GPHNews

A gala night for medical research
Event Sponsors
It was a Gala Night for Greenslopes
Private Hospital on Friday 6 May
when Her Excellency the Governor
of Queensland, Quentin Bryce AC,
officially launched the Gallipoli Research
Foundation (GRF) at the Stamford Plaza
Hotel.
This historic event also served as
an opportunity for the Foundation
Chair, Mr Alan Kinkade to acknowledge
$1.75million in donations received
since the Foundation commenced its
fundraising activities in January 2005.
“There is a great sense of pride among
all associated with the Foundation and
we are humbled by the generosity and
encouragement we have received from the
corporate and general community,” said
Mr Kinkade.
“We are embarking on a new era
of research here at the Hospital; a new
venture that will bring a great sense of
achievement as we assist our researchers
to improve the health of our community.”
The evening commenced with a
spectacular presentation of the Sunset
Ceremony performed by the Queensland
Detachment of the Royal Australian
Navy Band. The Sunset Ceremony is
an established tradition signifying the
closing of the day and preparation for
the coming day. Program Manager of
4BC and Gallipoli Research Foundation
Board member, Greg Cary acted as
Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
In his opening comments about the
ceremony he said, “The Beat to Quarters
honours the courage and sacrifice of the
men and women of the Royal Australian
Navy through eight decades of war and
peace in the service of our country. The
ceremony provided a very fitting start
to our celebrations here tonight, as the
Foundation aims to honour the sacrifice
of the veteran community by striving to
achieve its vision to become a centre of
excellence in medical research.”
The Governor was involved in a
number of official duties including
presentation of a uniquely crafted
bronze of Simpson and his donkey
“Duffy”, crafted by artist and sculptor,
Dr Maryann Nicholls to Platinum
Supporters. Simpson’s relatives, Ted
Balmides and Pat Coombers who were
guests on the night and were invited to
8
participate in the official unveiling of the
sculpture with the Governor.
We were delighted to be joined by
Professor Peter Brooks, Executive Dean,
University of Queensland who gave a
short addresses on the Importance of
Research. The University of Queensland
School of Medical and Faculty of Health
is a key supporter of the Foundation.
Media Celebrity, Pat Welsh, also a
GRF Board Member, played Auctioneer,
ensuring maximum return with more
than $6000 raised through the charity
auction.
Guests were entertained through the
night by the Queensland Detachment of
the Royal Australian Navy Band, who
finished with the 20 piece big band late in
the night.
The Gala Launch culminated a
very solid four months of fundraising
activity during which time more than
$1.75Million has been raised. The
Foundation’s ambitious fundraising
target is to achieve $12Million over three
years, with half of this amount being
given as a result of submissions to Federal
and State Governments. Fundraising
efforts will now continue so that the
target will be reached in 2008.
1: (LtoR) Dr John Preston, Chairman, Medical
Advisory Committee of Greenslopes Private
Hospital; Mr Alan Kinkade, Chief Executive Officer,
Greenslopes Private Hospital; Mr Cyril Gilbert
OAM, Deputy State President, Queensland RSL;
Professor Peter Brooks, Executive Dean, University
of Queensland; and Her Excellency The Governor
of Queensland, Ms Quentin Bryce, AC perform the
official cutting of the cake
2:Pat Welsh takes closes bidding on the Limited
Edition Lions Commemorative Painting during the
charity auction
3:Master of Ceremonies, Greg Cary, 4BC
4:Royal Australian Navy Band – Queensland
Detachment perform the Sunset Ceremony