President's Report 2011

NRF Achievements

I am pleased to report that the NeuroSurgical Research Foundation (NRF) has once again concluded a most successful year. In the 2010/2011 financial year the NRF has banked donations worth $608,000. This has been our best year for fundraising and I thank all those who helped.

Paediatric Appeal

The Launch Dinner was held at the National Wine Centre on 14th May 2010 to start the Appeal to support research into children’s neurological conditions at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The NRF has a proud record of successful Launch Dinners and this one took the event to an even higher level of achievement and enjoyment.

The Paediatric Appeal is progressing well. In addition, funding for intra-operative ultrasound equipment valued at over $110,000 was secured by the NRF and donated directly to the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Investment Policy

As reported last year, the NRF contracted with Perpetual Trustee Company as a Fund Manager. I acknowledge excellent support from the members of our Investment Committee who have cooperated with Perpetual. Income from these investments supports our expenses so that donations can be directed towards research.

Research Funding

One of the principal research projects in 2010-2011 has been to support Dr Adam Wells in stroke research. He is a neurosurgical trainee and has now decided to extend his research into a three year PhD project. This is a very worthwhile outcome for the funds entrusted to the NRF. In 2011 and 2012 the NRF will increase this type of support and so two neurosurgical trainees will be part of Professor Vink’s team.

Professor Donald Simpson

The Foundation owes a great debt to Professor Simpson for his role in creating, nurturing and presiding over the NRF during a 48 year period. A Testimonial Lunch to honour his achievements was held at the National Wine Centre on 13th October 2010 and a large contingent attended from Adelaide, interstate and overseas.

Marketing and Publicity

The NRF Board has engaged fresh talent to advise us on marketing and improving our image. A new webpage has been created and this can be viewed at www.nrf.com.au.

Fundraising Partners

We have been fortunate in becoming a beneficiary of the South Australia Police in their ‘Ride like Crazy’ events conducted during the ‘Tour Down Under’ in January 2010 and 2011. This partnership has enabled the NRF to provide important equipment to assist brain tumour research at the University of Adelaide. In addition, Santos has made a substantial donation to the NRF to establish the Dean Bowman Brain Tumour Research Laboratory at the University of Adelaide. The NRF has an enviable and long standing track record in supporting research infrastructure such as the permanent endowment of the NRF Professor of Neurosurgical Research.

Thank you

We are fortunate to have dedicated men and women from our community who donate their time to the NRF and advise the Foundation in the business of fundraising. I want to place on record the diligence, expertise and hard work by all Board members. Our Patron has been very active and helpful.

There are many volunteers who help with the preparation of newsletters, functions, publicity material, selling cards and so on. I wish to make special mention of Ginta Orchard, our Executive Officer for her enthusiasm, hard work, and guidance.

In conclusion, the Foundation has had an active and productive year with an increase in both the scale and quality of research. This productivity is particularly evident in funding basic scientific research; supporting clinical research is a harder task. We look forward to celebrating our 50th birthday in 2013. I am confident that the NRF is fulfilling the objectives set out in our Constitution “to encourage, stimulate and aid research and investigation into all matters related to neurosurgery”.

Brian North, President.