Annual Report 1998

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Professor John Coghlan, AO

The Foundation in its wisdom appointed me from the 1st April, 1998. Eric Wigglesworth and I overlapped for three months while I picked up the culture and ethos of the Foundation past and present. Eric also generously conveyed to me the essentials of the Menzies Foundation which he had accumulated over a life time. Good rapport was established between us all at the Secretariat from the first day.

The AUSSUN workshop occurred as I arrived. Further and more informed debate is needed on many health issues and I hope that these very successful initiatives of the past will continue. The Menzies Foundation has an established reputation as a strong advocate over emerging public health issues.

The First Menzies Alumni Symposium on Evidence-Based Health Advice sponsored by the Foundation was held on 4-5 November, 1998. The Secretariat took the initiative in the publication of the proceedings as a CD-ROM in mid-February as well as on our Internet site. The full transcript of the meeting - every word spoken - was included in the publication. This was another "first" for the Foundation. With specialist workshops of this type, quick publication is the essence of their value to a wider audience; a CD-ROM is an excellent vehicle. What is sacrificed to save time is careful editing and polishing. Our transcript is verbatim but was out well before the use-by date. The CD-ROM has been very well received.

In some ways, the two medical research Centres are the "jewel-in-the crown" of our list of endeavours. These two Centres are hallmarked by outstanding Directors, excellent basic and clinical science, increasing international reputations and excellent leverage of other peer reviewed funds against the Foundation's contribution. As part of the 10th Anniversary of the Hobart Centre an outstanding feature - even among the many excellent presentations - was the video tape by Dr Marian Willinger of the US National Institutes of Health in praise of the contribution of the Centre to the health of the American community and the cot death scenario. This is recognition of the highest order for the Centre and for Australian medical research. Professor Terry Dwyer and his team by their careful clinical epidemiological studies converted anecdotal observations into evidence-based assertions which could no longer be brushed off. Dr Willinger demonstrated that before the public health campaigns - based on the Centre's work - 5000-6000 babies died of SIDS annually in the USA. The rate of SIDS deaths in the USA has now declined by 43%. This video - "Impact of the Menzies Centre on SIDS in the US" - was shown to the Board and Council at the December Board meeting as independent evidence of the major achievement of "our" Centre.

The Sir Robert Menzies Memorial Trust in the UK and the Foundation in Melbourne are faced with forecasts of declining income from their portfolios of investments. One immediate outcome is that the Trust can only afford to fund two scholars in law at any one time. Despite our own reduced income it is the Board's intention that we should assist the Trust to fund three scholars at any one time at the same value as the Rhodes Scholarship to maintain our prestigious position.

The forecast income for the Foundation has had an immediate impact. Mr Ken Spencer and the Secretariat have deemed that it would be both prudent and wise to cut the commitments for 1999 in anticipation of what the future holds. Some new initiatives have now been put into a contingent category and would only go ahead if finance was available.

The other immediate change will be to improve the Foundation's Web Site which will have a focus on "what's going on" as well as an increasingly detailed archival aspect. Use of modern media tools in the Foundation's work is to be upgraded and our hardware improved to make us more contemporary. The "new look" Annual Report is a move in this direction. The Annual Report is our major public relations document and may be used for fundraising.

I have made a personal effort to familiarise myself with people involved in our UK connections; the Sir Robert Menzies Centre for Australian Studies and the Sir Robert Menzies Memorial Trust by a visit to London in June 1998 as part of my continuing scientific career.

Cricket has been a facet of our Foundation, reflecting Sir Robert's life-long enjoyment from the game. On Sunday, 6 December during a luncheon hosted by the Victorian Cricket Association at the Sir Robert Menzies Memorial Match (England XI vs Victoria) at the MCG, I made a short comment about the Foundation's connection with cricket, about the Stuart Devlin Perpetual Trophy for these matches and was able to present a solid silver tray by Francis Rocca engraved with the previous match results. This simple design complements the earlier trophy very well. Mr Bob Merriman, Chairman of the VCA, responded.

Sir Daryl has commented on changes to the Board and formation of the Council; none the less, I must acknowledge the great help I encountered from members of the Board and in particular Sir Ninian Stephen, Dr Tom Hurley, Mr Ray Hornsby, Mr Michael Codd and Mr Brian Doyle who helped to ease the establishment process.

Professor John Coghlan, AO
Executive Director
Professor John Coghlan and Mr Bob Merriman
Professor John Coghlan (left) Mr Bob Merriman