DONOR REPORT 20 20 - Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute
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20 DONOR
20 REPORT
Fighting Cancer
through Research
Join us in the fight at fecri.org.au
CONTENTS
Fiona’s Legacy 2 VISION
Through world-class research, to bring hope
Message From Our Honorary Director 4
to those touched by cancer.
Message From The Chair 5
MISSION
Senior Research Staff 6
To advance the understanding and
treatment of cancer by making an
Key Projects 7 internationally recognised contribution to
cancer research.
Publications 12
THANK YOU FOR
Collaborative Partnerships and Networks 14 YOUR SUPPORT
Because of the generosity of our donor
Governance 18 community, we have been able to develop
an internationally recognised research
program in Ballarat. The Institute relies on
Tissue Bank Development 19
the community’s support to maintain and
build the research program. This is done
Financial Overview 20 through wonderful donations of money and
time.
Donors 22
Fundraisers And Events 24
2020 Ballarat Cycle Classic 26
Stakeholders 29
FIONA’S LEGACY
he would to make her dream of a regional
The inspiration for a regional Victorian research centre a reality and work so that
cancer research facility came from other people would not have to go through
what she was going through - insightful and
a young cancer patient, Fiona Elsey, brave from a young girl battling a terminal
who planted a seed in the mind of disease.
her oncologist, her family and her Speaking about the death of a young child
community. From Fiona’s dream, is particularly difficult. It represents every
parents’ worst nightmare and every doctors’
a garden of hope has grown in the most challenging situation. But in 1991, the
form of a world-renowned research statistics around Fiona’s illness meant that the
likelihood of surviving this illness was remote.
institute in Ballarat.
What a doctor needs to do is continue trying to
outwit the disease, remaining hopeful, but also
being practical. Fiona needed care, particularly
during the final stages of her illness and
Fiona grew up in Ballarat in regional Victoria George Kannourakis provided that care.
and attended Ballarat High School. In 1990
she was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma at Fiona lost her fight for life in 1991, aged
the age of 13. She underwent treatment at 14, but she inspired all those around her,
the Royal Children’s Hospital, where she was including her local community. The community
treated by Ballarat paediatric oncologist and rallied to raise the initial funds to support
haematologist Dr George Kannourakis. Ewings the establishment of what was known as the
Sarcoma at this time had a survival rate of Ballarat Cancer Research Centre. In 1998, the
5% and despite treatment Fiona’s disease Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Laboratory, named
progressed. in Fiona’s memory, was officially opened.
This was her dream, to
see research happen in
her home town.
Gail Elsey
The relationship between doctor and patient
is particularly intimate and especially when
the patient is dying. George Kannourakis was
pivotal in enabling Fiona to remain at home in
her final weeks. During this time, Fiona asked
George why cancer research only occurred
in capital cities. She made him promise that
Fiona Elsey
Gail and Greg Elsey. Photo courtesy of The Courier - Adam Trafford.
2 Donor Report 2020 FIGHTING CANCER THROUGH RESEARCH 3
MESSAGE FROM OUR A MESSAGE
HONORARY DIRECTOR FROM THE CHAIR
OUR RESEARCH CONTINUES Our research team continues to learn THANK YOU. further afield, on our continuing work and
how the immune system can fight cancer, research results. The dedication of the
Cancer is not elective and throughout with this approach becoming the future On behalf of the Board of Directors and Bendigo Bank Tissue bank also received
2020 our research did not stop. treatment alternative to chemotherapy staff, I am delighted to present the 2020 prominence across the media.
and radiotherapy. Our key projects are Fiona Elsey Cancer Donor Report.
The Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, As a board we continue to be excited
in Immunology, Ovarian cancer, Breast
like many organisations had to navigate We are continually in admiration about our future. Research funding
cancer, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia
the major social and economic impact of of what the Research Institute, our is critical to achieving our vision that
and Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis. The
COVID-19. We play an essential role in scientists, researchers and importantly “Through world class research, to deliver
Institute currently has 8 PhD students
providing facilities to store and process our donors and volunteers have improved outcomes for those touched
from Federation University Australia and
patient samples for ongoing research and accomplished over the past year. It gives by cancer”. Research investments over
14 staff.
clinical trials. Furthermore, throughout us great hope as we look to the future many years has resulted in significant
lockdowns the Institute continued Through the Institute I have had the with tremendous confidence. discoveries and further recognition
to receive patient samples of those privilege of meeting many people of the Institute, both nationally and
diagnosed with cancer. who are doing extraordinary things to internationally. Further, “seed funding”
support cancer research. The late AFL from private philanthropic donation
With many of our fundraising programs It gives us great hope as
legend, Danny Frawley was one of these continues to increase its momentum and and the 2020 Ballarat Cycle Classic that
put on hold because of COVID-19, we are we look to the future with I am confident that this annual Donor
supporters, who had been an Ambassador gain recognition with 46 peer-reviewed raised a record $300,000 enabled the
very thankful for the donations received tremendous confidence. Report will showcase the impact the
of our annual Ballarat Cycle Classic. The publications accepted in the last 6 years establishment of our new breast cancer
that supported the momentum of Institute has had, despite a difficult
2020 event saw the introduction of a in high profile journals. Of those 10 in project. It is pleasing that this project is
our research during this period. year and that we continue to advance
160km ride fittingly named in his honour. 2020. The publication of our research already producing results into the triple our knowledge contribution to cancer
In March 2020, Dr Aparna Jayachandran This event continues to be successful and cements the relevancy and importance of negative Breast cancer strain.
It is fair to say that as a nation, 2020 research globally.
joined our team to lead a new Breast grow. This event is supported by over our work here in Ballarat.
was an uncertain time. In the absence We are very privileged to have Professor
cancer research program, focusing on 150 registered volunteers. As Australia’s only regionally based
Thank you to our community of of full community vaccination for George Kannourakis as Honorary
triple negative breast cancer. The group cancer research centre we gratefully
The Institute continues to strive to donors, supporters and volunteers coronavirus, random infection outbreaks Institute Director guiding our program.
have already achieved world first work, rely on the generous support of the
maintain and develop a strong connection for your ongoing support as we ride will continue to occur, and governments His passion, dedication and leadership
describing the behaviour and function of community to continue research into
with the community. Our doors are these unsettling times. The Institute will respond by imposing restrictions of are utterly amazing. He has an in-
a pregnancy associated plasma protein more effective ways to diagnose and
open to all interested members of the continues to be well placed to undertake some sort. COVID-19 did impact on our depth knowledge of the national and
(PAPPA), found in aggressive triple- treat cancer. I thank everyone who has
community to tour the facility. In 2021 leading cutting-edge research in the fundraising through the cancellation of international cancer landscape and is
negative breast cancer. We look forward and continues to give so generously to
we look forward to hosting an open role of immune cell in cancer treatment fundraising events and the contraction of recognised both as a researcher in his
to developing this project and potential the Institute. Together you are helping
evening at our facility. development. Help us to continue world philanthropic grants. While it is difficult own right and as a conference presenter.
therapeutic targets that can assist in us to make great progress.
class research to bring hope to those to forecast with accuracy the likely impact
patient outcomes. We are an affiliated Institute of Governance is a key focus of the board
touched by cancer. on the Institutes activity over the next Thank you,
Federation University Australia. Our and management ensuring we maintain
The establishment of the Breast cancer couple of years, we do enter this period of
facility houses the study of 8 PhD superior business, legal and ethical
project was made possible because of uncertainty in a position of strength; we
students, who are supervised and standing in the eyes of our donors,
seed funding from a private philanthropic have a strong sustainable business model,
mentored by our senior staff. Through regulators, and the wider community in
donation and the 2020 Ballarat Cycle and a team of exceptional people.
our work experience program, we host Professor George Kannourakis which we operate. My fellow directors
Classic that raised a record $300,000 for
budding scientists of the future through MBBS, B(Med)Sci, PhD, FRACP In response to COVID, our team took have made significant contributions
the project.
our work experience program. This will Honorary Director of Research the necessary and responsible steps to the board and committees during Graeme Dixon
Our recently upgraded tissue bank facility commence again in 2021. to protect Institute staff while at the the year and continue to serve with
B Bus, FCPA, FCIS, FGIA
will continue to be managed and will be same time continuing to invest time, dedication and commitment in the best
The research output of the Institute Chair, Board of Management
gratefully accepting tissue and blood energy, and funds into lifesaving cancer interests of the Institute. The application
was highly productive in 2020 and
samples. research. The Institute received broad of their expertise ensures the Institute
media coverage over the last twelve remains the well governed, growing and
months across regional Victoria and the vital organisation it is today.
4 Donor Report 2020 FIGHTING CANCER THROUGH RESEARCH 5
SENIOR RESEARCH KEY PROJECTS
STAFF
PROFESSOR GEORGE KANNOURAKIS, MB, BS, B(MED)SC, PHD, IMMUNOLOGY
FRACP
Our research is focused in empowering
HONORARY DIRECTOR the immune system to fight disease and
cancer. We are undertaking studies on
Professor Kannourakis oversees the research and administration programs at the
the immunology of cancer and the role of
Institute. He has a wealth of experience in cancer cell biology, having obtained his PhD
T cell subsets, NKT cells, MAIT (mucosal
from The University of Melbourne for his research at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of
associated invariant T) cells and gamma-
Medical Research. George is Adjunct Professor of Cancer Biology at Federation University
delta T cells. It is hypothesized that defects
Australia and is a practising oncologist and clinician haematologist. George previously held
in the immune system may predispose to
appointments at the Dana Faber Cancer Institute in Boston, Harvard University, and headed
cancer, or allow it to progress, and that
the Cancer Research Unit at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
treatments that enhance immunity may
improve outcomes in patients with cancer.
This research aims to determine protein
targets on cancer cells that may be
involved in evading the immune system,
PROFESSOR NUZHAT AHMED, BSC HONS (DU), MSC (KUL), PHD by creating a camouflaging “fog” around
(ANU) these cells. It is hoped that by identifying
JOHN TURNER PROFESSORIAL FELLOW these proteins, druggable targets can be
developed that would “lift the fog” from
Professor Ahmed leads the Institutes Ovarian cancer research group. She is an experienced these cells and allow the immune system to
cell and molecular biologist and holds an adjunct professorial position with Federation attack the cancer.
University Australia. She has a long-standing interest in understanding the molecular
mechanisms of ovarian cancer spread. Professor Ahmed completed her postdoctoral research This research covers Colorectal, Ovarian,
at Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, New Zealand, University of Newcastle, Kanagawa Renal, Lung, Melanoma and Pancreato-
Cancer Centre, Japan and BC Cancer Agency, University of British Columbia in Canada. From Biliary cancers, as well as haematological
2002-2014 Nuzhat led the Cancer Metastasis Group in Women’s Cancer Research Centre, cancers.
Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne.
Her significant contribution has been in establishing novel interactions of cell adhesion
molecules with the signalling pathways in cancer, identifying early-stage biomarkers for
ovarian cancer screening and understanding the mechanisms of chemoresistance in ovarian
cancer patients. These studies have led to several international patents, competitive
international and national grants and publications (>70) in reputable cancer journals. in
understanding the immune cell irregularities in ovarian cancer patients.
DR APARNA JAYACHANDRAN BSC, MSC, PHD
SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW
Dr Jayachandran joined the Institute in 2020 to lead the Breast cancer research project.
Prior to her appointment was the Head of the Liver Cancer Unit at the Gallipoli Medical
Research Institute at the University of Queensland. She has also held appointments at the
Liebig University, Germany and Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, University of
Melbourne, Latrobe University, and the Olivia Newton John Cancer Research Institute. Her
background and expertise in cancer biology, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cancer
stem cells, and organ fibrosis is an asset to the team.
6 Donor Report 2020 FIGHTING CANCER THROUGH RESEARCH 7
OVARIAN CANCER cases unfortunately can end in recurrent which can be used in combination with
chemo resistant disease. Devastatingly, the chemotherapy to eradicate the resistant
Over 1500 women are diagnosed with five-year survival period of ovarian patients disease. This is being done by studying the
ovarian cancer in Australia each year. Due has remained unchanged and as low as protein profiles of tumour samples from
to late diagnoses this is a difficult cancer 40% for the last thirty years. patients before and after chemotherapy
to treat and a high mortality rate. The treatment. By identifying the proteins
cancer histologically and genetically is very John Turner Professorial Cancer Research
involved in chemo-resistance, we hope
complex causing significant impediments Fellow, Professor Nuzhat Ahmed and her
to develop therapies that will specifically
in effectively treating patients. Standard team are studying how ovarian cancer
target the pathway involved with chemo-
treatment of patients consists of surgery, patients become resistant to chemotherapy
resistance.
followed by chemotherapy, which in most and is working to identify novel molecules
“We are studying genetic changes that occur during
progression of disease in patients with long-standing Chronic
lymphoid leukemia. These studies have the potential to
identify immune-targets and antibody mediated therapies to
prevent disease progression.”
Dr Dilys Leung, CLL Research.
CHRONIC LYMPHOID The focus of our research is to identify symptomatic CLL patients. By mapping
LEUKEMIA (CLL) the emergence of new proteins this library against proteins collected
on the surface of white blood cells from asymptomatic CLL patients, we will
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) (B-lymphocytes) that enable cancer cells unveil unique proteins that drives disease
“Recent research from our team, has identified a possible is a cancer of the white blood cells.
new treatment option for patients with chemotherapy- to escape from immune defence, leading progression. These identified proteins will
Clinical outlook for this slow-growing to disease progression in CLL. provide targets for future development
resistant ovarian cancer. A drug available for blood cancer varies amongst patients. Some
disorders, has shown to reduce the size of tumours given of an immunotherapy that will prevent
patients show no symptoms of cancer The Institute is in a unique position to
in combination with chemotherapy. This research may lead disease progression in CLL and other
while others can progress rapidly where study over one hundred patients with
to improved treatment outcomes for patients with relapse cancers.
treatment is necessary. The onset and sequential blood samples. From this,
ovarian cancer.” cause of symptom development/disease we have created a library of all surface
progression is unknown. proteins present on the cancer cells in
John Turner Professorial Cancer Research Fellow, Professor
Nuzhat Ahmed
8 Donor Report 2020 FIGHTING CANCER THROUGH RESEARCH 9
HISTIOCYTIC DISEASES BREAST CANCER
A major field of our research is directed towards “LCH is a rare cancer-like disease that mostly affects infants Breast cancer is the second most common cancer
understanding the basic biology of histiocytic and children but can also occur in adults. Lesions can encountered in women. Triple-negative breast
diseases. We have been studying a human infiltrate any organ of the body, which can result in bone cancers account for 10%–20% of breast cancers
form of histiocytosis called Langerhans cell degradation and scarring of vital organs. Our research and have been reported to be more aggressive
histiocytosis (LCH) for many years. In this has the potential to unlock broad new findings to better and associated with poorer survival than other
disease, cells called Langerhans cells accumulate understand LCH and other diseases involving the immune subtypes of breast cancers. Notably, triple-
in various tissues to form cancer-like lesions. system, such as cancer and autoimmunity.” negative is encountered more often in pregnancy
The causes and mechanisms controlling the and has an aggressive clinical course.
development of LCH are presently unknown. Dr Jenee Mitchell, LCH Researcher.
In 2020 a new project was initiated at the
Institute that investigates the immunology of
breast cancer with special reference to high-
risk triple negative breast cancer. Dr Aparna
Jayachandran was appointed Senior Research
Fellow to lead this new project.
The appointment was made possible because of
seed funding from private philanthropic donation
and 2020 Ballarat Cycle Classic that raised a
record $300,000 for this project.
The research group have already achieved
publication of results in world first work in the
field describing the behaviour and function of a
pregnancy associated plasma protein (PAPPA),
that is highly found in aggressive triple-negative
breast cancers. It was found that an abnormal
overexpression of PAPPA negatively affects
survival rates and increases the risk of the
cancer recurring. This research on PAPPA has
led to understanding a plausible mechanism for
accelerated cancer progression during pregnancy.
A population-based study to support clinical
and decision making in treating cancer during
pregnancy is currently underway at the Institute.
“This research has provided evidence
that could lead to a potential
therapeutic target for the subset
of breast cancers with elevated
levels of the plasma protein that will
improve treatment outcomes for these
patients.”
Dr Aparna Jayachandran, Senior
Research Fellow
10 Donor Report 2020 FIGHTING CANCER THROUGH RESEARCH 11
PUBLICATIONS
Our research is making an international contribution to the fight publications presenting out results have been produced in the
against cancer and our new findings are regularly published in last 6 years, 21 in the last 2 years, and 10 in 2020. The team
reputable scientific and medical journals. continue to work on/or have submitted several papers detailing
our projects results for international publication in the first half
The group was highly productive in 2020 as the research of 2021.
output of the Institute continues to increase. 46 peer-reviewed
THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE PUBLICATIONS IN 2020. FOR A COMPLETE LIST AND TO
VIEW THE RESEARCH, PLEASE VISIT WWW.FECRI.ORG.AU
TIMP-2 regulates proliferation, invasion and STAT3-mediated In Vitro and In Vivo Toxicity and Biodistribution of Paclitaxel-
cancer stem cell-dependent chemoresistance in ovarian cancer Loaded Cubosomes as a Drug Delivery Nanocarrier: A Case
cells. Study Using an A431 Skin Cancer Xenograft Model.
Escalona R, Bilandzic M, Western P, Kadife E, Kannourakis G, Zhai J, Tan FH, Luwor RB, Reddy TS, Ahmed N, Drummond CJ and
Findlay J, Ahmed N Tran N.
BMC Cancer, Oct 2020. ACS Applied Bio Materials, June 2020
When Langerhans met Crohn- intestinal inflammation in A role of MAIT cells in colorectal cancer.
disguise. Stuart Berzins, Morgan Wallace, George Kannourakis, Jason Kelly.
Egle Kvedaraite, Magdalini Lourda, Hong Ya Han, Bianca Tesi, Maja Frontiers in Immunology, May 2020
Idestrom, Natalia Mouratidou, George Rassidakis, Tatiana von
Foxp3+ Tregs from Langerhans cell histiocytosis lesions co-
Bahr Greenwood, Martin Jadersten, Selma Olsson Akefeldt, Jenee
express CD56 and have a definitively regulatory capacity.
Mitchell, Matias Svensson, George Kannourakis, Yenan T Bryceson,
Jenee Mitchell, Jason Kelly, Egle Kvedaraite, Tatiana von Bahr
Julien Haroche and Jan-Inge Henter.
Greenwood, Jan-Inge Henter, Daniel Pellicci, Stuart Berzins,
Acta Paediatrica, Sept 2020
George Kannourakis.
Aberrant Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A expression in Clinical Immunology, April 2020.
breast cancers prognosticates clinical outcomes.
TNFa-mediated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition regulates
Prashanth Prithviraj, Matthew Anaka, Erik W. Thompson, Revati
expression of immune checkpoint molecules in hepatocellular
Sharma, Marzena Walkiewicz, Candani S. A. Tutuka, Andreas
carcinoma.
Behren, George Kannourakis, and Aparna Jayachandran.
Ritu Shrestha, Kim Bridle, Darrell Crawford, Aparna Jayachandran.
Scientific Reports, August 2020
Molecular Medicine Reports, April 2020
Thymic development of unconventional T cells: how NKT
Ovarian Cancer and Cancer Stem Cell: The role of MAGMAS and
cells, MAIT cells and γδ T cells emerge. Pellicci D. G., Koay HF,
its inhibition in the era of personalized medicine.
and Berzins S. P.
Nuzhat Ahmed, Elif Kadife, Ali Raza, Mary Short, Paul Jubinsky and
Nature Reviews Immunology 2020
George Kannourakis.
High CD26 and low CD94 expression identifies an IL- Cells, March 2020
23 responsive Vδ2+ T cell subset with a MAIT cell-like
transcriptional profile.
Wragg KM, Tan H, Kristensen A. B., Nguyen-Robertson, C. V.,
Kelleher, A. D., Parsons M. S., Wheatley, A. K., Berzins S. P., Pellicci
D. G., Kent S. J., and Jennifer Ann Juno.
Cell Reports, 2020
12 Donor Report 2020 FIGHTING CANCER THROUGH RESEARCH 13
COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS OUR NETWORK
AND NETWORKS
KAROLINSKA INSTITUTE,
ALBERT EINSTEIN STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
Our research team are working hard to unlock the riddles of cancer. We are well positioned to do this, with UNIVERSITY OF
COLLEGE OF MEDICINE,
NEW YORK, USA
world class facilities, and a tissue bank of over 4500 patient samples, that is facilitated through the support ALBERTA, CANADA
of medical clinicians that recognise its importance. Additionally, our team maintains an extensive program
of local and international collaborations with other research centres.
Collaborations > Associate Professor Tom Jobling
Monash Medical Centre and Epworth Hospital (Ovarian
> Dr Matthew Anaka cancer project) UNIVERSITY OF
QUEENSLAND
University of Alberta (Breast cancer project) > Professor Paul Jubinsky UNIVERSITY OF TRANSLATIONAL
> Professors Stuart Berzins Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York. (Chemo CALIFORNIA, USA RESEARCH
INSTITUTE, QLD
Federation University (Immune studies) sensitivity testing)
QUEENSLAND
> Professor Richard Boyd > Dr Laura Mackay INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY
Hudson Institute of Medical Research (Immune studies) Peter Doherty Institute. (Immune studies)
> Dr Kim Bridle > Dr Stuart Mannering
University of Queensland (Liver cancer and disease studies) St Vincent’s Medical Research Institute (Immune studies) UNIVERSITY OF
ADELAIDE
> Dr Christopher Burns > Professor James McCluskey
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (Ovarian Cancer Project) University of Melbourne (Immune studies)
> Dr Marty Campbell > Professor Peter Moore UNIVERSITY OF
SYDNEY
Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne. (LCH project) University of California (LCH project)
UNIVERSITY OF
> Professor Fadi Charchar > Associate Professor Mark Myers NEW SOUTH
WALES
Federation University Australia (Immune studies and Federation University Australia (Ovarian and Renal Cancer
Ovarian Cancer Project) Projects) BIO 21 INSTITUTE UNIVERSITY OF
MELBOURNE
> Professor Darrell Crawford > Dr Daniel Pellicci
University of Queensland (Liver cancer and disease studies) Murdoch Children’s Research Institute. (LCH project)
WALTER AND LATROBE UNIVERSITY
> Dr Stephen Daley > Professor Damian Purcell DOHERTY INSTITUTE ELIZA HALL
INSTITUTE
Monash University (Immune studies) Doherty Institute. (Murine HCV project)
> Professor Anna DeFazio > Professor Chamindie Punadeera ROYAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
University of Sydney (Ovarian Cancer Project) Queensland Institute of Technology (Liver cancer and
disease studies) ST VINCENT’S MEDICAL
> Dr Jock Findlay RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Hudson Institute of Medical Research (Ovarian Cancer > Prof Rob Ramsay
Project) Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute. (Chemo resistance)
> Professor Caroline Ford > Dr Carmela Ricciardelli
University of New South Wales (Ovarian Cancer Project) University of Adelaide (Ovarian Cancer Project)
RMIT
> Professor Dale Godfrey > Professor Jaroslav Sterba PETER MACCALLUM
CANCER INSTITUTE
Doherty Institute (LCH project) Masaryk University, Czech Republic (Immune studies)
EPWORTH HOSPITAL
> Associate Professor Daniel Gray > Dr Nheim Tran
Walter and Eliza Hall Institute. (Immune studies) RMIT (Ovarian Cancer Project)
> Dr David Greening > Professor Rick Thompson
LIMS, Latrobe University (Ovarian Cancer Project) Translational Research Institute (Breast cancer project) MONASH UNIVERSITY
HUDSON INSTITUTE OF
> Professor Jan-Inge Henter > Dr Nick Williamson MEDICAL RESEARCH
Karolinska Institute, Stockholm (LCH project) Bio 21 Institute (Ovarian and CLL Projects)
14 Donor Report 2020 FIGHTING CANCER THROUGH RESEARCH 15
16 Donor Report 2020 Absent Provessor Nazhut Ahmed, Tameka Develyn PHD candidate. FIGHTING CANCER THROUGH RESEARCH 17
GOVERNANCE TISSUE BANK DEVELOPMENT
Chaired by Graeme Dixon, our FECRI Board of Directors, is drawn > Dr Dilys Leung- Post Doctorate Researcher In 2020 $200,000 of funding was received from the Buninyong used for research later. It is a fundamental and most critical
from community leaders who bring wide-ranging expertise > Dr Elif Kadife - Post Doctorate Researcher & District, Creswick & District, Beaufort and Ballan & District component to our research.
in governance, law, finance, science, and human resources. In > Dr Jenee Mitchell - Post Doctorate Researcher
December 2019 we farewelled long term Chair of the Board, Bendigo Community Bank branches with assisting grants from
> Brendan Toohey- Researcher the Percy Baxter Charitable Trust, James Kirkpatrick Charitable
Our tissue bank has continued to be managed throughout 2020
Emeritus Professor Wayne Robinson after 15 years of service to
> Megan Earls Tissue Bank Coordinator Trust and Patricia Madigan Charitable Trust for new equipment
lockdowns, processing tissue and blood samples. The Tissue
the Institute. In recognition of Emeritus Professor Robinson’s,
> Tobias Meredith- Research Assistant PhD Student and relocation works.
Bank houses nearly 4500 patient samples- many from cancer
passion, and contribution, he was made a Governor of the
patients as well as healthy samples that are vital to researchers
institute.
An upgrade to this facility was imperative for the ongoing work. This resource has seen incredible 52% growth on the last
Visiting Researchers
momentum of our research interests. year.
We also farewelled Craig Lightfoot and Professor Leigh Sullivan
who both stood down from the Board. We welcomed Belinda > Dr Morgan Wallace- Visiting Researcher The Bendigo Bank Tissue Bank is a collection of human tissues
Gleeson to the board with her depth of expertise in human > Dr Prashanth Prithviraj- Visiting Researcher & Oncologist that are stored as live cells in liquid nitrogen at -190°C and
resources. > Dr Jenny West- Visiting Post Doctorate Researcher
The purpose of the Board is to ensure the proper governance
Students
and sustainability of the Institute. It is strongly focused on a
governance structure whose primary aim to ensure that the > Jason Kelly- PhD candidate
Institutes can conduct and deliver high quality research. From > Tobias Meredith- PhD candidate
strategic planning, compliance, fundraising, the board is actively
> Tamekha Develyn- PhD candidate
involved in the stewardship and long-term sustainability of the
> Farah Ahmady - PhD candidate
Institute. This provides our community of donors and volunteers
with the confidence that their most generous support is managed
> Tamsin Wesley - PhD candidate
responsibly and put to best use.
> Dr Revati Sharma - PhD candidate
> Louis Perriman - PhD candidate
In 2020 the Board continued to hold meetings via video link and
> Ali Raza - PhD candidate
oversaw the Finance, Audit and Risk, Fundraising and Human > Ruth Escalona- Visiting PhD Student
Resource subcommittees. > Tejas Menon-Honours candidate
The Institute maintains a Scientific Advisory Committee panel Development
to provide guidance and good governance to our research
projects. This ensures our projects are externally scrutinised and > Carol Grills- EA, Administration & HR Manager
conceptually endorsed to be of legitimate grounding. The panel > Sarah Stapleton - Fundraising and Events Manager
meets biannually to support the research program. > Sally Walsh - Events and Marketing Coordinator
> Aleshia Heinrich - Administration Assistant
OUR TEAM
Board of Directors
> Graeme Dixon - Chair Life Govenor
> Professor George Kannourakis - Institute Director > Gail Elsey
> David Fisken – Deputy Chair
> Kerryn Vincent Shade
> Robert Glass Governors
> Georgia Yanner
> William Wood
> Robert Tommasini
> Luke Dunne
> Dr David Deutscher
> Julie Stafford
> Belinda Gleeson
> Emeritus Professor Wayne Robinson
> Professor Chris Hutchinson
Research Scientific Advisory Committee
> Professor George Kannourakis - Institute Director & Oncologist > Professor George Kannourakis
> Professor Nuzhat Ahmed-Research Fellow > Professor Damien Purcell- University of Melbourne
> Dr Aparna Jayachandran – Research Fellow > Dr Daniel Pellicci- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.
> Professor Stuart Berzins- Research Fellow > Professor Richard Boyd- Adjunct Professor Monash
> Dr Monirul Islam- Senior Scientist University. Hudson Institute.
> Dr Sharon Olsen- Post Doctorate Researcher
L-R Prof George Kannourakis, Ian Corcoran, Bendigo Community Bank, Brendan Tochey look at the Tissue Bank.
18 Donor Report 2020 FIGHTING CANCER THROUGH RESEARCH 19FIONA ELSEY CANCER RESEARCH INSTITUTE
GRAPHIC PRESENTATION OF FINANCIAL OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30
JUNE 2020
The 2020 financial year has proven to be a year 2020 Income 2020 2019 This statement is an extract from the audited
in which the Institute has had to draw on its cash financial statements of the Fiona Elsey Cancer
$ $ Research Institute for the year ended 30 June 2020
reserves to maintain its ongoing research programs
lodged with the Australian Charities and Not-
in light of the cancellation of much of the fundraising CURRENT ASSETS for-profits Commission (ACNC) and available for
program. Cash 1,229,047 1,479,955 viewing on the website of the Commission.
Receivables 69,087 90,008
During the year ended 30th June 2020, the Institute
Other Current Assets 50,914 26,266
received bequests totalling $381,665 and a further
$464,044 in donations from a range of individuals
and organisations. Direct fundraising raised a further TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 1,349,048 1,596,229
$355,006 and this year we were able to attract
a grant of $110,000 from the Bendigo Bank to NON-CURRENT ASSETS
help support the Tissue Bank work of the Institute. Property, Plant and Equipment 561,631 631,469
Corporate contributions of $98,209 along with
Leases – Right to Use Assets 359,906 -
interest income of $20,613, government COVID-19
Other Non-Current Assets 8,123 8,123
subsidies totalling $152,500 and government
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 929,660 639,592
employment subsidies of $23,699 helped generate
6% Corporate Contributions 15% Other Income
income totalling $1,605,736 for the year.
33% Donations 24% Bequests TOTAL ASSETS 2,278,708 2,235,821
After spending $1,388,929 on laboratory wages
22% Fundraising
and expenses, $100,539 in providing the facilities,
CURRENT LIABILITIES
$63,398 on general administrative expenses,
$266,218 on our development office and incurring Trade & Other Payables 184,832 254,524
depreciation charges of $34,083, the Institute Provisions 113,986 108,096
recorded a loss before tax of $247,431. Tax Payable - -
2020 Expenditure Leases Liabilities 73,720 -
During the 2020 financial year, the Institute has
continued with its expanded research activities TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 372,538 362,620
commenced in 2018 and continued in 2019. It has
also continued to support the studies of several NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
PhD students and was able to continue its research Provisions 21,375 29,976
activities with some restrictions through the Leases Liabilities 294,255 -
COVID-19 lockdowns experienced in the latter half of TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 315,630 29,976
the financial year.
While the Institute continues to actively pursue TOTAL LIABILITIES 688,168 392,596
grants from a range of sources, it is not expected
that grants will ever completely provide the funds NET ASSETS 1,590,540 1,843,225
needed to operate, so to maintain its ongoing
research program, the Institute will continue to rely
EQUITY
on significant community support.
Corpus 480,412 480,412
For further information and details on the Institute, Retained Profits 1,110,128 1,362,813
2% Depreciation 3% General Administration
please visit the website of the independent national
14% Development Office 75% Laboratory
regulator of charities, the Australian Charities and
TOTAL EQUITY 1,590,540 1,843,225
Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC). 5% Facility & Property
20 Donor Report 2020 FIGHTING CANCER THROUGH RESEARCH 21DONOR CONTRIBUTIONS Barry Johnson
Beverley Bromham
Brett & Ginelle Polanske
Brian & Wendy McCutcheon
Bruce Anderson
The Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank
Catherine Taylor
the following donors for their ongoing support in 2020 along with those donors whose very
Chris Bett
important contributions remain anonymous or were less than $500 in the year.
Christian Anno
Christine Richardson
The following donations reflect those made between 1 January- 31 December 2020. The Clunes Senior Citizens Club
Institute is extremely grateful from all the support received from its donors. Colin Prowse
David Mitchell
David Pierce
David Thomas
$10,000+ Eclipse Ford Hupert Family Foundation Dennis Waight
G & M Menhennet Ian & Betty Cramer Doug & Judy Hucker
Ballan Community Financial Services Goldfields Tennis Club Ian Baker Elizabeth Sawyer
Barry & Lois James Jessica Reid Jack & Jan Grant Fed Uni Children’s Centre
Beaufort Community Financial Services Jim & Judy Fairhurst Jan O’Brien Frank & Johanna Kuypers
Buninyong and District Financial Services Joan Rix John & Katrina Kannourakis Garry & Joan Hayward
Bill & Sue Wood John B Andrew John Freeman George Kirsanovs
Creswick and District Financial Services Katrina Reid Judith Potter Graham Wilkie
Donkonzie Investments Pty Ltd Lorraine & Mike Beaumont Ken Haby Jacaranda Landscapes
Eclipse Ford Melissa Reid Kevin Brodie James Davison
Estate of Gwenyth Mary Rundell MOR Accountants Lake Bolac & District Bowling Club Jayne Mayes
Estate Of Helen Lynette McConnell Natasha Reid Leanne Wyllie Jeff & Bec Unmack
Estate Of Peter L. Smith Patricia Fisken MrBrakes Bosch Car Service Centre John Stevens
Georgina Warne PayPal Giving Fund Pepper Brand Managers John Williams
Gerry Ryan OAM Ryans Supa IGA Peta & Nic Byrne Judy & Rod Bates
Jim & Shirley Richards Trust Specsavers Pty Ltd Peter Amor Katrina and Wayne Sullivan
John Turner Valmai Brown Phillip Bird Ken & Margaret Adams
Kerryn Shade Wayne & Jennifer Robinson Phillip Ford Lesley E Lyons
Moorabool Community Enterprises Rod Marshall Lighthouse Infrastructure Management
$1,000-$1,999
Neil Jens Ron Savage Marnie Craig
Richard & Paula Nicholson A La Grecque John & Mary Ross Mrs B Gay
Richard Livingstone Adrian OBrien Rotary Club Of Ballarat East Mrs R Wilkins
Walsh Quarries Pty Ltd AH & KK Oulton Rotary Club Of Horsham East Neil Doolan
$5,000-$9,999 Andrew Adlam Shirley Tennant Paula Hurley
Andrew Jirik Stewart & Sue Gull Philomena Billington
Anonymous Anne Roder The Grand Majestic Richard McMullin
Bruno Rocchi Anonymous Trevor Booth Rotary Club Of Beaufort
Greg & Claire Murray Answer for Cancer Trevor Petrie Ruby Coutts
Jamie Mulcahy Judy & Kevin Arbuckle Vintage & Classic Car Club Ballarat Ruth Ryan
Michael W Heinz Barbara Morrow William & Marjorie McKenzie RW Rice
Cass Johnston Scott Tennant
$2,000-$4,999
Darren Lockie $500-$999 Shirley Prowse
AJ Fundraising group David & Sandi Fisken Small Pleasures Fund
Glenlyon Sports Club
Atmosphere Events David Deutscher Stephanie Patterson
AB Insurance Solutions
Ballarat Golf Club Earthtech Landscapes The Cutting Shop
Arch View Cafe
C E Bartlett Enid King Torie & Jim Waight
Ballarat Christian College
Cooke & Foley Pty Ltd Estate of Mary Patricia Flynn Tracey Boyce
Elizabeth Sawyer
Damian Waight Gavin & Louise James Trinette McKoy
Kerryn Douglas
Dr Royce Baxter Gorman Commercial Real Estate Vacuums Ballarat
22 Donor Report 2020 FIGHTING CANCER THROUGH RESEARCH 23FUNDRAISERS AND EVENTS
With many of our fundraising and community event programs
interrupted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were very
thankful to adapt using technology to engage with our community
to support the momentum of our research during the period.
These wonderful initiatives raise much needed funds, whilst also
raising awareness of our work.
1. Ballarat Cycle Classic
2. Classic Cocktail Party
3. International Women’s Day Event
4. Annual Giving appeal
5. Good 4 Gold campaign
6. Online Wine auction
7. Commerce Ballarat Online Trivia night
8. Masks for Cancer Research
9. UnGala – Thank You for Not Attending online event
10. Pink Ladies Dinner for Breast cancer
Joanie Rix
11. Pink Ladies St Arnaud Golf Day
12. Giving Tuesday L-R at Classic cocktail party. Michael Roberts, Michael Malthouse, Anita Frawley, Mark Foley, Paul Tudderham. Photo BR Photography.
“Nearly everyone you talk to is related
13. The Cutting Shop Christmas fundraiser to someone who has or had cancer. I am
a breast cancer survivor and so always
advocated for breast cancer research, but this
is for all cancers.”
Joanie Rix, Mask Hero
“It’s important to us to help FECRI continue their
experiments during these unprecedented times.”
Daniel Redman, Redman Wines
Daniel Redman, Redman Wines
24 Donor Report 2020 FIGHTING CANCER THROUGH RESEARCH 252020 BALLARAT CYCLE CLASSIC
A magnificent record total of over $300,000.00 was raised through the event to The 2020 Ballarat Cycle Classic event saw the introduction of a new road ride- A distance 160km road ride.
secure the establishment of a breast cancer research program in Ballarat. This ride was named in honour of long-term Ambassador, local boy and AFL legend, Danny Frawley. A fitting
way to pay tribute to a man that had been a supporter of this community event since the start.
This annual event celebrated its 13th year having raised $2.1 million for the Institute since its inception
The event saw a variety of road and mountain bike events, and family events on and off the bike.
in 2008. The event saw more than 1500 cyclists and walkers take part. Due to the strong support of local
Significant media attention for the Institute was also generated by a strong radio, television and print
businesses, 100% of all entry fees were directed to cancer research.
media partnerships.
26 Donor Report 2020 FIGHTING CANCER THROUGH RESEARCH 27STAKEHOLDERS
We wish to acknowledge the generous support received from our key
stakeholders and partners in assisting to our research and fundraising calendar
in 2020.
Corporate Partner
Media Partner
BALLARAT
Affiliated Institute
Fellowships
John Turner Cancer Research Fund Anonymous Percy Baxter Charitable Trust
Tissue Bank Partner
Bendigo Bank Community Bank branches of Buninyong, Creswick, Beaufort, and Ballan & District,
Percy Baxter Charitable Trust James Kirkpatrick Charitable Trust Patricia Madigan Charitable Trust
Event Sponsors
Ballarat Cycle Calssic James Family
2020 major sponsor
International UnGala- You’re Not Pink Ladies
Women’s Day 2020 Invited to Attend Dinner
Other Partners
28 Donor Report 2020 FIGHTING CANCER THROUGH RESEARCH 29FIONA ELSEY CANCER RESEARCH INSTITUTE Suites 23-26|106-110 Lydiard Street South Ballarat Technology Park Central PO Box 549 | Ballarat, Vic 3353 (+61) 3 53 313 101 admin@fecri.org.au @fionaelseycri Join us in the fight at fecri.org.au Photography by Michelle Dunn Design by Pepper Brand Management
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