Your Impact
Thank you for making an impact
We have several major, corporate and individual donors without whose generosity it would simply be impossible for our institute to function. In particular I would like to thank the tremendous enduring support of Mitsubishi Development, BHP, the Brazil Family Foundation, Wendy and Alan Grummitt, the VidyaJey and Albrecht Family Foundations, Hugh Sheardown, Helen Barnard, Donald & Joan Wilson Foundation and Alex and Mary Peden. Of course, the contributions from all of our financial and in-kind sponsors are gratefully received and our thanks extend across our whole network.
Wesley Research Institute would like to thank the Brazil Family Foundation and their generous gift of $1 million to support coeliac research. Your generosity is visionary and inspiring! The impact that this donation will make to the many lives affected by coeliac disease and other related autoimmune conditions cannot be underestimated. It is only through the support of dedicated individuals like yourself that we can make such a significant impact.
We would also like to thank Hugh and Bev Sheardown for their generous ongoing support of Wesley Research Institute, particularly for coeliac research.
2023/24 Highlights
Improving lives is at the heart of our research, and our progress in advancing disease understanding to enhance diagnostics, treatment and care would not be possible without the generous support and dedication of the community.
Over the past year, we have broadened our research initiatives to address some of today’s most pressing health needs. We invite you to explore our 2023/24 Highlights Magazine, showcasing the incredible work of our researchers and clinicians who are delivering tangible impact on patient health outcomes in Queensland and beyon
Looking ahead, our 2024-2026 strategy is committed to sustainable growth, innovation and achieving a lasting impact in patient care. With the incredible generosity of our giving community, we’re excited to continue our mission, building on three decades of commitment to advancing healthcare.
Donor Honour Roll
Bequest
- Estate of the Late Betty Davies
Over $50,000
- Mitsubishi Development
- BHP
- Helen Barnard
- Brazil Family Foundation
- The Donald and Joan Wilson Foundation
- Hugh Sheardown, AM
- Albrecht Family Foundation
- VidyaJey Family Foundation
Over $10,000
- The Sartain Family Foundation
- JJ Richards & Sons P/L
- The Edward Bullock Endowment
- Catalano Family Foundation
- John A. Allan
Grants
- Coeliac Australia
- Gambling Community Benefit Fund
- Cancer Council Qld - Clinical Trial Support Scheme
Over $1,000
- Ian Dickinson, AM
- Wal W Edgar
- John Foote
- Russell W Stitz, AM
- Cathryn Mittelheuser, AM
- Maureen Stevenson
- Louise Etlin
- Daphne D. Dunn
- Troy Gianduzzo
- Peter J. Allen
- Jon Douglas, AM
- Sid Owen
- Stack Family Foundation
- Viti M Packer
- Tony Hogg
- Arnold Dodd
- Rosemount Retirement Community
- APS Foundation
- Borgert Family Endowment
- CEF Management Account
- Mick Cranny
- James C Blackburne
- James Nicklin
Brazil Family Foundation
Southern Queensland mixed farmer, investor and philanthropist, Franklin ‘Lyn’ Brazil said he never thought of himself as the kind of bloke to become a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). He received the title as part of the 2022 Queens Birthday Honours list for his service to medical research and agriculture. Through hard work, good planning and decision making Mr Brazil progressed from a small poultry farm to four cropping properties and two cattle operations. Alongside Mr Brazil during his grains industry work was his wife Bobbie, herself an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) medal recipient. In addition to serving as the University of Southern Queensland Chancellor from 2006 to 2014, Mrs Brazil was the chair of the Australian Landcare Council, and a director of the Condamine Catchment Management Association. The Brazil Family Foundation contributes to many medical and scientific research organisations, including our own Wesley Research Institute and we were fortunate to receive from it a very generous $1 million donation this year towards the Coeliac Disease and Immune Health Research Program.
Albrecht Family Foundation
Martin and Fran Albrecht have been long term supporters of Wesley Research Institute. Not only was Martin former Chairman of the Board, but he was also awarded Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AC) in 2002, and the Centenary Medal in 2003. Martin is also a recipient of Honorary Doctorates from University of Queensland, Queensland University of Technology, University of South Australia and Griffith University. We are so honored to have the Albrecht's as donors and Martin as Patron, not only for their generous philanthropic support but for their tireless advocacy for Wesley Research Institute across government, industries and with corporate partners.
VidyaJey Family Foundation
Wesley Research Institute is very grateful to the VidyaJey Foundation for the ongoing and generous support they have provided since 2016. We would like to thank the family, JeyJey, Vidya and Sandra for your commitment to the work we do and the research that they enable. Throughout the pandemic they have remained steadfast supporters and allowed important research projects to progress. We are so grateful for generous donors who continue to enable research and provide positive impact for patients through medical research.
Hugh Sheardown AM
Diagnosed as a coeliac himself nearly 20 years ago, Mr Sheardown has always strived to help others with the condition. For his commitment to the cause, he was recognised with a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Mr Sheardown has spent much of his retirement in various roles with Coeliac Queensland and Coeliac Australia, including stints as president of both organisations.
“I was in a fortunate position to be able to retire and wanted to use my management and financial expertise to assist the organisation and other coeliac members, ” he said.
Helen and Chris Barnard
Helen’s late husband Chris was a leader and a friend, a mentor and always curious to know more. Chris’ generous spirit, diligent focus and persistence helped to support Wesley Research Institute to where we are today. We remember the tremendous impact Chris Barnard had on so many boards, community groups and the people of Queensland. Wesley Research Institute benefitted from Chris Barnard’s active service as a board member from 2009 to 2017. He was a dynamic and valued member of a number of committees. He was passionate about the impact that medical research can have, which was inspiring. As a leading financial advisor and stockbroker in Brisbane, Chris introduced potential donors to Wesley Research Institute whose support has been absolutely crucial in funding vital clinical research. His contribution to the Institute was far wider, in governance and financial oversight. Most recently we thank Helen for her generous contribution towards the Chris Barnard Cancer Research Memorial Fund, which is supporting some impactful research projects across breast, gynaecological, skin and pancreatic cancers.
“Chris’ professional acumen and strong community spirit was recognised by all who had the privilege of working with him.”-Anne Cross, Former CEO of UnitingCare
"I give regularly through Wesley Research Institute to drive positive research based changes in patient care. As a cancer survivor, I want to help support research for this terrible disease. Investing in patient orientated medical research has proved to be great value for money and the best way to witness the impact of my donations during my lifetime."