretary Mr Brent Dankesreither Chief Operating Officer
board committees Audit, Finance & Risk Management Committee Monitors the systems and controls established to safeguard the Institute’s assets. Chairman, Mr Ian Miller Mr Viren Abeyasinghe Mr Martin Armstrong Mr Brent Dankesreither Professor Terry Dwyer AO Mr David Gillespie
Commercialisation & IP Committee Advises the Board on business development opportunities for biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries and on related issues including patent protection. Chairman, Mr Bruce Grey Mr Martin Armstrong Ms Angeline Bartholomeusz Mr Brent Dankesreither Dr Charles Day Professor Terry Dwyer AO Ms Sue Michelmore Mr George Raitt Associate Professor Howard Slater (from September 2011) Professor George Werther Invited to attend Ms Michelle Baker (from March 2011)
Development Board Provides advice on fundraising, marketing and communications activities to engage donors and supporters. Co-Chair, Mrs Suzi Carp Co-Chair, Mr Steven Casper Ms Lisa Bond Mrs Susannah Calvert-Jones Mr Andrew Cox Mr Tony Davies Mrs Victoria Gillespie Mrs Tanya Hamersfeld Ms Alyssa Jones
Mr Clark Kirby Ms Marisa Leone Mrs Kate Mohr Mrs Sarah Murdoch Mr Peter Mastos (from February 2011) Mr Adrian Redlich Ms Emma Rosenberg Ms Fiona Rowland (to March 2011) Mrs Dahlia Sable Ms Ariane Baker (from June 2011) Mr Anthony Coops (from February 2011)
Investment Committee Advises on the financial investments of the Institute. Chairman, Mr James Craig Mr Viren Abeyasinghe Ms Suzi Carp (to November 2011) Mrs Patricia Cross (to March 2011) Mr Brent Dankesreither Mr Peter Griffin AM Mr Ben James Mr Dominic Leary Mr Paul Martin Mr Ian Miller Mr John Nickson Ms Ariane Baker (from May 2011)
Remuneration Committee Chairman, Mr Leigh Clifford AO Mr Martin Armstrong Mr Ian Miller
VCGS Board Oversees the activities of the Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, an incorporated subsidiary of Murdoch Childrens. Chairman, Professor Terry Dwyer AO Mr Brent Dankesreither Mr David Gillespie Professor Stephen Holdsworth A/Professor Andrew Kornberg Professor Finlay Macrae Mrs Judy Paterson Invited to attend A/Professor David Amor Mr Stephen Dyt
annual report 2011 > boards
& committees
17
executive committee Responsible for the management of research strategy, operational issues, research funds and infrastructure.
Professor Terry Dwyer AO Director
Professor Sheena Reilly Health, Wellbeing and Policy (Acting)
Mr Brent Dankesreither Chief Operating Officer
Professor Andrew Sinclair Associate Director Laboratory Sciences
A/Professor Katie Allen Population Health & Environment
Invited to attend
Professor Vicki Anderson Critical Care & Neurosciences
Dr MaryAnne Aitken Research Strategy
Professor John Bateman Cell Biology, Development & Disease
Ms Michele Gellatly Head of Human Resources
Professor Andy Choo Genetic Disorders
Ms Alyssa Jones Head of PR & Development
Professor Andy Giraud Infection & Immunity
Ms Julia Malone Grants Office Manager
research priority
allergy & autoimmune Allergies have emerged as one of the major public health
As part of the clinical trial, participants are given an oral dose
problems in children in developed countries during the 20th
of peanut protein, as well as an immune modulator in the
century. Australia and New Zealand have among the highest
form of probiotic bacteria, once daily over 18 months to
prevalence of allergic disorders in the developed world. It’s
induce tolerance. The research provides a unique
important to understand how and why allergic and immune
opportunity for researchers to investigate the key immune
disorders are increasing. Our team is focused on this priority
changes driving resolution of peanut allergy. Assessing the
area to help prevent and treat these conditions.
new information from the study has great potential to lead to novel treatments and potential cures.
Donations helped us invest more than $285,000 into allergy and autoimmune research in 2011, which allowed
Our team was also awarded more than $450,000 by the
researchers to leverage a further $3.2 million in grants from
NHMRC to investigate the dramatic increase in food allergy
the National Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC).
and the consistent increase in early vitamin D insufficiency.
This is up from $2.7 million in the previous year.
Some hypotheses suggest these two have a causal link;
finding answers to food allergy
however, it has never been directly tested. The study, which will use data from two existing NHMRC-funded studies, aims to learn more about the prevention of common health
Peanut allergy is of great concern as it is usually lifelong, the
problems such as allergy, autoimmune disease, asthma
commonest cause of anaphylaxis in children, and the most
and cardiovascular disease.
common cause of death from food anaphylaxis. The immune mechanisms that determine how you develop or grow out of a food allergy remain unclear. In 2011, our researchers received $584,000 from the NHMRC to examine what happens when you grow out of a peanut allergy.
Food allergy affects up to 10 per cent of children, and rates are rising.
annual report 2011 > research
priority
19
Associate Professor Katie Allen with Azumi and Junko Sakamoto
food allergy on the increase When Azumi was a year old she was allergic to cashew
The study, published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical
nuts and egg whites and had suffered sesame-induced
Immunology, assessed more than 5000 one-year-old
anaphylaxis. Now, at four-and-a-half years of age, Azumi
children to determine their allergy to a range of common
has outgrown her egg white and sesame allergy, but is still
foods including raw egg, peanuts, sesame, shellfish and
allergic to cashews. Azumi is one of more than 5000 children
cow’s milk. Infants underwent skin prick testing, and those
who are part of a Murdoch Childrens’ study called
with any sensitisation to one or more foods were invited to
HealthNuts, which aims to better understand the natural
attend an allergy research clinic and underwent an oral
history of allergic disorders including food allergy, asthma,
food challenge.
eczema and hay fever, and the relationship of risk factors for development of these conditions in the first six years of life.
Katie said the rise of allergies was similar to that of the asthma epidemic in the 1990s, and equally as mysterious.
Azumi’s mother Junko jumped at the chance for Azumi to
“Just one generation ago, food allergies like the ones
be part of the study after being approached by researchers
experienced by children today were almost unheard of.
at her daughter’s one-year-old immunisation. “Azumi had
If you went into the community and asked adults how
eczema, so I wanted to find out whether she also had a food
many had food allergies when they were kids, almost none
allergy, and through the study we discovered that she did,”
did. But if you walk into a classroom now, almost every class
Junko said.
has at least one child with a food allergy,” Katie said.
It was through this HealthNuts study, led by Associate
Katie and her team agree that the increase may be linked
Professor Katie Allen, that researchers found more than
in some way to modifiable environmental factors such as
10 per cent of one-year-olds had an allergic reaction to an
diet, sunlight and microbes, and other modern lifestyle-
oral food challenge, a rate that was higher than expected.
related issues, and requires further investigation.
maternal obesity risk for early life asthma Our research suggests being obese during pregnancy dramatically increases the risk of your child having asthma before their 10th birthday. Researchers found there was a clear increase in the risk of childhood asthma with increasing level of obesity in the mother, with the children of very obese mothers having a 57 per cent increase in the
study challenges baby formula claim
odds of requiring asthma medications between eight and 10 years of age. In the largest study on the association between maternal obesity during pregnancy and the risk of childhood asthma, researchers – including Dr Adrian
Our researchers found hypoallergenic baby formula does not
Lowe from the Institute – drew on data collected by the
reduce a baby’s risk of developing allergies in later life. Despite
Swedish National Board of Health and Welfare. In
the formula being recommended in public health guidelines
collaboration with Umeå University, Sweden, researchers
set out by the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology
studied more than 189,000 children born to 129,239
and Allergy, the study found there was no benefit in using
mothers in Stockholm, Sweden. In a letter to the editor in
hypoallergenic (partially hydrolysed whey) formula to prevent
The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, researchers
allergies in high-risk infants up to seven years of age,
found children of very obese mothers had the highest rate of
compared with a conventional cow’s milk-based formula.
asthma medications use (10.3 per cent), but even children of mothers who were only slightly overweight had an increased
The trial involved 620 infants and assessed whether using
risk (7.8 per cent) when compared to children born to
the formula decreased the risk of allergy in later life. Infants
mothers with normal weight (6.9 per cent).
in the study were given either hypoallergenic, cow’s milk or soy formula after the cessation of breastfeeding. Allergy
Lead author Dr Adrian Lowe said the link could potentially
testing was undertaken at six, 12 and 24 months, and the
explain some of the increase in incidences of childhood
children were followed up again at six or seven years of age.
asthma during recent decades. “The prevalence of both asthma and obesity has increased over the past five decades
Lead authors David Hill and Dr Adrian Lowe said their
in westernised countries, as has the proportion of mothers
findings did not support the recommendations that
who are obese or overweight. If the association between
hypoallergenic formula should be used after breastfeeding
maternal body mass index and asthma risk in children
as a preventive strategy for infants at high risk of allergenic
is causal, it might explain between 11 and 13 per cent
disease. In fact, the hypoallergenic formula did not show
of childhood asthma,” Adrian said.
any beneficial effect, when compared with a normal cow’s milk-based formula, for the prevention of childhood eczema,
The study hypothesised that maternal obesity may increase
asthma or hay fever in children up to seven years of age.
the risk that a child will develop asthma by increasing the
The study was published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical
child’s own risk of obesity, influencing the infant’s immune
Immunology, in collaboration with the University of
system towards allergies during pregnancy or by changing
Melbourne and Monash University.
the metabolic balance of the child. “Although the underlying mechanism to explain these results remains unclear, these results suggests that, if successful, public health campaigns to combat obesity may have a beneficial effect on the rate of childhood asthma.”
annual report 2011 > research
link between childhood eczema and adult asthma
priority
21
Nine-year-old Lauren Ong, who has several allergies, undergoes an allergy test by nurse Christine Axelrad as Pamela Martin looks on Photo Richard Timbury/Casamento Photography
Children who have eczema, particularly when occurring
The participants were initially assessed about their allergies
with hay fever, are nine times more likely to develop
and childhood environment in 1967, at seven years of age,
allergic asthma in their 40s. The study published in The
and were followed up in 2004, at the age of 44. “In the study
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, in collaboration
we saw that childhood eczema, particularly when hay fever
with the University of Melbourne, Menzies Research
also occurs, is a very strong predictor of who will suffer from
Institute and Monash University, reported on evidence
allergic asthma in adult life. The implications of the study are
from a clinical study of around 1400 people and found that
that prevention and rigorous treatment of childhood eczema
up to 30 per cent of allergic asthma within the population
and hay fever may prevent the persistence and development
sample could be attributed to a history of childhood
of asthma,� lead author Pamela Martin, a University of
eczema and hay fever.
Melbourne PhD student based at Murdoch Childrens, said.
research priority
brain & mind one in 12 teens self-harm A world-first study by our researchers found that one in 12 teens
Professor George Patton said the findings should offer
self-harm during their adolescent years. In collaboration with
some reassurance to parents of adolescents who self -
King’s College in London, researchers found teens were most
harm, but said it’s important to recognise when treatment
likely to self-harm at 15 years of age, but most young people
is needed. “The study found most of this self-harming that
gave up their self-harming behaviour as they entered adulthood.
happens during adolescence resolves without medical
The study, which was published in The Lancet, found 10 per cent
intervention, probably as young people learn new strategies
of females reported self-harm at least once during adolescence,
for avoiding or dealing with distressing emotions. However,
compared with 6 per cent of males, translating to a 60 per cent
associated mental health problems did not always resolve
increased risk of self-harm in girls compared with boys.
in the same way,” he said.
As part of the study, almost 2000 Victorian students were
“Although many young people work out ways of dealing with
asked about recent self-harm on four occasions during their
emotional problems, there is need for treatment when these
teenage years, and were followed up from early adolescence
problems are persisting. We found that adolescents with high
through to their late 20s. The study found during adolescence,
levels of depression and anxiety continued to have high risks
self-harm was independently associated with symptoms of
for self-harm into young adulthood. It’s important to
depression and anxiety, antisocial behaviour, high-risk alcohol
recognise and treat persisting depression and anxiety,
use and smoking. Adolescent symptoms of depression and
as this will continue to be an important part of suicide
anxiety also predicted later self-harm in young adulthood,
prevention in young adults.”
even in those who had not harmed themselves as a teenager.
More girls than boys self-harm. While most teenagers abandon the practice as they mature, some will remain at risk.
annual report 2011 > brain
& mind
23
working conditions impact on mental health of mothers
premature birth
In 2011, our researchers were involved in a study which
80 per cent of preterm babies are born between 32-36
found poor employment conditions can have a significant
weeks’ gestation, and are categorised as late preterm (LPT).
impact on the mental health of mothers who return to work
Over the past few decades, many studies have focused on
before their child turns one. The findings show that even
very preterm or very low birth-weight infants, but there has
when accepted risk factors are taken into account, issues
been little research on the outcomes of LPT children.
such as lack of access to paid parental leave, inflexible hours and job insecurity are linked to psychological
There is now emerging evidence from other countries that
distress in mothers of young children.
shows LPT birth is associated with higher rates of morbidity, an increased risk of cognitive and motor development delay,
The study collected data from 1300 mothers who took part
and developmental delay. But why this occurs is unknown.
in the Federal Government’s Longitudinal Study of Australian
To date, there are no published Australian developmental
Children. It found nearly half of the 40 per cent of Australian
outcome studies of LPT infants, so the severity of this
mothers who returned to work in the first year of their child’s
problem in Australia is unclear. To answer this question,
life did so earlier than they wanted to, and only one in five
researchers including Dr Jeanie Cheong are conducting a
returned to jobs that provided optimal conditions for
study which aims to understand the effect of LPT birth on
balancing their work and family commitments. Women who
brain development. The world-first study will incorporate
had the least favourable employment conditions were one
detailed neurobehavioral assessments in infancy, brain
and a half times more likely to report psychological distress
magnetic imaging (MRI) and developmental assessments
than women with the most optimal employment conditions.
at two years of age.
The research, which was published in Archives of Women’s
“This comprehensive approach will enable a global
Mental Health, is part of a wider Parenting Australian Children
understanding of the impact of late preterm birth on
collaboration between the Parenting Research Centre and
brain development and developmental outcomes. The
our researchers, and aims to generate new knowledge about
results from this study will have vital implications for timing
contemporary influences on parenting and child wellbeing
of semi-elective LPT delivery and identification of ‘high-risk’
in Australia.
LPT infants for early intervention,” Jeanie said. The study was awarded more than $800,000 by the National Health & Medical Research Council in 2011.
The Dench family: Noah, 3, dad Martin, Leo, 6, and mum Brigitte Photo Š Newspix
research priority
brain & mind being optimistic is good for your health Our team found being optimistic does make a difference in teen mental health and behaviour, especially against the onset of depressive symptoms. The study, published in Pediatrics, assessed 5634 students aged 12 to 14 years over three years on optimistic thinking style, emotional problems, substance use and antisocial behaviours. Researchers found levels of optimism in boys remained stable but in girls there were marked falls in optimism across the study. At any given time, optimistic teens were doing much better in terms of health risks. Most importantly, risks for the later onset of depression in adolescents who reported high levels of optimism were almost half those of the least optimistic. Optimism was also protective against the onset of substance abuse and antisocial behaviours such as theft, interpersonal violence and property damage.
childhood brain injury
Researchers, in collaboration with the University of Queensland, looked at more than 200 school-aged children and found more severe injury affected attention skills most negatively. However, they found children showed
Researchers published a study in The Journal of Head
significant recovery over time. There were few interaction
Trauma Rehabilitation, which examined children who had
effects, with severity groups exhibiting similar levels of
experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI) to determine their
recovery over the six months post-TBI. Lead researcher
recovery of attention from three to six months post-injury.
Professor Vicki Anderson said the findings have important
Traumatic brain injury during childhood can cause a range
clinical and educational implications, suggesting that children
of physical and mental health problems including co-
with TBI, and particularly those with more serious injuries,
ordination difficulties, speech problems, social anxiety and
are most vulnerable to attention deficits in the acute stages
learning difficulties. The study aimed to identify the effects
post-injury. “It is important that schools and families are
of injury severity and time since injury on performance, and
aware of these limitations and structure expectations
to explore whether complex attention skills such as divided
accordingly. For example, gradual return to school should
attention and attention control were more vulnerable
be considered, and in the early stages of recovery, children
and slower to recover than simple attention skills.
should be provided with sufficient rest time, with reduced expectations for tasks such as homework,� she said.
annual report 2011 > brain
& mind
25
helping parents who have a seriously ill child Six-year-old Leo is in remission from leukaemia, having
treatment. Researchers hope their work will increase
battled the disease since he was two. Leo’s parents took part
understanding about how parents adapt to their child’s
in a pilot Murdoch Childrens and Parenting Research Centre
illness and how to identify parents and families who may
program that aims to improve the lives of families who have
benefit from psychosocial support.
children diagnosed with a serious illness or injury. The Take a Breath studies will help researchers to better understand the
The pilot study, which was completed in 2011, showed the
emotional and social impacts that serious illness or injury
parent program helped parents improve their sense of
have on parents, children and their families.
wellbeing and they reported feeling less guilty, sorry or uncertain. A total of 320 parents will participate in the study
Two projects form the study: a survey of parents and
over the next two years. The study is supported with major
children, and the development and evaluation of a program
grants from the Victorian Department of Human Services,
for parents to reduce their distress and help them adapt to
North and West Metropolitan Region, the Pratt Foundation
their child’s illness and the requirements of the medical
and the Children’s Cancer Centre Foundation.
research priority
genetics discovery highlights new way to diagnose serious genetic disease
The findings, which were published in Cell Metabolism, were made after researchers used next-generation DNA-sequencing technologies to test more than 1000 genes encoding proteins active in the mitochondria in two individuals with Leigh syndrome.Â
Our researchers led a collaborative study with the Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, which discovered a new
Unlike current tests, which test one gene at a time, this
genetic defect that can lead to Leigh syndrome. Leigh
technology allows scientists to screen many genes at the
syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal neurometabolic
same time to establish a diagnosis more quickly and
disorder that affects the central nervous system. In Leigh
cost-effectively. It also means patients in the future may
syndrome, infants are born apparently healthy only to
not need to undergo painful muscle biopsies, and could
develop movement and breathing disorders that worsen
instead have a simple blood test. The findings highlighted
over time often leading to death by the age of three. The
the value of next-generation sequencing technologies for
problem is that the mitochondria responsible for
diagnosing rare diseases and learning more about the
powering their cells can’t keep up with the demand for
underlying biology.Â
energy in their developing brains.
Each year, eight million children are born with a serious birth defect of genetic origin. The genetic cause remains unknown for more than half of these conditions. We study genetics to ensure that future generations are healthy.
annual report 2011 > genetics
27
Kawasaki patient Axel Molina has his heart checked during a check-up with Dr David Burgner Photo © Newspix
The gene researchers uncovered encodes an enzyme in
kawasaki disease
mitochondria known as MTFMT. In addition to the clinical implications, the new findings also offer insight into the
The mystery of Kawasaki disease – a poorly understood,
biology of human mitochondria. Previously, mutations
relatively common and serious childhood condition – is
in more than 10 different genes had been shown to cause
now a step closer to being solved after a team of
defects in human mitochondrial translation. It is now clear
international researchers, including researchers from
that the MTFMT gene is also required for efficient
the Institute, identified two genes that are important in
mitochondrial translation.
determining who develops the disease. The study, which was published in Nature Genetics, found that children who
Although it isn’t clear in the case of Leigh syndrome
have had Kawasaki disease have naturally occurring
whether a precise molecular diagnosis will necessarily
variation in two key genes involved in the immune response.
lead to therapies, the findings represented a meaningful advance. Lead researcher Professor David Thorburn said
Kawasaki disease is a serious illness affecting young children.
that even without a remedy, it can be reassuring for families
It causes symptoms including high fever, rash, swollen hands,
to have a definitive answer. “Patients are often referred
red eyes, enlarged glands in the neck and redness of the
around from one doctor to another. A diagnosis at least
tongue and lips. In up to a quarter of untreated children, the
provides some closure to the diagnostic odyssey, even
blood vessels supplying the heart – the coronary arteries –
without a treatment,” he said.
are affected, sometimes with serious long-term consequences. Kawasaki disease is a leading cause of heart
“Diagnosis of the disease along with its specific genetic cause
disease acquired during childhood. The heart problems can
can also be informative about the risk a couple has of having
persist through life and may require coronary artery bypass
another affected child. The diagnostic information can help
or, rarely, even heart transplant.
in decisions about whether and how to pursue alternative means of having a healthy child.”
In the largest study ever to have been conducted on Kawasaki disease collaborating physicians and scientists from more
research priority
genetics
than 70 centres in 11 countries analysed almost 500,000
lead to improved diagnosis and clinical management of patients
genetic markers in European-Caucasian cases
with DSD. The international DSD network already has more than
and controls, and then confirmed the findings in Kawasaki
700 patients registered from Australia, South East Asia, the USA
disease patients from Australia, Europe, the USA, Canada
and India. The registry is expected to exceed 2000 patients and
and Asia. They identified the two mutated genes in five
be the largest database of its kind in the world.
different cohorts of Kawasaki disease patients. It is not possible to provide an accurate diagnosis for many Dr David Burgner, one of the lead researchers of the study,
DSD patients, making clinical management difficult.
said the discovery is an important step towards
The international database will be used to establish the
understanding the condition. “Kawasaki disease is familiar
underlying cause of these conditions, which in turn will
to every paediatrician, but there is no diagnostic test and it
provide an accurate diagnosis and improve the clinical
can be difficult to diagnose. Similarly, as we don’t fully
outcome for patients.
understand the condition, current treatment is non-specific and it doesn’t always prevent heart damage – the most
cancer research
serious complication,” he said. Researchers were awarded more than $580,000 by the National “However, in this study, we discovered that when either of
Health & Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to look at cell
these two genes are mutated, this significantly contributes
division and the role it plays in cancer development. When cells
to the risk of developing Kawasaki disease, which is a major
divide, their DNA must be copied and distributed faultlessly into
step forward into understanding and treating this disease.
the new cells. Defects in the factors that control this process
We hope that these findings are an important piece of the
will result in serious health problems, including cancer. Results
jigsaw of Kawasaki disease and will help with the search for
gained from this project are expected to significantly increase
easier diagnosis and better treatment.”
our understanding of how cancer cells control the replication of their DNA and therefore, their own fate.
new registry for disorders of sex development
In a separate study, our researchers will examine centromeres, which is a region of DNA typically found near the middle of a chromosome. Defective centromeres can result in genome
In 2011, we were involved in developing an online web
instability, infertility and development of cancers. Researchers
portal which will serve as a secure national and international
will study how the identity of a centromere is maintained and
database for patients with disorders of sex development
inherited after each cell division, which will help them to
(DSD). The portal will be utilised to initiate large-scale research
understand cell growth and cancer development. The study
studies to look at the underlying genetics, ongoing health
was awarded $307,000 by the NHMRC in 2011. About 600
issues for DSD patients, and make it easier for doctors and
children are diagnosed with cancer in Australia each year.
researchers to knowledge-share. Ultimately, the research will
annual report 2011 > genetics
arthritis breakthrough
29
Dr Shireen Lamande and study participant Ian Begg
In a study published in Nature Genetics, our researchers
Dr Shireen Lamande, who led the study, said the discovery
identified a gene that causes a severe form of osteoarthritis.
represented a major step forward for arthritis research.
The findings were made after researchers studied three
“The next step for us is to understand the cell signalling
unrelated families with a form of inherited hand osteoarthritis
pathways that are changed by the mutations and lead to
and discovered the mutated gene, called TRPV4.
arthritis. This will help us develop therapies that specifically target those pathways and prevent the disease,” Shireen said.
The TRPV4 gene regulates calcium entry into the cell and is important for normal function of cartilage cells. Working
The gene is also expressed in nerves and is responsible for
with collaborators from the Pharmacology Department at
increased sensitivity to pain, meaning the finding could also
the University of Melbourne, researchers found that cells
have implications for people with cancer and other painful
don’t function properly when the gene is mutated, causing
chronic conditions. “Understanding more about how this
the arthritic condition. Importantly, researchers at the
gene works will help us understand how drug treatments will
Institute also found TRVP4 gene expression was dramatically
affect the different conditions caused by TRPV4 and which
reduced in a mouse model of arthritis and the greatest
drugs might be best suited for each condition.”
decrease was seen in mice with the most severe arthritis, confirming that altered TRVP4 activity is associated with
Ian Begg, along with members of his family, participated in
arthritic disease.
the study. Four generations of the Begg family are affected with the condition. “It’s nice to know why we are the way we
The breakthrough could ultimately lead to the development
are, and now that the problem has been identified, there
of new therapeutic treatments for all forms of arthritis. The
may be answers that can help,” Ian said. “The condition
discovery also raises the possibility that the gene may also
restricts your hand movements as you get older and can
play a role in age or injury-related arthritis.
cause a lot of pain, so if this discovery leads to some form of treatment it would be fantastic for future generations, the younger family members as well as me as I get older.”
research priority
obesity
The number of overweight Australian children has
Lead researcher Professor Melissa Wake said some parents
doubled in recent years. Today, around a quarter of
of overweight children were even concerned that their child
Australian children are overweight or obese, with health
was underweight. “We thought maybe it was just the cut-off
problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure,
point that public health doctors have set, so we wondered
asthma, hypertension and sleep apnoea directly attributed
if there was a definite weight cut-off that parents would
to childhood obesity. Our researchers are committed to
respond to. But we found there was not. There were lots
helping curb obesity among children and adolescents, and
of parents who were worried when they needn’t be, and
to finding innovative prevention and treatment strategies.
many who perhaps could have been but were not. But
parents opt to weight and see
generally the concern about underweight was far stronger than it should have been, especially given that thinner children are usually pretty healthy,” she said.
Our researchers discovered that many parents find it hard to know if their children are obese. The study, which was
Melissa said the results of the study identified the need
published in the International Journal of Pediatric Obesity,
for weight screening in child health checks to properly
found there was no clearly identifiable weight above which
identify overweight children. “If we really want to know
parents will usually realise their child is overweight. The
which children are overweight or obese, there seems no
study of 4983 preschoolers found that concern from
way around actually weighing and measuring them.
parents about their child’s weight was ‘only modestly’
However, this would involve population screening, and
related to their actual size, and was not triggered by
screening would only be useful once there are acceptable,
any definable body mass index threshold.
effective methods that reliably help overweight children. The hunt is on, but it does still seem a long way off.”
annual report 2011 > obesity
31
Today, around a quarter of Australian children are overweight or obese, with health problems such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, hypertension and sleep apnoea directly attributed to childhood obesity.
study questions link between sleep and obesity Despite some international studies suggesting short sleep
Cardiovascular disease affects more than 3.4 million
duration in children is associated with an increased risk
Australians, with one in six Australians affected. Previous
of obesity; our researchers found longer sleep duration
research has shown that overweight or obese children
may not play a part in combating childhood obesity. This
who are obese as adults have an increased risk of type 2
study went further than others by employing cutting-edge
diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol levels
sleep and body composition measures. It found no
and cardiovascular disease. However, it was not previously
relationship between short sleep and obesity in 133 obese
clear whether the association between childhood obesity
adolescents aged 10-16 attending an American weight
and cardiovascular risk persists when overweight or obese
management clinic.
children become non-obese as adults.
Researchers found those taking part on average slept
Professor Terry Dwyer, chair of the steering committee for
less than the recommended guidelines of more than eight
the global study, said the study demonstrates that it’s never
hours a night. More than half experienced some degree
too late for children to get into shape and reinforces the
of sleep disordered breathing and nearly a quarter had
concept that it’s worthwhile helping overweight and obese
metabolic syndrome. Lead researcher Dr Valerie Sung said
children to reach a normal weight as they become adults.
that, based on their findings, it was premature to expect that lengthening sleep will improve body mass index for
The study, which was conducted in collaboration with
obese adolescents, and that longer sleep duration was if
Tasmania’s Menzies Research Institute and Finland’s
anything associated with worse cholesterol and triglyceride
University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, looked
profiles. The study was published in Sleep.
at long-term follow-up data of more than 6000 people in three countries. Over an interval of almost 25 years, only
impact of childhood obesity can be turned around
15 per cent of children who were of normal weight were
In 2011, we were involved in a world-first international
“The good news is that the study shows that childhood
collaborative study, which showed that the association
obesity does not permanently increase cardiovascular risk
between childhood obesity and cardiovascular risk is
if obesity in adulthood is avoided. However, preventing
reduced when obese children become non-obese as
obesity at all ages is still the key message, as very few obese
adults. The results of the study were published in The
children became non-obese in adulthood,” Terry said.
New England Journal of Medicine.
obese as adults, whereas 82 per cent of those who were obese as children were obese as adults.
Professor Sheena Reilly and Professor John Carlin
research highlights centres of research excellence Murdoch Childrens was successful in being awarded two
issues. “As a result of the data we have captured over the
Centres of Research Excellence grants by the National Health
past 10 years and the Institute’s resources, we are uniquely
& Medical Research Council (NHMRC), each worth $2.5
positioned internationally to advance understandings in the
million over five years. The feat was made more impressive
field of childhood language.”
by the fact only four major universities received more than one of these awards.
The Institute was also awarded $2.5 million by the NHMRC for a Centre of Research Excellence – with collaborating
We were awarded $2.5 million by NHMRC to establish a
partners Monash University and the University of Melbourne
Centre for Research Excellence in Childhood Language.
– to create an academic centre for biostatistics research and training across the three campuses.
Spoken language defines the human species and is critical to achieving one’s full potential. Poor language and literary
Professor John Carlin, who heads the new Victorian Centre
skills can cause significant problems for children at school
for Biostatistics (ViCBiostat), explained that it will bring
and later in life. The Centre for Childhood Language will
together leaders in the field of biostatistics in Victoria, with
address how language develops, what goes wrong and
the core aim of fostering the careers of a new generation of
why it matters. Together with researchers from the USA
biostatistical researchers.
and the UK, the team will generate new knowledge to address the gaps in research and do so by working closely
Biostatisticians play a crucial role in medical and public
with policy makers and practitioners.
health research, as they help to design and lead the analysis of many studies ranging from randomised controlled trials
Professor Sheena Reilly, who is leading the Centre, said the
to epidemiological investigations that follow large numbers
Institute is well positioned to address a number of important
of people over many years.
annual report 2011 > research
highlights
33
Although the Centre will be Victoria-based, it is hoped
investigate the condition; which is on top of $1.3 million
the impact will be national. “We would like to see the
awarded to researchers in 2009 by the Foundation.
establishment of a critical mass of advanced trainees and enhanced collaborations on a sufficient scale –
The grant will enable researchers to further their studies
and with enough visibility, to underpin the ongoing
into the different strains of pneumonia-causing bacteria to
development of the discipline. To date in Australia,
help improve vaccinations and develop new ones.
although many health researchers recognise the need,
Pneumonia is caused by bacteria known as pneumococcus,
there have been no vehicles for building the necessary
which has about 90 strains. The current vaccine protects
high-level capacity,� John said.
against only a small number of strains of bacteria. However,
childhood pneumonia
children in developing countries often carry different strains of the bacteria, so even those who have access to the vaccine may not be protected.
Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in children under five worldwide, killing two million children annually,
Working with an international team of scientists, our team
the vast majority in developing countries. In 2011, the
has taken bacterial samples from children in Fiji, Kenya,
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation committed an additional
South Africa, The Gambia, Papua New Guinea, Bangladesh
$1.5 million to help researchers at the Institute to
and the USA.
Poor language and literacy skills can cause major problems in children and stop them from fulfilling their potential in life.
research highlights refugee status report Dr Georgia Paxton led a team based at the
launched by Victorian Government Ministers Lovell
Institute in writing the Refugee Status Report for
(Early Childhood) and Davis (Health) in July 2011.
the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
The report was co-authored with Natalie Smith, Dr Aung Ko Win, Nigisti Mulholland and Dr Suzanne Hood.
The report examined outcomes for refugee children in Victoria across the domains of health, wellbeing,
young males most at risk
learning, development and safety. It drew on multiple datasets; compiling published information and also
We were involved in an international study which found
including previously unpublished Government data, an
young Australian men are three times more likely to die
analysis of Census data, extensive service mapping and
prematurely than male toddlers.
a significant qualitative component examining service delivery. Importantly, the status report also highlighted
The study, published in The Lancet, tracked global
gaps in data and services.
death trends between 1955 and 2004 and found that while mortality rates had fallen overall, rates were
The report detailed the complexity of health, mental
now relatively higher in teenagers and young adults
health and educational issues that occur in refugee
than in young children. The study into youth mortality
children. It found refugee children were far more likely
found the number of children dying aged one to four
to live in poverty after arrival, compared to Victorian
had fallen by about 80 per cent, largely because of
children overall, and less likely to have access to a car
better protection from infectious diseases. However,
or the internet. They were less likely to meet minimum
in the past 50 years, transport injuries, suicides and
standards on benchmark literacy and numeracy testing
homicide rates had risen in older adolescents and young
in school and faced particular challenges in accessing
adults in high and middle income countries. Any gains
education. At the same time, their rates of service use
in mortality from reducing infectious disease deaths in
were generally lower, and the international literature
these age groups had been wiped out by this rise in
suggests the majority of refugee children are resilient
injury deaths.
and grow up to be healthy well-adjusted adults. Senior author Professor George Patton said the This benchmark report provides an invaluable summary
message from the study was that this young adult age
of the health status of refugee children and is unique in
group should be a priority in order to further reduce
the national and international context. It provides a
deaths in early life, with focused health campaigns
foundation for research and policy development and is
targeting these issues.
already being used for this purpose. The report was
annual report 2011 > research
highlights
35
gestures point to autism diagnosis
partner violence linked to postnatal depression
Our team discovered that toddlers who later go on to be
A study published in BJOG-An International Journal of
diagnosed with autism use fewer gestures. As part of the Early
Obstetrics and Gynaecology found 40 per cent of women
Language in Victoria Study (ELVS), the early developmental
who report depressive symptoms following birth also
skills and behaviour of 1900 children at key ages was
reported intimate partner violence.
measured – including those of 45 children diagnosed with ASD between the ages of three and seven years.
The study looked at more than 1300 women who had given birth to their first child. It found that one in six
The study showed there was a pattern of low gesture use
women reported intimate partner violence in the year
for children with ASD between the ages of eight months up to
after having their first baby. Emotional violence was more
24 months. As early as eight months, early communication
common than physical violence, 14 per cent versus eight
gestures differentiated children with ASD from some of the
per cent. Sixteen per cent of women reported depressive
other children. Early identification and intervention is crucial in
symptoms in the 12 months postpartum.
managing ASD, but previously it had been difficult to diagnose children with the disorder until the age of three or older.
Co-led by Dr Hannah Woolhouse, the study also found that most of the women reporting postnatal depression
It found the decreased use of gestures – such as pointing,
first reported it at six months after birth, or later. The
showing and waving – at 24 months of age, was the main
finding has major implications for clinical practice, with
characteristic that differentiated children with ASD from all
current health guidelines suggesting women should be
other groups of children. These results could revolutionise
screened for postnatal depression in the first three
the way ASD is screened for and provide better outcomes
months after birth, meaning many women who develop
for children with ASD through early intervention programs.
depression after six months will be missed.
research highlights unlocking the mysteries of heart operation Six-year-old Mia Cowley was born with complex congenital heart disease; she has holes in her heart, ventricles in the wrong position, a missing valve and half of her heart failed to form. Throughout her young life, Mia has had to endure four different operations, including the Fontan heart operation in 2010. The Fontan procedure is a life-saving medical technique used to treat children born with certain serious heart defects. The procedure involves restructuring the heart so that it can operate effectively using only one ventricle, or pumping chamber, as opposed to two. There are more than 1300 people in Australia and New Zealand who are alive today due to the Fontan procedure. In 2011, researchers at the Institute established the ‘Fontan Registry’, which will collect valuable health information on Fontan patients living in Australia and New Zealand. It will follow and monitor their health and progress with the aim of determining the size
“The average procedure only lasts up to 20-30 years.
of this population, their life expectancy and their need
After this time, some of these patients may require a heart
for heart transplantation later in life. Mia is part of the
transplant, but it is not yet known how many of them will
registry, which is the largest of its kind in the world.
require it,” Yves said.
A/Professor Yves d’Udekem, who is leading the study,
“With the population of Fontan recipients growing each year,
said 90 per cent of children who have had the
there is a need to develop longer-term solutions to offer
operation were alive after 20 years, but it was not
these patients a greater life expectancy. Ultimately, we hope
known what happened to them after this period.
this registry will help identify the needs of these patients now
annual report 2011 > research
highlights
37
Heart patient, Mia Cowley Photo © Newspix
and in the future, so that measures can be taken to ensure
the success. In the future we will be able to definitively
they receive the best possible care and life expectancy.”
say what works. The lessons learned through this database of patients will allow children in the future who undergo
The registry will also be utilised to initiate large-scale trials
Fontan procedures the opportunity to live a near-normal
for potential new medications and treatments.
life for their whole lives.”
“It’s likely that by taking simple medications, Fontan heart
The collaborative work is the first of its kind in the world,
patients’ life expectancy could be increased by five or 10
with all cardiac specialists in Australia and New Zealand
years – but at the moment we have no means of measuring
working jointly on the project.
Elena Tucker
Andre Tan
students & awards Students at the Institute benefit from interacting with our senior scientists and clinicians, and from opportunities to gain skills in leadership and communication. phd success Elena Tucker completed her PhD in 2011 under the
While studying for her PhD, Elena won a number of awards
supervision of Professor David Thorburn and Dr Alison
including the New Investigator Award from the Human
Compton, and has since become a research officer in the
Genetics Society of Australasia, an Australian Postgraduate
Mitochondrial Research Group, which David leads.
Award, a Melbourne Abroad Travelling Scholarship and the Murdoch Childrens David Danks Scholarship, which she
While undertaking her PhD, Elena investigated the molecular
won in the first year of her PhD.
basis of mitochondrial disease, a devastating disorder that results in a range of debilitating symptoms and sometimes death. Using next-generation sequencing – revolutionary new technology that sequences thousands of genes at a
study leads to innovative invention
time, rather than each one individually – Elena and the team looked at more than 100 patients with the aim of achieving
Andre Tan’s association with Murdoch Childrens started
a molecular diagnosis for patients. Not only did the study
long before he commenced his PhD at the Institute. His first
achieve a number of diagnoses, it also identified three
experience was as a science and engineering undergraduate
novel disease genes. The study provided new insight into
student working on a summer vacation project in 2005.
mitochondrial disease and highlighted the huge potential
Andre worked under the supervision of Dr Bridget Southwell
of the new technology.
and Professor John Hutson, who were investigating how an electrical stimulation therapy for chronic constipation worked.
annual report 2011 > students
& awards
39
the innovation award “I was used to looking at mathematical formulas, calculators
Recognises staff in research support or corporate
and programming computers, so interviewing patients and
services who have improved support for research
families who were experiencing chronic constipation was an
and have demonstrated a level of creativity in
eye-opening experience; it really humanised the condition,”
their contribution.
Andre said.
A/Professor Yves d’Udekem, for implementing the Australian and New Zealand Fontan Registry for patients
After completing three summer vacation and two
who had undergone a Fontan operation. The registry
undergraduate projects with the Surgical Research team,
will provide the international community with important
Andre realised that an engineering solution was needed to
information on paediatric heart surgery
treat the condition, as existing electrical stimulators weren’t suitable for home use. His description of a new device to
the teamwork award
treat patients with chronic constipation formed part of the team’s invention. “Being a co-inventor of an innovative device
Acknowledges the contributions of staff who work
was something I never expected in my wildest dreams,” he
beyond their own position in the areas of events
said. The team are now working on developing the device,
and staff engagement.
which will allow patients to treat themselves in the comfort
Jade Knapp, for volunteering her time to assist with a number
of their own home.
of fundraising events
achievement awards & fellowships
environment, health & safety award
The Institute’s staff awards formally acknowledge and reward
Recognises both a staff member and a team which has made
high achievers to motivate staff and promote awareness of
significant contributions to improve safety performance.
the exceptional commitment of individuals to the values and
Wendy Francis (Leadership Award)
mission of Murdoch Childrens. The awards are presented
Comparative Development Research Group (Team award)
annually in May at the Institute’s Annual Review.
the discovery award
leadership excellence award Recognises excellence in leadership.
Recognises excellence in research achievement for
Steven Nasioulas, for his leadership in the role of Laboratory
senior researchers, 10 or more years postdoctoral.
Services Manager within Victorian Clinical Genetics Services
Professor Terry Nolan, for his work on the H1N1 vaccine
the rising star award
professor david danks scholarship
Recognises up-and-coming researchers for their
Awarded in honour of Professor David Danks,
excellence in research achievement.
the founding director of The Murdoch Institute,
Dr Peter Vuillermin, for his work leading the Barwon Infant
the scholarship recognises leading PhD students
Study, which aims to learn more about the prevention of
and provides a financial supplement to their
common health problems such as allergy, autoimmune
university scholarship.
disease and asthma
Elisha Josev (Developmental Imaging Research Group)
in infants and children
victorian clinical genetics services Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (VCGS), a subsidiary of Murdoch Childrens, provides not-for-profit clinical and laboratory genetics services with an emphasis on innovation
new information technology projects
and on translating the latest research discoveries into clinical care. These services are provided through five diagnostic
VCGS also initiated two major projects in 2011, both
laboratories based at the Institute and clinical services
involving information technology. First, we commenced
located at multiple sites across Victoria and Tasmania.
the implementation of a new Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for our diagnostic laboratories.
The most prominent event of 2011 was the relocation
The LIMS project, which will take a year to complete, is the
of our Murdoch Childrens-based services to the new
largest-single project ever undertaken by VCGS – and will
Royal Children’s Hospital building. The move took place
significantly enhance the integration and efficiency of our
in November, but planning was a focus for much of the year.
laboratories. Second we initiated a comprehensive rewrite
Ensuring the smooth transition of our pathology and clinical
of the software for POSSUM, our dysmorphology database
services presented many challenges. In particular, it was
of genetic syndromes, which has been used worldwide for
vital to ensure continuity of our pathology services, despite
more than 20 years. The new software will make POSSUM a
the need to relocate major pieces of laboratory equipment.
fully web-based program and facilitate closer collaboration
We now have co-location of all VCGS laboratories and
with clinicians and other databases. Both the LIMS and
clinical services for the first time, and are enjoying the
POSSUM projects will be completed in 2012.
benefits of greater integration of our services and closer physical links to the Institute.
VCGS is making more genetic diagnoses than ever before and demand for our services has never been greater.
annual report 2011 > VCGS
41
services in demand
maternal serum screening
In 2011, we saw further advances in genetic knowledge
Using a combination of a blood test and ultrasound
and testing technologies. VCGS is making more genetic
findings, the Maternal Serum Screening Laboratory
diagnoses than ever before and demand for our services
performs screening during pregnancy to determine
has never been greater. The Molecular Genetics Laboratory
whether a pregnant woman’s baby has an increased
is taking advantage of new gene-sequencing technology
risk of having Down syndrome. In 2011, the laboratory
that, for the first time, allows the simultaneous testing of
added the ultrasound nasal bone measurement to the
large numbers of genes rather than testing one gene at a
existing screening panel, which will improve the
time. VCGS is initially focusing on inherited heart conditions
performance of the screening program by increasing
for which genetic testing has previously been prohibitive due
the accuracy of the test and reducing the number of
to the large numbers of genes involved. In the Cytogenetics
invasive diagnostic tests.
Laboratory, we completed a pilot study using microarraybased chromosome testing to replace traditional
research & education
microscope-based chromosome testing for prenatal diagnosis. This technique is particularly useful where there is
VCGS is also a leader in genetic education and
a fetal ultrasound abnormality requiring further investigation.
research, and in the training of the next generation
VCGS is now the only provider of this service in Australia.
of genetic scientists, counsellors and clinicians. The Master of Genetic Counselling course, established in
Demand for Clinical Genetic and Metabolic Genetic services
2008, is the first professional entry program in Australia
also continued to increase in 2011, driven by advances
to train genetic counsellors in a two-year Masters degree.
in genetic knowledge and testing technologies. VCGS
Already 32 students have completed the course, with
continued to provide high-quality family-centred genetics
graduates finding employment throughout Australia
services to people of all ages across metropolitan and
and internationally. For genetic researchers, these
regional Victoria and Tasmania. VCGS is committed to
are also exciting times. In 2011, VCGS staff made a
excellence in all the services it provides, and in 2011 the
number of exciting research discoveries and published
clinical service successfully completed quality accreditation
a total of 56 scientific papers, many in prestigious
through Quality Improvement and Community Services
international journals.
Accreditation (QICSA).
changes to newborn screening
I thank our Board, Executive committee and all our staff for their ongoing support and commitment to providing the highest standard of clinical and laboratory
The Newborn Screening Laboratory collaborated with the
genetics services.
Victorian Department of Health in 2011 to introduce written informed consent for newborn screening and for the use of newborn screening cards for research. Parents are now better informed about newborn screening and the reasons for storing newborn screening cards. The informed consent project also resulted in the appointment of a newborn screening nurse, who is providing improved education for midwives and communication with parents. In the Metabolic Laboratory, VCGS obtained new state-of-the-art equipment for amino acid testing, funded by the Department of Health. This new instrument will allow us to provide results more
Associate Professor David Amor
quickly and keep pace with increasing demand.
Director, VCGS
corporate & scientific services Murdoch Childrens could not fulfil its goal to improve the
The past year has been dominated by planning and
health and wellbeing of children without the support it
executing the move into our new world class research
receives from donors and the Government.
facilities. In addition to working closely with the architects and builders to ensure the design of the new facility fully
With this firmly in mind, the Corporate & Scientific Services
met current and expected future research needs, the C&SS
(C&SS) team works hard to leverage maximum value from
team were the key planners of the move, liaising with our
every dollar received and to set in place the processes and
researchers and VCGS staff members to schedule the move
practices to give our supporters confidence that the money
of more than 1500 staff and their associated equipment.
they entrust to us is being governed well.
I am pleased to report that the move was completed successfully, with minimal overall disruption to the progress
In addition to supporting the researchers of Murdoch
of research and provision of VCGS services. The Institute
Childrens, C&SS also provides support to Murdoch Childrens’
is very grateful to the behind the scenes efforts of the team
subsidiary, the Victorian Clinical Genetics Services (VCGS),
to make such a complex logistical move appear simple.
whose clinicians, genetic counsellors and pathology scientists focus on improving the genetic health of people in Victoria,
While the new facilities undoubtedly will underpin even
Australia and around the world.
greater research outputs and improved services in genetic health, they also provide opportunities for gaining greater
In 2011, we continued to work hard under tight constraints
operational efficiencies. We were able to relocate a number
to ensure that the resources, systems and services
of research groups that were previously off-site back to The
supporting our researchers and VCGS gave them the best
Royal Children’s Hospital campus, reducing our footprint
chance of achieving success in their fields.
and saving operational costs. World class facilities also give Murdoch Childrens a compelling reason for our best researchers to stay and to attract leading researchers from
annual report 2011 > corporate
& scientific services
43
around the world. Improving the complex process of how
complemented the training already available and our widely
we bring new research groups and new researchers into
used online training resource, i-Learn. We were encouraged
the Institute with the greatest ease and minimal disruption
by the engagement and positive feedback from our staff and
will be a focus for us in 2012, and work has already begun
leaders to the program, and look forward to the program
in that regard on multiple fronts.
continuing into 2012 and beyond.
While the majority of the new facilities have been built, by
In 2012 we will continue our journey to improve our
September 2012 we are confident that we will have finished
systems and processes, so that we can be ready for the
outfitting the remaining 1100 sqm of space, which will have
ongoing growth of the Institute. We need to be able to
the capacity to house another 80 researchers.
properly administer continued growth in our staff numbers on campus, as well as develop ways to appropriately care
Matching our new facilities, our intranet and internet
for and manage staff around Australia and the world. We
sites were both rebuilt during the year. The intranet was
are also aware that our researchers often juggle research
particularly valuable as a new knowledge, information
with another time demanding career, such as clinical roles
and communication portal and intranet use has increased
in The Royal Children’s Hospital, so system flexibility, ease
three-fold. Our new facilities were designed to facilitate
of access and ease of use are important.
increased interactions in the workspace, and our intranet has supplemented this well.
The launch of our new Human Resources Information System is eagerly anticipated, which will allow our leaders
With almost all areas of research continuing exponential
to reduce staff recruitment times, improve success and more
growth in the need for data processing and storage, we
easily manage team administration and workforce planning
invested almost half a million dollars to upgrade our data
at any time from anywhere in the world. We expect this will
server and storage capabilities, disaster recovery systems
not only increase the effectiveness of team leadership, but
and service virtualisation in 2011.
also substantially reduce the time required to properly administer a research team – returning more time to
Biospecimen management and storage protocols will be
direct research activities.
reviewed during 2012 in line with the expected significant investment for biospecimen storage freezers. Apart from
2011 was a year that all those in Corporate & Scientific
our people and knowledge, biospecimens are one of our
Services can be proud of, and I thank them all for their
most important resources and C&SS will continue to support
efforts. We take pride in our achievements because we
researchers to safeguard this irreplaceable asset.
know our work is important to the success of the researchers we support who
Murdoch Childrens ongoing commitment to its people and
improve the health and wellbeing of
culture meant that in 2011, for the eighth consecutive year,
children. We all look forward to 2012.
we were named as an Employer of Choice for Women (EOWA) – an achievement we can all be proud of. Recognising that successful modern researchers require skills beyond scientific excellence, in 2011 we also launched the Institute’s first performance and talent development
Brent Dankesreither
program, including an extensive leadership development
Chief Operating Officer &
training program. Facilitated workshops and off-site events
Company Secretary
corporate & scientific services clinical research development office
clinical epidemiology & biostatistics unit
The Clinical Research Development Office (CRDO) aims
The Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics Unit (CEBU)
to increase the capacity for high-quality clinical research
provides expertise in biostatistics and related areas
on the campus. It provides seminars, written and web-based
including study design and data management to a wide
educational materials and expert advice on study design
range of research at Murdoch Childrens, with a focus on
and clinical research projects. CRDO works closely with
clinical and population health studies. We perform research
the Research Development and Ethics office, Clinical
in collaboration with clinicians and epidemiologists, and
Epidemiology & Biostatistics Unit and the Australian
also conduct our own research to improve methods of
Paediatric Pharmacology Research Unit.
biostatistical analysis. Our short courses in research methods and biostatistics, including use of the statistical package Stata,
Highlights for 2011 included:
attracted more than 350 attendees.
• The delivery of a quarterly seminar series outlining the framework required of a clinical research project
Highlights for 2011 included:
to more than 50 campus researchers
• CEBU researchers were co-authors on 66 publications
• Invitations to speak on research principles and practices to researchers external to The Royal Children’s Hospital
in a wide range of scientific journals • Several CEBU researchers were successful as co-
campus, and the provision of direct support and guidance
investigators on new National Health & Medical Research
to more than 40 research projects
Council (NHMRC) Project Grant applications. In particular,
• Mentoring of study coordinators and research assistants, and the presentation of monthly forums for researchers
Dr Katherine Lee was involved in three successful grants, two on brain development in preterm infants and the
• Developing web-based guidance materials on research,
other a major randomised trial in The Royal Children’s
which are being increasingly accessed by researchers
Hospital on optimal intravenous fluid maintenance for
both on and outside of the campus, and new strategic
very sick children. Professor John Carlin was involved in
initiatives including input into a national paediatric
a successful grant on the development of atherosclerosis
trials network for all paediatric research organisations
in early life (Barwon Infant Study) and A/Professor Susan
across Australia
Donath in another on the effect of probiotics on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants • Dr Fiona Mensah had a number of outstanding achievements, including receipt of her PhD from the University of York (UK), the award of an Early Career Fellowship from the NHMRC and success as a co-investigator on a NHMRC grant for a Centre of Research Excellence in Childhood Language
annual report 2011 > corporate
& scientific services
45
australian paediatric pharmacology research unit • Professor John Carlin was successful as the lead
Headed by A/Professor Noel Cranswick, the Australian
investigator on a grant to establish a NHMRC Centre
Paediatric Pharmacology Research Unit (APPRU) performs
of Research Excellence in Biostatistics, in collaboration
high quality, timely clinical trials in children that comply
with A/Professor Michael Coory (Health Services Research)
with local and international guidelines. Our primary focus
and colleagues at Monash University and The University
is always on the quality use of medicines in children. We
of Melbourne. This grant provides $2.5 million over five
provide clinical trial services and personnel who are highly
years to fund post-doctoral researchers and PhD
experienced in phase I to phase IV trials and issues relating
candidates in biostatistics, with the aim of developing
to Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Case Report Form (CRF)
careers and high-level leadership capacity in this core
management and subject recruitment. We also provide
research discipline
clinical pharmacology, research and development, clinical
• Dr Katherine Lee presented results of our research (joint
trial design and protocol development, GCP compliance,
with John Carlin and John Galati) on aspects of the method
pharmacokinetic modelling and regulatory affairs strategy.
of multiple imputations for handling missing data at the
In 2011, we provided support to 25 clinical studies in our unit.
annual conference of the International Society for Clinical Biostatistics in Ottawa, Canada
bioinformatics unit
Highlights for 2011 included: • The 17th World Health Organisation Essential Medicines List (EML) and third essential medicines list for children were updated in March 2011 at a meeting in Ghana. Noel
The Bioinformatics Unit has expertise in high throughput
Cranswick is a full member of the committee and has been
genomics, including experimental design and statistical
involved in the development of the children’s EML since its
analysis. In 2011 a new head of bioinformatics was appointed
inception in 2006. The committee is also involved in a
and the group further expanded with a new post-doctoral,
$10 million Gates Foundation grant on the implementation
computational scientist and Masters student. The
of essential medicines policy for children in Africa and India
Bioinformatics Unit fulfils a pivotal role in many collaborations
• The group presented and published on the safe use of
throughout Murdoch Childrens and is also at the forefront
antipyretics (paracetamol and ibuprofen), the risk of
of bioinformatics research methodology, which is produced
adverse events with complementary and alternative
for the wider research community. In 2011 the group was
medicines and the detection of adverse drug reactions.
involved in 13 journal publications, a NHMRC project grant
The paper was published in Archives of Disease in Childhood,
and Dr Alicia Oshlack won the Australian Academy of Science
and resulted in a large number of media reports related
Gani Medal for human genetics.
to the study and ongoing discussion about the safe use of alternative medicines in children.
In today’s world of child health research, international collaborations are vital to sharing skills and knowledge to help find answers to problems more rapidly. Murdoch Childrens continues to have a global focus and is concentrating on strengthening, and further developing international collaborations.
global collaborations global burden of disease Our researchers played a leading role in an international
Lead researcher Professor George Patton said the health
study that looked at the global burden of disease.
of young people has been largely neglected in global public
Analysing data from the World Health Organisation,
health because the adolescent age group is perceived as
researchers found mental disorders such as major
healthy. “The burden of disease is increasingly driven by
depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, were
conditions causing disability, rather than death. Although
the leading cause of disability in young people worldwide.
risk factors and the lifestyles that young people adopt might not affect their health during this period, they can have a
The study, which was published in The Lancet, was the
substantial effect in later life. Interventions should address
first to provide a comprehensive picture of the global
the behaviours and social conditions that have both short-
causes of disability in adolescence and the main risk
term and long-term health consequences. Interventions that
factors for disease in later life. It found that mental
increase resilience are crucial for health promotion in young
disorders represent 45 per cent of the disease burden
people,” George said.
among young people aged 10-24 years.
children’s bioresource centre
The study found that the main global risk factors for future disability in all age groups (0–80 years) were
In 2011 we began the process of establishing a bioresource
being underweight, unsafe sex, alcohol use, unclean
facility at the Institute. Once established, the centre, based on
water, poor sanitation and hygiene. The research
the UK Biobank model, will enhance our ability to investigate a
showed that the main health risks emerging during
wide range of childhood conditions and diseases by
adolescence were alcohol use, unsafe sex, iron
examining stored biological specimens and health data. It is
deficiency and lack of contraception, with the rates
hoped the facility will eventually contain data for more than
of alcohol use and unsafe sex rising sharply in late
half a million participants, and will be among the largest of its
adolescence and early adulthood.
kind in the world. The initiative is expected to have a profound
annual report 2011 > global
collaborations
47
Dr Ning Wang
impact on how we investigate, diagnose, treat and cure
another country and to exchange research skills and
serious and life-threatening childhood illness in the future.
knowledge. Dr Ning Wang from the National Center for Chronic and Non-communicable Disease Control and
The Institute was also delighted to benefit from the expertise
Prevention, China, spent six months at the Institute.
and experience of Dr Timothy Peakman, the Executive Director of UK Biobank, who spent two weeks with a number
Ning worked on two separate research studies, one
of our researchers. Timothy surveyed and interviewed staff
looking at factors related to placental weight and
to determine the biobanking needs of the Institute,
placenta status while the other was concerned with
culminating in a report outlining recommendations and a
the association between prior foetal loss and
plan for the establishment of a world-class bioresource
childhood cancer. Ning also worked in Geelong as part
facility. As the inaugural recipient of the Dame Elisabeth
of the Barwon Infant Study, which aims to learn more
Fellowship, established to honour Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s
about the prevention of common health problems
100th birthday, this was a most productive visit and fulfilled
such as allergy, autoimmune disease, asthma and
the goal of attracting a top international researcher to the
cardiovascular disease.
Institute to impart new knowledge and train staff. In China, Ning is involved in a two-part study, following
building relationships with china
247,000 pairs of mothers and children, to investigate the outcomes of folic acid exposure in pregnancy, on childhood cancer and other non-infectious diseases. The visit was extremely productive, with strong links
We hosted our inaugural Laurie Cox Fellow in 2011. The Laurie Cox Fellowship was established in honour of our former Chairman to foster a young researcher from
created between the two organisations.
financials at a glance of consolidated entity revenue 2011 ($M)
2010 ($M)
Government & other peer reviewed grants
41.66 (108.29*)
40.82
Clinical services
20.40
19.75
Donations, fundraising & bequests
7.71 (15.51**)
8.07
Finance income
2.56
1.45
Contract research & clinical trials
8.01
6.90
Other research income
7.72
8.61
* Reported “Government & other peer reviewed grant” income was $108.29M. This included $66.634M being the $50.0M Commonwealth Grant, together with accumulated interest since 2007, for a 50 year right to occupy in the redeveloped RCH. ** Reported ”Donations, fundraising & bequests” income was $15.51M. This included campaign fundraising proceeds of $7.8M for 2011.
expenditure 2011 ($M)
2010 ($M)
Research expenditure
50.69
51.71
Clinical services
20.08
18.92
Fundraising
1.13
1.04
Administration
6.14
6.04
Technical & scientific services
5.90
6.02
where the money comes from
where the money goes
government & other peer reviewed grants clinical services (VCGS) 24%
47%
technical & scientific services 6% 7%
1% fundraising 7%
other research income
9% 9% 23%
clinical services (VCGS)
9%
3%
contract research & clinical trials
finance income
donations, fundraising & bequests
61% research expenditure
administration
49
annual report 2011 > financials
murdoch childrens research institute and its controlled entities statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31 december 2011
Consolidated
Revenue from research & clinical activities
The Company
2011
2010
2011
2010
$
$
$
$
144,420,990
76,077,490
124,022,750
56,331,495
(2,255,457)
(3,440,990)
(1,890,685)
(3,110,944)
(80,558,017)
(79,225,410)
(60,841,233)
(60,635,681)
Surplus/(Deficit) from research & clinical activities
61,607,516
(6,588,910)
61,290,832
(7,415,132)
Donation, Estates & Bequest & Fundraising income
15,512,350
8,074,246
15,512,350
8,074,246
Fundraising expense
(1,129,491)
(1,044,310)
(1,129,491)
(1,044,310)
Net surplus obtained from Fundraising Activities
14,382,859
7,029,936
14,382,859
7,029,936
2,748,816
1,749,489
2,563,964
1,452,026
-
(17,744)
-
(17,744)
2,748,816
1,731,745
2,563,964
1,434,282
78,739,191
2,172,771
78,237,655
1,049,086
Net change in available for sale financial assets
(1,963,962)
(260,276)
(1,963,962)
(260,276)
Total comprehensive surplus for the period
76,775,229
1,912,495
76,273,693
788,810
Depreciation & amortisation Other expenses for research & clinical activities
Finance income Finance expenses Net Finance income / (expense) Operating surplus for the period * Other comprehensive income:
* The operating surplus for the year ended 31 December 2011, includes non-recurring Commonwealth Government Grant income of $66.6M associated with the redevelopment of the Royal Children’s Hospital
murdoch childrens research institute and its controlled entities balance sheets as at 31 december 2011
Consolidated
The Company
2011
2010
2011
2010
$
$
$
$
CURRENT ASSETS Cash and cash equivalents
15,685,631
12,120,231
8,245,279
6,167,100
9,046,541
5,253,346
7,393,069
3,262,799
88,325,078
69,316,333
87,805,983
68,873,681
113,057,250
86,689,910
103,444,331
78,303,580
Trade receivables and other assets
65,470,037
481,523
65,470,037
481,523
Other investments
27,458,764
31,938,093
27,458,764
31,938,093
Property, plant & equipment
15,281,169
14,961,088
13,962,547
14,060,996
total non-current assets
108,209,970
47,380,704
106,891,348
46,480,612
TOTAL ASSETS
221,267,220
134,070,614
210,335,679
124,784,192
91,836,718
20,215,896
90,106,318
19,008,985
9,034,616
7,600,903
5,571,275
4,708,467
-
62,945,892
-
62,945,892
100,871,334
90,762,691
95,677,593
86,663,344
Employee benefits
1,320,501
1,007,767
1,057,234
793,679
total non-current liabilities
1,320,501
1,007,767
1,057,234
793,679
TOTAL LIABILITIES
102,191,835
91,770,458
96,734,827
87,457,033
NET ASSETS
119,075,385
42,300,156
113,600,852
37,327,159
88,284,449
9,545,258
82,809,916
4,572,261
Fair value reserve
532,109
2,496,071
532,109
2,496,071
Capital reserve
400,000
400,000
400,000
400,000
26,258,827
26,258,827
26,258,827
26,258,827
Building development fund
2,600,000
2,600,000
2,600,000
2,600,000
Fellowships & scholarships fund
1,000,000
1,000,000
1,000,000
1,000,000
119,075,385
42,300,156
113,600,852
37,327,159
Trade receivables and other assets Other investments total current assets NON-CURRENT ASSETS
CURRENT LIABILITIES Trade and other payables Employee benefits Payables-Deferred Income total current liabilities NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
MEMBERS’ FUNDS Accumulated funds
Permanent investment funds
TOTAL MEMBERS’ FUNDS
51
annual report 2011 > financials
murdoch childrens research institute and its controlled entities statements of cash flows for the year ended 31 december 2011
Consolidated
The Company
2011
2010
2011
2010
$
$
$
$
Cash flows from operating activities Patient fees received
12,860,782
11,763,525
-
-
Government and other grants received
54,718,889
41,022,474
46,828,164
40,822,474
Donations received
15,515,274
8,609,297
15,512,350
8,606,876
1,025,288
-
1,025,288
-
13,516,829
14,345,399
13,869,631
6,902,145
(76,909,665)
(66,875,348)
(57,554,567)
(48,642,776)
-
(17,744)
-
(17,744)
20,727,397
8,847,603
19,680,866
7,670,975
184,852
297,463
-
-
Proceeds on sale of PP&E
-
-
-
-
Advances to (from) related parties
-
-
(932,192)
120,333
Proceeds on sale of investments
12,841,583
1,526,540
12,841,583
1,526,540
Acquisition of property, plant and equipment
(2,468,590)
(1,663,415)
(1,792,236)
(1,704,811)
Interest received Other receipts Cash paid to suppliers and employees Interest paid net cash provided FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES cash flows from investing activities Investment income received
Acquisition of investments
(27,719,842)
(5,079,516)
(27,719,842)
(5,079,516)
NET CASH USED IN INvesting activities
(17,161,997)
(5,918,928)
(17,602,687)
(5,137,454)
Repayment of borrowings
-
(478,576)
-
(478,576)
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES
-
(478,576)
-
(478,576)
3,565,400
2,054,945
2,078,179
2,054,945
cash AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT 1 JANUARY
12,120,231
9,670,129
6,167,100
4,112,154
cash AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT 31 DECEMBER
15,685,631
12,120,231
8,245,279
6,167,100
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
NET INCREASE/ (DECREASE) IN CASH AND Cash Equivalents
Government and international grants received by Murdoch Childrens in 2011 will be used to fund research projects, including adolescent health and premature birth.
grants government funding
international competitive funding
Murdoch Childrens was awarded a record $26.3 million
Murdoch Childrens received $2.5 million in grants from
by the National Health & Medical Research Council
international funding bodies in 2011 to support research into
in 2011 for new research projects commencing in 2012.
pneumonia, allergies and premature birth.
This will help fund 27 research projects and 20 fellowships and scholarships in research, including childhood allergies,
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USA
genetic conditions and adolescent health. Applications
Department of Defense, USA
undergo a rigorous selection process based on scientific
Friedreich’s Ataxia Research Alliance, USA
quality and significance, and applicant track record.
March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation, USA
federal
Muscular Dystrophy Association, USA National Ataxia Foundation, USA National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, USA
Australian Research Council
National Institute of Child Health & Human Development, USA
Department of Health & Aged Care
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism, USA
state
National Institutes of Health, USA Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, Holland Thrasher Research Fund, USA
Department of Human Services Transport Accident Commission Transport Accident Commission Health Research Group, formerly Victorian Trauma Foundation
annual report 2011 > grants
competitive grants Our research was generously supported by many charitable foundations, which provide peer-reviewed funding for excellent research. Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
Heart Kids NSW
Australian Egg Corporation Limited
Helen Macpherson Smith Trust
Australian Rotary Health
Hugh Williamson Foundation
Bone Growth Foundation
Ian Potter Foundation
Brain Foundation
Jack Brockhoff Foundation
Cancer Council Victoria
Menzies Foundation
Cass Foundation Limited
Multiple Sclerosis Australia
Cerebral Palsy Foundation
Perpetual Trustees
Deafness Foundation
R E Ross Trust
Diabetes Australia Research Trust
Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Equity Trustees
Shepherd Foundation
Financial Markets Foundation for Children
Sylvia & Charles Viertel Charitable Foundation
Friedrich Ataxia Research Association Australasia
Victorian Cancer Agency
GlaxoSmithKline
Victorian Neurotrauma Initiative
Heart Foundation
53
Special events are not only vital for raising funds for research at Murdoch Childrens Research Institute; they also provide an opportunity to highlight our research projects to existing supporters, as well as engage a new generation of supporters.
special events art for science Creativity, philanthropy and corporate Australia
Rhys Lee, Richard Lewer, Song Ling, Dane Lovett, Jess
came together to support child health research for
MacNeil, Tim Maguire, Dani Marti, Laith McGregor, Lara
the fourth biennial Art for Science event. Australia’s
Merrett, Hitesh Natalwala, Geoff Newton, John Nicholson,
established and emerging artists donated works for
Nyapanyapa, Robert Owen, Colin Pennock, Patricia
the charity art exhibition in support of the Institute.
Piccinini, Shorty Jangala Robertson, Lisa Roet, Kate Rohde, Sally Ross, Alexander Seton, Kate Shaw, Jackson Slattery,
The event, which has gone from strength to strength
Sally Smart, Darren Sylvester, Christian Thompson, Vexta,
since its inception in 2005, saw 60 donated works
Jake Walker, Judith Wright, Michael Zavros
auctioned and sold off, raising more than $540,000 for life-saving research.
contributing galleries Arc One Gallery, Blackartprojects, Blockprojects, Breenspace, Fehily Contemporary, Gallery
The Art for Science event has raised almost $1.5 million
Barry Keldoulis, Gallery Gabrielle Pizzi, Gertrude
for child health research since 2005.
Contemporary, Grantpirrie, Haunch of Venison, Jan Murphy Gallery, KalimanRawlins, Karen Brown Gallery,
contributing artists Rick Amor, Brook Andrew, David
Karen Woodbury Gallery, Liverpool Street Gallery, Martin
Band, Lionel Bawden, Karen Black, Chris Bond, Andrew
Browne Contemporary, Mossgreen Gallery, Murray White
Browne, Stephen Bush, Jon Campbell, Travelyn Clay, Bindi
Room, Nellie Castan Gallery, Neon Parc, Niagara Galleries,
Cole, Sean Cordeiro and Claire Healy, Paul Davies, Robert
Roslyn Oxley9 Gallery, Scott Livesey Galleries, Sophie
Doble and Simon Strong, Michael Doolan, McLean
Gannon Gallery, Sullivan+Strumpf Fine Art, Sutton
Edwards, Emily Ferretti, Sally Gabori, Angelina George,
Gallery, Tim Olsen Gallery, Tolarno Galleries, Tristian
Ghostpatrol, Deborah Halpern, Steven Harvey, Cherry
Koenig, Victor Maitland Fine Art, Warlukurlangu Artists
Hood, Philip Hunter, Todd Hunter, Yvonne Kendall,
Aboriginal Corporation
Veronica Kent, Jeremy Kibel, Janet Laurence, Sam Leach,
annual report 2011 > special
1
2
events
55
3
1. Jim Craig, Jayne Hayman and Jason Yeap 2. Christina Redlich, Prue Brown and Steven Casper 3. Teammates Michael Thomas, Paul Nichol, Jason Wilson and Michael Ward
big w kayak for kids sponsors and major pro bono supporters ANZ Private,
The inaugural Kayak for Kids challenge has raised more
Deloitte Private, Guinot, Kay & Burton, Maserati, ABL,
than $50,000 to help children with life-threatening
Icon, JR, River Capital, Chapman & Bailey, Hayman,
heart conditions.
Heathcote Estate, Kailis Brothers, King & Wilson, Louis Roederer, Luminare, Nellie Castan Gallery, Splitrock,
Four Melbourne friends paddled 440km from Port Fairy to
Spotlight Foundation, The Big Group, We are Digital,
Melbourne over 12 days to raise money for heart research,
Wodka, Yabby Lake
finishing the final leg of the event on January 22.
donors and pro bono supporters Daniel & Danielle
team members Jason Wilson, Michael Ward, Paul Nichol
Besen, Blue Pyrenees, John & Janet Calvert-Jones, CHE,
and Michael Thomas
Docklands Press Pty Ltd, DJ Dimension, The Greatest Show on Earth, Harry the Hirer, Leaf, Linfox, Michael
sponsors Big W, Anglesea Surf Lifesaving Club, Apollo Bay
Milstein, OMD, Orloff Family Charitable Trust,
Surf Lifesaving Club, Banana Boat, Boomaroo Nurseries,
Placesettings, Paul Sumner, Ion Teska, Red + White,
Dans Plants, East Coast Kayaking, Energizer, Fitness
Wilson Security, Village Roadshow
Lifestyle, Playgro, Point Lonsdale Surf Lifesaving Club, Port Campbell Surf Lifesaving Club, Procter & Gamble, Rock Solid
art for science committee Lisa Bond, Prue Brown, Suzi Carp (Chair), Steven Casper, Rohan Davis, Julian Dunne, Mardi Foreman, Alexie Glass-Kantor, Tanya Hamersfeld, Matthew Hannan, Jane Hayman, Alyssa Jones, Clark Kirby, Sarah Murdoch, Christina Redlich, Lauren Robertson and Lydia Schiavello
Statues, Spot, Vodafone, Wilsons Security
4
discovery day
5
foxtel lap
The seventh annual Discovery day drew a crowd of more than 3000 to Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s Cruden Farm, raising $150,000 for Murdoch Childrens.
CEOs and staff from 150 teams hit treadmills or spin bikes across Australia for the 2011 FOXTEL Lap. Participants in
Families were treated to a special performance by BABBA
Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth clocked up more than
as well as stage shows by The Kazoos, Magician Luigi Zucchini
1449km. The event raised $490,000 for research into
and Dancing Queen Parties. Other activities included face
conditions including childhood diabetes, obesity, premature
painting, an animal farm and Mini Jeep rides.
birth and cancer. We thank FOXTEL for making this national event a success.
committee Fleur Arnold, Jackie Bursztyn, Matthew Hannan, Kate Kavanagh, Eliza Mantello, Catherine Meddis, Jill Murray,
presenting partner FOXTEL
Susie O’Neill, Monique Rajch, Dahlia Sable (Co-Chair), Camille Sunshine and Michelle Wenzel (Co-Chair)
sponsors & supporters Alpha Zeta, The Australian, Commonwealth Bank, Ernst & Young, Fitness First, Harvey
sponsors Guinot, Herald Sun, Kay & Burton, Leader
Norman, Nova, SCT Logistics
Community Newspapers, Altitude Volvo, Anaconda, A. Royale & Co Australia, BPM, Robert Mills & Architects,
participating organisations Ace Radio Broadcasters P/L,
Sportsbet, RBS Morgans
ACP Magazines, Alpha Zeta Event Productions, Amcom Telecommunications, Avant Mutual Group, Bayside Group,
major pro bono supporters Blenheim Design Partners,
BDO Kendalls, Blake Dawson, Blue Star Group, BSA Limited,
Bodycare Physiotherapy, Darling Park, Eastern Press,
CHAMP Private Equity Pty Limited, Citic Pacific Mining,
Ed Dixon Food Design, Royce Hotel, SoccerWise, Splitrock,
Clemenger BBDO, Clough Ltd, Commonwealth Bank of
Spotlight, Wacky Entertainment, Whole Kids
Australia, Count Financial Limited, CPA, CSG Limited, Deloitte, Downer EDI Engineering Pty Ltd, Dulux Group Limited, Ernst & Young, Fitness First Australia, FOX SPORTS, FOXTEL, GE Money, Grant Thornton, Hamton, Harvey Norman, Icon Construction, iiNet, Investec Bank, Jem Health, Jetstar Airways,
4. Girls at Discovery Day 5. Comedian Dave Hughes with Holly Williams 6. Karl Stefanovic and Sarah Murdoch at the Sydney FOXTEL Lap 7. Ed Howley was the Wave in F1 History winner 8. Liz Jenson and Gerald Delany with the Kay & Burton Polo team
Kailis Bros Pty Ltd, Kay & Burton, KordaMentha, KPMG, Learning Seat, Leveraged Equities, LinkedIn, Macquarie Group, Mandurah Baptist College, Microsoft, Moore Stephens, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Multi Channel Network,
annual report 2011 > special
6
7
Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, News Limited, Nova,
events
57
8
f1 qantas australian grand prix
oOh! Media Group Ltd, Parmalat, Partners Group, Piper Alderman, Port of Brisbane, PPB Pty Ltd,
Murdoch Childrens was the official charity of the 2011
PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Queensland Newspapers Pty Ltd,
Formula 1 Qantas Australian Grand Prix. Over the four-day
RBS Group, Rio Tinto, River Capital, Rugby WA, SCT, Selleys
event, 300 volunteers helped sell raffle tickets for the Wave
Yates, Sparke Helmore Lawyers, Sportsbet, Spotlight,
in F1 History competition, which gave a lucky fan the
St George Bank, Steinepreis Paganin, Tatts Group, The
opportunity to be the first person to wave the flag at the
Australian, The Boston Consulting Group, The Herald & Weekly
conclusion of the Grand Prix.
Times, Travelex Global Business Payments, Treasury Casino & Hotel, Turner & Townsend, Turner International Australia,
Murdoch Childrens also partnered with Lexus and OneHD
UBS Wealth Management Australia Pty Ltd, UXC Connect,
to offer one lucky fan the opportunity to drive in the Lexus
West Coast Hi Fi, Westfield, Westpac, Wilson Group
Celebrity Challenge.
most funds raised by company
The Wave in F1 History competition, proceeds from ticket
Macquarie Group
NSW Treadmill
$40,541.00
Clough
WA Treadmill
$20,999.00
CBA/KordaMentha
NSW Treadmill
$19,597.95
Murdoch Childrens Research Inst NSW Treadmill
$16,928.50
FOXTEL staff
NSW Treadmill
$16,070.00
sponsors F1 Qantas Australian Grand Prix, Lexus, OneHD
Andrew Gale
Count Financial Limited
$14,468.00
Peter Tonagh
FOXTEL
$11,550.00
the stella artois portsea polo
Karl Stefanovic
Murdoch Childrens
$10,520.00
Holly Williams
Murdoch Childrens
$7,070.55
Bruce Phipson
Macquarie Group
$6,760.00
sales and other activities raised $50,000 for life-saving child health research.
most funds raised by individual
Five thousand people flocked to the Mornington Peninsula for a day of fashion, fine food and polo at the Stella Artois Portsea Polo. The sold-out event raised more than $200,000
most laps run city
team overall
individual
laps
for the Institute through contributions from ticket sales, and
Brisbane
Deloitte – 1303
from corporate support and the sale of caps.
Stephen Courtney, Deloitte
89.0
Sarah Crowley, Deloitte
83.0
Melbourne KPMG – 1239
Ared Mekonnen, Kailis Bros/Sealord 93.6
Bridgitte Burns, Grant Thornton
72.6
Perth
Dean Menzies, Deloitte
85.6
Kristy McGrath, Clough
72.6
Deloitte – 1365
Sydney
Fitness First – 1496 Jonathan Fenton, KPMG
Laura James, Macquarie Group
96.6 85.9
sponsors & donors Guinot, Kay & Burton, The Portsea Polo Committee
our corporate partners provide significant financial support for our research, as well as helping to promote the Institute to new friends and supporters.
corporate partners vaalia
kay & burton
Over the past year, our partnership with Vaalia – the
This past year marked Kay & Burton’s fourth year as our
feel-good probiotic yoghurt – has made us feel happy on
corporate partner. Over that time, Kay & Burton has made
the inside in more ways than one. Vaalia has contributed
a financial investment of $600,000, helping us to address
$150,000 towards vital child health research to date, and
child health conditions such as allergies, genetic conditions,
will contribute a further $300,000 over the next two years.
mental health and obesity.
In addition to financial support, Vaalia has helped raise awareness of Murdoch Childrens through its Facebook
Throughout the partnership, Kay & Burton has championed
page and the ‘Smile Tile’ Facebook application.
us in many ways including encouraging clients and friends to support fundraising initiatives such as Art for Science
Vaalia’s passion, commitment and enthusiasm to the
and Discovery Day, and informing them of the Institute
partnership has also led to the partnership being featured
and our latest research.
on packaging nationally, and to donating yoghurt for various events including Discovery Day and the FOXTEL
We are proud to call Kay & Burton a true friend of the
Lap. We feel good about this partnership and we hope
Institute, and thank them for helping us look after our
you do too! Thanks Vaalia.
most loved assets – our children!
annual report 2011 > corporate
spc ardmona
partners
59
Director of Kay & Burton Peter Kudelka with his wife, Cathy
For the past year, SPC Ardmona, Australia’s premier fruit and vegetable processing company, has contributed to the health and happiness of Australian children in more ways than providing Australian kids with beans and healthy snack options. They have committed to a three-year partnership, helping us to make important discoveries to improve the health of children. Thank you SPC Ardmona, for your financial commitment and enthusiasm for our work. It’s good food doing good!
Murdoch Childrens logo is on all Vaalia yoghurt packs
donors founding director inspiring donations
milestone fundraising achievement for foundation
In our 25th anniversary year it was heart warming to receive
The Lions Cord Blood Foundation, a volunteer Lions Club
some special donations inspired by the memory of our
fundraising committee, was established in 1996 by the
founding Director, the late Professor David Danks.
late Laurie Denton, a former member of the Lions Club of Waverley.
The Institute received $2010, which was generated through the sale of the book ‘Double Helix, Double Joy,’ which is the
In a mammoth fundraising effort, the Lions Cord Blood
biography of Professor David Danks, and was co-authored
Foundation, in conjunction with the Fight Cancer
by Carolyn Rasmussen and David Danks’ son, Alister.
Foundation, have raised over $1 million for the BMDI Cord Blood Bank, which is a joint partnership between
Alister, together with his mother June Danks, donated the
Murdoch Childrens, The Royal Children’s Hospital and
proceeds from the sale of the book to help support the
the Fight Cancer Foundation (formerly the Bone Marrow
continued work of our researchers. “We’re very pleased to
Donor Institute).
support the ongoing development of Murdoch Childrens. The new facilities look superb and offers great potential for
Cord blood contains an abundant amount of stem cells
another successful chapter in the Institute’s evolution,”
which can be used to treat many types of diseases and
Alister said.
conditions, including cancer. The cost of successful collection, testing and storage of a single cord blood unit
Another donation in 2011 was also inspired by Professor
is approximately $3000.
Danks’ work at the Institute, with David Dewhurst selecting Murdoch Childrens as the beneficiary of money raised in
In addition to financial support, the Foundation also
support of his marathon run.
raises awareness of the Institute and the Cord Blood Bank through guest speaking, the Lion magazine, and
“The Murdoch Childrens Research Institute has a special
requests Lions Clubs throughout Australia to make
place in my heart as one of its original founders, the late
contributions.
Professor David Danks, did all that he could to help Tim Cassidy - my nephew Lachlan’s uncle - enjoy the best
Cord blood was once thought of as medical waste, but
possible life he could whilst dealing with the very rare
with the advances in technology, it can now be used to
Rothmund–Thomson Read syndrome,” David explained.
save lives. We appreciate the passionate members of the Lions Cord Blood Foundation for their commitment and
The personal challenge David set himself was even more
dedication to raising funds to help improve the lives of
impressive as he had only taken up running two years prior
children affected by cancer and other disorders, and to
to his marathon effort. David, along with support from his
help fund vital research aimed at improving cord blood
family, friends and work colleagues raised $2700 for child
transplant and outcome.
health research. The legacy of the great Professor David Danks continues.
annual report 2011 > donors
pratt family’s long history of giving Murdoch Childrens was founded on major philanthropy. It was not just the generosity of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and her family, the Scobie and Claire Mackinnon Trust, the Miller Family and others also gave life to a bold research enterprise. In 1986, one of the inaugural donors to the new Institute was Richard Pratt. This gift was the start of a long and highly valued partnership in which the Institute has been privileged to have had ongoing support of the Pratt family and Pratt Foundation to a wide range of research projects. Currently, the Foundation is supporting a very significant project examining the psychosocial outcomes of children who suffer serious illness. In 2011, Anthony and Jeanne Pratt, the Pratt Family and Pratt Foundation also announced a $1 million gift, to the Institute’s campaign for funds to support our move to the new building. Acknowledging this gift, Director Terry Dwyer said, “Philanthropy for the Institute is crucial and provides the seed funding so our researchers can pursue innovative research ideas. The Pratt family and Pratt Foundation’s contribution of $1 million will ensure our researchers have access to state-of-the-art facilities, which will be a critical factor in enabling us to find answers faster for the most important child health problems.”
Jeanne Pratt, Rupert Murdoch, Claudine & Anthony Pratt
major corporate philanthropy Actelion Pharmaceuticals ANZ Private Arnold Bloch Leibler Australian Grand Prix Corporation Big W Channel Ten Clough Deloitte Ernst & Young FOXTEL Guinot Icon Construction Ipsen JR Group KordaMentha KPMG Leader Community Newspapers Linfox Macquarie Group Foundation Maserati National Australia Bank Novo Nordisk Outdoor Council of Australia Paediatric Integrated Cancer Service Pfizer RACV RBS Group Reece Australia Southbed Village Roadshow Westpac major corporate pro bono Alpha Zeta Australian Institute of Company Directors Chapman & Bailey Ernst & Young FOXTEL Fitness First Hayman Design Harvey Norman Heathcote Estate Inlink Media King & Wilson Nellie Castan Gallery News Custom Publishing News Limited Nova Paperlinx SCT Logistics Splitrock The Big Group We Are Digital Yabby Lake major & campaign donors Aidan & Oliver Biggar Cystic Fibrosis Fund Australian Community Foundation Ariane Barker Danielle Besen David Briskin CAF Community Fund John & Janet Calvert-Jones Calvert-Jones Foundation Children’s Cancer Centre Foundation
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Suzi & Barry Carp CIKA Heather Cleland Leigh & Sue Clifford Collier Charitable Fund Anthony & Melanie Coops Count Charitable Foundation James & Claudia Craig Narelle Curtis & Nicholas Tyshing James & Robyn Davis EW and LJ Seehusen Foundation Fight Cancer Foundation formerly Bone Marrow Donor Institute Lindsay & Paula Fox Rochelle Gance Michael & Helen Gannon Philip & Louise Goodman Leonard & Tanya Hamersfeld Geoff & Helen Handbury Foundation George Castan Family Charitable Foundation Hugh Rogers PhD Scholarship David Jenkins & Fran H Lefroy KOALA Foundation Milan & Anne Kantor George & Joan Lefroy Marj Lefroy Lansdowne Foundation Limb Family Foundation Miller Foundation Michael Milstein Mark Moody-Stuart Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Rupert & Wendi Murdoch My Room National Muscular Dystrophy Research Centre Andrew Nissen Orloff Family Charitable Trust Rowly and Judy Paterson Sam Riggall & Nichola Lefroy Rotary Club of North Brighton Nathan & Dahlia Sable Pamela Sargood Andrew & Tracy Sisson Peter & Catherine Strover Thalassaemia Australia Thalassaemia Society of New South Wales The Cameron Family Foundation The Invergowrie Foundation The Kimberley Foundation The Ponting Foundation The Pratt Foundation The Scobie & Claire Mackinnon Trust The Smith Family The Sunraysia Foundation The Tasmanian Early Years Foundation Thyne Reid Foundation David Williams Ron & Joan Wilson estates & bequests Estate of Nance Elizabeth Creaton Estate of LI Roach Estate of Edna Kingston
donors thank you to our generous donors in 2011* a A. Royale & Co Stephen A’Beckett David M. Abouav & Stephanie T. Deeley Ace Radio Broadcasters ACP Magazines Adamstown Cleaning Services Vivien Agosta Robert Albert Nicholas Alexander Alphapharm Amcom Telecommunications Andrew Alston Altitude Volvo Timothy Antonie Christopher Archibald Lachlan & Rebekah Armstrong Australian British Chamber of Commerce Australian Institute of Company Directors Australian Mitochondrial Disease Foundation Peter Austin Tania Austin Avant Mutual Group b Monique Baker-Mackie Richard & Sophie Balderstone Ian & Joan Ball John Ballantyne Peter Barnett Kim Barrie Samantha Barrow Martin & Anne Marie Bartlett Jason Bayliss Bayside Group BDO Kendalls Richard Beal Michael & Judy Begg Luke Bentvelzen Bligh Berry Nancy Beshay BGF Equities Blake Dawson
Blue Star Group Robin Bishop BodyCare Physiotherapy Lisa Bond & John Caprioglio Boxy Design Camilla Boyd Broadway Dental Brecknock Insurance Brokers Malcolm & Janet Brodie Nick & Prue Brown Anthony Bruno BSA Limited Buzz Products Peta Bydder c Michael & Creina Cadden Sarah Callan C. Cameron Matthew & Melissa Cameron Caring Friends of CF Auxiliary Jessica Carr Terence Casey Russell & Louise Casper Steven Casper & Ilana Wald George & Freda Castan Richard & Sue Castan Michael Cerny Chain Reaction CHAMP Private Equity Mark Chapman Chatterbox Child Development & Care Centres CHE Paul & Sarah Cherny Brandon & Davina Chizik Peter Cichello Adam Cirillo Citic Pacific Mining Club Sales & Merchandising Trevor & Heather Cohen Amanda Collins Helen M. Collis Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Catherine Concannon Mark & Georgie CoombeTennant Cooper Foundation Philip & Caroline Cornish Cornwall Stodart Count Financial Paul & Belinda Cowan David Cowling Andrew & Abby Cox Cecily Cox CPA Penni Crawford CSG d Alister & Heather Danks June Danks Andrew Davidson Tony & Trisha Davies Charles Day & Elise Everest David & Kristene Deague Deloitte Serrin Dewar Diabetes Camp Auxillary Dimmick Charitable Trust Fiorella Di Santo Dom DiMattina Do-Bees Auxiliary Kevin Dobry Kate Dougherty Downer EDI Engineering Dulux e Eastern Australia Agriculture Ed Dixon Food Design Kenay Edelsten Eirene Lucas Foundation Embelton Matthew Evans f Darren & Carolyn Febey Jaclyn Felton Robert Fiani Barry & Kaye Fink First Light Racing Fitness First Australia Barry & Helen Fitzgerald Flower and Hart Lawyers
Andrew & Sarah Foote Fox Sports Richard Freudenstein John & Diana Frew Simon & Mia Frid FUJIFILM Australia g Jack & Evelynne Gance Neilma Gantner Ross & Judith Gardner Mary Garnett Gates Australia Deepak Gaur David Gay Michele Gellatly & Nick Pongho Raphael & Fiona Geminder John & Susanna Gibson Geoff Gishubl Christopher Glebatsas Simon Glendenning G-Lux Enterprises GoodStart Childcare Gourlay Charitable Trust Louise M Gourlay Grant Thornton Elaine Greenhall Peter H Greenham Bruce & Anne Grey Simon Griffiths h Maurice E. Hall Reg Hall Geoffrey & Tracey Hamilton Hamton Hart Charities Harvey Norman Thomastown Karen Hayes Hearts of Hope Australia Heavy Mobile Equipment Repairs Geoffrey & Dorothy Heeley S Hendler Hickory Developments Lisa Hinrichsen Elise Hinson Jill Howard
Lisa Howells Nigel & Nicole Hunt Debra Hynd i I A C Robertson & Co iiNet Investec Bank Silviu Itescu j Angus James Samari Jayarajah Jem Health Jetstar Airways Jinhui Dean Joel Alyssa Jones k Kailis Bros Kailis Foundation George & Rose Kailis Julie Kantor Geoffrey & Monica Kempler Ian Kennedy & Sandra Hacker Kilwinning Trust Russell & Sue Knowles Alan Kozica KPMG Meir & Rachel Kramer l Latin Transport Learning Seat Amy Lee Rob Legge Stanley Stavros & Marisa Leone Leveraged Equities Bori & Helen Liberman Ben Rozenes & Laini Liberman Lifestyle Technologie & Design John B. Little Look Print Paige Love m Maben Group Christine Macgill
* Donations of $500 or more are listed. Government and competitive grants are listed on page 52-53, event sponsors, donors and pro bono supporters are listed on page 54-57, major donors, major corporate philanthropy and major corporate pro bono are listed on page 61.
annual report 2011 > donors
Jeffrey Mahemoff & Helen Mahemoff Anthony Maher Scott Mamson Mandurah Baptist College Karen Marks Catherine Martin Lauren Martin John & Sue Matthies Stewart May Andy McConnell Malcolm McCusker Melaina McDonald Rebecca McIntosh Tina McKenzie Neil McLennan Alison McNab Ian & Libby McNaughton John & Julie McPhee Julian McVilly Merricks Capital Lee Mickelburough Microsoft Andrew & Jean Miller Harold Mitchell John & Nellie Mitchell Stanley & Helen Mohr Julie Moon Moore Stephens Ryan Morgan Sarah Morgan Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Multi Channel Network Ashley Murdoch Sarah & Lachlan Murdoch Simone Myers n NAB Staff Club Kaylene Napoleone Obaid Naqebullah Justin Nesvanulica News Limited NewsNet John Nolan Nova 100 Nutricia o Oesophageal Atresia Research Auxiliary Officeworks Patrick O’Hare Timothy Olden OMD oOh! Media Group Denise O’Reilly Ray & Marylou Orloff p Peter & Helen Pagonis
Arthur & Heather Paikos Esther Palmer Partners Group Ed Paton Danny Pearson & Nicole Marshall Nunzio & Assunta Pellicano Despina Pereira Peter Isaacson Foundation Bruce Phipson Piper Alderman Port of Brisbane PPB Grahame Pratt PwC q Mehdi & Colleen Qerim
Selleys Yates Kim Seymour Susie Simic Peter Skewes Adam Ski Joe Skrzynski Andrew Slutzkin Graham & Annette Smorgon Neil Spitzer Sportsbet Spotlight David Stephenson Grant & Terri Stephenson Craig Stevens Helen Stevenson St George Bank Steinepreis Paganin Stephanie Summerfield Swisse Vitamins
r Fudge Raco RACV Club Donna Ravenscroft RBS Group Stephen & Bonnie Redman Anthony Reid Glenn Reindel Tristan Reis-Freeman Reksio Industries Andrew Rettig & Amanda Briskin-Rettig Angus & Lara Reynolds Rio Tinto Colin Ritchie Sue Ritchie River Capital Lauren Robertson Judith & Michael Robinson James Roche & Stuart Andrews Mauro Romano Julia Rosenthal Rotary Club of Strathmore Annette Rowlands Elina Rozenblit Rubin Partners Rugby WA Jean Ryter
t Peter & Mary Tallis Ion Teska The Baxter Family Foundation The Boston Consulting Group The Butterfly Foundation The Flew Foundation The Good Guys Foundation The Isabel & John Gilbertson Charitable Trust The Lew Foundation The Marble House The Sunday Times The Theofilou Family Lauren Theos Christopher Thomas Wayne & Sue Thomas W. John Tobin Trailblazers Auxiliary John Traficante Treasury Casino & Hotel Tresscox Lawyers Con & Alex Tsakonis Turner & Townsend Turner International Australia
s Ian Saines Salesfest Advertising Haydn Sallmann Vedrana Samardzic Franz Samuel Jose & Kylie Santa Maria Brett Schraa SCT Logistics Seek.com
u UBS Foundation United Way Sylvia Urbach UXC Connect v Garry & Rosie Van Egmond Alasdair Vance
w Wacky Entertainment Alex & Heloise Waislitz Campbell & Elli Walker Sam Walsh Warracknabeal Country Womens Association Paul G. Webber Renee & Albert Weisman Richard Werren West Coast Hi Fi Westfield Westpac Whatever Industries Kris & Emma Whitehead Chris Whittle Christine Wilcox Andrew Willder & Elu Brown Jenna Willett Chris Williams Kim Williams Yvette Williams Mark Wilson Jason & Glennis Winnett Stuart Wood y Michael & Louise Yates Jason Yeap & Min Lee Wong Gim Wah Yeo Matt Young in celebration of Max Behr’s birthday Meir Kramer in celebration of Alyssa Carp’s batmitzvah Anne Phillips in celebration of Angela Pane’s birthday Fran Chapman Luisa Gigliotti Natale Gigliotti in celebration of Barry Bloom’s 70th birthday Rosslyn Bancroft Barry Levy G.S. Lubransky David Rose Merv Rubenstein in celebration of Clark Kirby & Sarah Groen Nicholas Alexander Timothy Antonie Kate Cookes Marilyn Cotter Penelope Cross
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Erica Ford Stephen Hall Henrik Lassen Patricia Moran Sharmila Normington Romy Page Helene Pappas Nick Sims Nick Troedson Francis Wales Read Project Services in celebration of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s 102nd birthday Barry Novy in celebration of Helen & Cons birthday Peter Alexopoulos Bruce Anderson Kara Athans Sara Baigent Kathy Bossinakis Joseph Daggian John-Paul Daggian Peter Doukakaros Jim Dounias Suzi Forster Coula Georgopoulos Angelo Giannakopoulos Harry Heretakis Judith Jay Bill Kalliontzis Vicky Kazanoti Dimetri Kazazis Nick Kellis Con Kocolis Jim Kocolis James Konstantaras Stelios Milonas Magnus Ohlson Peter Paras Paul Poliviou Lisa Poliviou Helen Poliviou Marianna Stylianou Arash Taji Kris Tcheupdjian Henry The Sam Tsakiridis Thomas Tsirogiannis Nick Tsirogiannis Maria Vadolas Filitsa Vagiatis Nicholas Zafiropoulos Maxine Zouros South Melbourne Cellars in celebration of Annabel Banks’ birthday Penelope HortonStephens
in celebration of Ben Casper & Asher Hamersfeld’s birthday Steven Casper Natalie Siegel in celebration of Cara Davies’ batmitzvah Jacob Allen Rosemary Barnett Saul Berman Marcus Godinho Niv and Kim Harizman Matthew Lally Christina Redlich Benjamin Samuels Will & Maddy Stewart Niv Tadmore Tim Wilkinson in celebration of Caroline Dowling’s 40th birthday Christie Freeman M E J Groves Uri Hanegbi Nathan Keating John Kourambas Chris MacIsaac Jodi McCord Jenny Nicolopoulos Marinis Pirpiris Caroline Redman Sally Stansmore in celebration of David Smorgon & Kathie Rosner’s wedding Judy Berger Barry Bloom Bernard Carp Michael Casper George Castan Brandon Chizik Jeremy Davis Ian Davis Ron Dodge Kate Edelsten Barbara Efron Barry Fink Carrie Flinkier Stephney Florence Jonathan Gelfand Michael Gibson Peter H Greenham Ian Hicks Aviva Hyman Alan Johnstone Stephen Jolson Barbara Le Maitre Solomon Lew Bori Liberman Keren Ludski Jeffrey Mahemoff Victor Pack George Pappas Lynne Samuel Viv Serry Gita Smorgon Joanne Star Lynn Trayer Alex Waislitz Jason Wrobel
Morry Wrobel The Lew Foundation in celebration of Jade Carp’s birthday Harvey Kalman Mark Gerstel in celebration of Joey Moshinsky’s barmitzvah Damian Abrahams Liliane Aisenberg Andrew Bassat Kate Beaconsfield Andrew Blode Harry Burmeister Brandon Carp Steven Casper Grant Cohen Richard Davies William Duncan Romi Elsass Mark Engel Lissa Franke Leonard Hamersfeld Brian Hamersfeld Kyles Hilton R Ichlov Jane Jackson Shellie Jelinek Dean Joel Steven Kleytman T Koman Roz Lawrence Mark McCoach Danielle McKeown Montag Family Nathan Moshinsky G Nankin Philip Neri Kerry Robinson Emma Rosenberg Gwen Schwarz Lisa Stevens Richard Swansonn Stewart Telford Jacob Weinmann Morry Wrobel Chris Ziguras in celebration of Josh Kramer’s 2nd birthday Ryan Behr Debbie Cohen Mireille Davidson Candice Davidson Yvonne Feil Meir Kramer Marc Lewinsohn Jarrad Pyke Link Financial Services in celebration of Justin Liberman & Lisa Farber’s 40th birthday Dion Appel Sharon Bassat Nicole Carew Suzi Carp Steven Casper Russell Casper Avi Cohen
Simon Donath Mitchell Faiman Steven Goldberg Josh Goldhirsch Martin Halphen Brenda Heideman Monica Kempler Sandra Klibansky Jodi Klooger Rachel Kramer Suzanne Levin Darren Levy Susan Lichtenstein Kerryn Miltz Simon Morris Dean Poswell Lior Rauchberger Susan Rosenthal Ilan Rubin Daniel Sable Nicole Sharp Dean Sheezel Adam Slade-Jacobson Ricky Smorgon in celebration of Jyoti Haikerwal’s 15th birthday Josefina Gray Anjali Haikerwal Susan Walpole in celebration of Lynne Frid’s 59th birthday Jean Ryter in celebration of Rodney Smorgon’s 60th birthday Susan Auster Selwyn Auster J Bialylew Paula Booth F Bottari George Castan J Chrapot Rosa Clarke T Danos Ian Davis B Dudakov Lynne Frid Z Friedman Leigh Goldbloom David Grace Denise Isaacs D Jackman Geoffrey Kliger Helen Landau Philip Lewis B Lichocki Jeffrey Mahemoff Henry Mohr Stanley Mohr R Mond Diane Musson Maxwell Olenski Hedy Ritterman J Rochman Phillip Rose Michael Rozenes L Rutman Nathan Serry M Strownix M Stub
in celebration of the birth of Victoria Feetham Fiona Evans Elisha Rickward
in memory of Kristen Potts D Price
in celebration of Brad Allan’s 50th birthday Steven Casper
in memory of Mary Nicol Andrew Blair E Hutchieson
in memory of Charlotte Ruby Nunan Alison McNab
in memory of Suzanne T Brown Jack Brown
in memory of Dominic Santa Maria Jose Santa Maria Latin Transport
in memory of Matthew Paikos Arthur Paikos
in memory of Emma Ritchie Sue Ritchie Colin Ritchie
In memory of Robert Mohr Danielle Suss Daniel Shrimski Mark Shaw Richard Shaw Lauren Norich Jeremy Morris Benjamin Kohn Elise Cook
in memory of Amelia Fuller Scott Ginnivan
in memory of Ruth Collison Beth Faulkner
in memory of Caitlin Rose Thomas Mark Hamley Sue Thomas
in memory of Stuart Groen Wendy Thompson
in memory of Shaun Nicholas Martin Ken Redman Stephen Redman
in memory of Dr Denise Kirby Elizabeth Swanton in memory of Jake Bond Kerrie County Linda Faralla in memory of Joshua Timothy Brabazon Elizabeth Capp Moriann Fee Chris Harvey Jin Huang Kim & Shabana Jack Emily Mackay Cherubini Parnee Carly Prendergast Maggy Samaan Mark & Jennifer Sykes Michelle Towers in memory of Shaun Nicholas Martin Ken Redman in memory of Indiana Orlando Ross & Judith Gardner in memory of Janet Handley Huskisson RSL Club Limited Vietnam Veterans’ Assoc of Australia, Jervis Bay branch
pro bono Asian Pacific Building Corporation Peter Rowland Catering Village Roadshow My Child Magazine Akarba Foster’s Group Bonds Charlotte Coote Royce Hotel Rockpool Bar & Grill Trunk Healthy Aussie Kids FizzKids Castaways Resort and Spa DDB Group Banks Rowing Club Phil & Ted Bayside Eyes Little Nest Australia Kings Swim School Love & Lustre Comme Food & Desire Antler ISC Sports Liberty Catering Concept
TOMORROW’S CURES NEED YOUR DONATIONS TODAY You have the power to help the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute save kids’ lives. With your support, our researchers can continue to discover cures for conditions including diabetes, cancer, allergies, premature birth, obesity and genetic conditions. Donate today. Phone 1300 766 439 or visit www.mcri.edu.au
Thank you to the following organisations who generously assisted in the production of this report.
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Edited by Simone Myers & Alex Furman (pr@mcri.edu.au) The text of this Annual Report is printed on Spicers 1 gsm Alpine Laser and the cover on Spicers 250gsm Alpine Systems Board