2012/2013 Annual Report

The 49th Annual Report 

2012-2013

Contents 

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Our Purpose, Vision, Mission & Values 

Our Patron 

Our Valued Partners 

From the President 

From the CEO 

Our Board & Management 

Board Member Profiles 

A Lifetime of Support & Volunteers 

What is Asthma? 

Health Services 

Major Donors & Bequests 

Asthma Australia 

Research 

Marketing & Communications 

Business Development 

RAC Freeway Bike Hike for Asthma 

Building Refurbishment 

From the Treasurer 

Independent Auditor’s Report 

Financial Reports

Our Purpose 

To advocate, provide asthma information, education, training 

and fund respiratory research 

Our Vision 

To free West Australians from the burden of asthma 

Our Mission 

Working with the West Australian community to help people 

with asthma and linked conditions breathe easier 

Our Values 

We agree to act in accordance 

with these values and to be 

held accountable 

Passion 

Culture 

We demonstrate positive 

attitudes and behaviours 

that inspire others to make 

a difference 

Communication 

We act with respect, 

honesty and trust with 

our staff and clients 

Innovation 

We seek to develop 

innovation, creativity 

and wisdom in our 

organisation 

Teamwork 

We promote teamwork, 

cooperation and share 

responsibility at all levels 

of our organisation 

We encourage open and 

honest two-way 

conversations with 

our staff and clients 

Responsibility/ 

Accountability 

We hold ourselves accountable 

and responsible for our 

words and actions 

As confirmed by the 

Asthma Foundation WA staff 

on Tuesday 16th July 2013 

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Our Patron 

His Excellency Malcolm McCusker, AC CVO QC 

Governor of Western Australia 

The Asthma Foundation WA is very grateful for the support of our Patron, His 

Excellency Malcolm McCusker AC CVO QC, Governor of Western Australia. 

Through the McCusker Charitable Foundation, a significant financial contribution 

to fund vital asthma research was received. 

Malcolm James McCusker AC CVO QC became the 31 st Governor of Western Australia on July 1, 2011. 

He has a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Western Australia and is a Queen’s Counsel. 

Mr McCusker is well known for his successful representation of wrongfully convicted persons, in a 

number of high profile cases. 

Mr McCusker was made an Officer of the Order of Australia for his services to law and the community 

(2005) and a Companion of the Order of Australia for service to the people of Western Australia 

particularly providing access to legal support, for sustainable development and education, philanthropy 

for a range of medical research, youth and arts organisations (2012); WA Citizen of the Year for the 

Professions (2005); Civil Justice Award from the Australian Lawyer’s Alliance (2007); Honorary Degree of 

Doctor of Laws from the University of Western Australia (2008); Honorary Doctorate of the University, 

Edith Cowan University (2009); WA Citizen of the Year for Community Service (2010); WA Australian of 

the Year (2011) and Honorary Doctorate of the University, Murdoch University (2011). Her Majesty The 

Queen appointed the Governor as a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in October 2011. 

He is Patron of more than 100 community organisations including the McCusker Foundation for 

Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Landcare and is Chairman of the McCusker Charitable Foundation, his 

family foundation, which distributes substantial funds each year to worthy charities. 

He has been involved in the surf lifesaving movement since 1955, and was awarded a Surf Lifesaving 

Bravery Award for the rescue of two people attacked by a shark. 

Mr McCusker is married to Tonya. They have an young daughter, Mary, and she and his stepsons, 

Nikolas and James live with them. His interests include the law, farming, surf ski paddling, rugby, 

reading, chess and football. 

GOVERNMENT HOUSE 

PERTH 

Asthma Foundation WA Annual Report 2012-2013 3

Our Valued Partners 

Principal Partner 

Major Partners 

Funding Partners 

McCusker Charitable 

Foundation 

Stan Perron 

Charitable Foundation 

Corporate Supporters 

Community Partners 


From the President 

The Asthma Foundation of Western Australia Inc. 

is moving towards its 50th year as the leading 

Western Australian agency to free and assist West 

Australians from the burden of asthma and linked 

conditions. 

It has become increasingly difficult for not-for-profit 

organisations to operate effectively in recent years. 

This year was one of significant achievement, 

change and challenge for the Foundation. The 

challenges have been met, however they remain 

incomplete and considerable work remains to 

secure a sustainable future. 

The movement towards a framework of National 

funding, standards and operations, including 

the development of the Asthma Australia body, 

has represented a significant challenge for the 

Foundation. This has required significant outlay 

by the Foundation, in terms of time and other 

resources, to ensure our effective participation and 

influence in the national arena. We believe this is a 

material long term investment which will define the 

Foundation in the future. 

Our Board has invested significant time into the 

development of a new corporate strategy. This 

strategy seeks to ensure the Foundation has 

the flexibility and governance frameworks to 

quickly adapt for future challenges. This strategy 

encompasses strong corporate governance policies, 

the recruitment of new Board members to provide 

previously unavailable resources to the Foundation 

and ongoing investment in our employees – key 

Foundation assets. 

From a financial perspective, the Foundation 

consolidated its ability to maintain sustainable 

operations, whilst delivering the highest standards 

of professional care and assistance. The Foundation 

contributed $67,450 to WA research and a further 

$50,000 to the National research program. In 

addition to the direct medical and social benefits 

derived from these investments, they also constitute 

a capital outlay to ensure local and National 

researchers are able to continue their work within 

Australia. 

A key challenge to the Foundation in 2014 is the 

expansion of our health and training services to the 

communities of regional Western Australia. For too 

long, the delivery of health services to many regional 

West Australians has been limited, particularly within 

indigenous communities. The Foundation is looking 

to remedy this shortfall and add value by providing 

previously unavailable health support and training 

in the areas of asthma prevention and care to these 

people. 

We hope the ongoing success of the Freeway 

Bike Hike for Asthma will continue to provide 

the Foundation with an invaluable opportunity 

to fundraise and present itself to the Western 

Australian community. The record numbers for 

this unique family event should see the Foundation 

benefit greatly. 

The Foundation could not have achieved the 

recent success without the ongoing support of 

our numerous corporate partners, including the 

State and Federal Governments, as well as our 

many volunteers and staff. We thank each of 

these stakeholders for their support and assistance 

and hope they will continue to help us achieve our 

objectives moving forward. 

With so much to achieve we cannot be complacent. 

The key asset to execute and secure our objectives 

is the Foundation staff, our supporters, volunteers 

and other partners with this renewed passion 

and determination. We will seek to nurture and 

support these people and entities to ensure all West 

Australians living with asthma 

can ‘breathe easier’. 

Cathal Smith 

President


From the CEO 

It is with great pleasure that we present the 49th Annual 

Report of the Asthma Foundation WA. 

2012/13 will most likely be best remembered as the year 

the Foundation transformed itself into an entity offering 

professional service in a professional environment by 

professional people throughout the organisation. 

Throughout this report we hope to acknowledge all 

who have assisted us on the journey and to record out 

thanks publicly. I trust you will enjoy reading about our 

committed work in the community. 

Strategic Direction 

Our primary objective in 2012/13 was to complete the 

objectives set three years previously by the Board. In 

reviewing our three year Strategic Direction, we are 

pleased to report that we achieved every target, and at 

times exceeded our expectations. 

We; 

— Introduced a new brand and re-affirmed the 

Foundations values 

— Exceeded all training targets with a renewed 

commitment to education & training 

— Utilised technology to allow greater access to 

regional and remote WA 

— Doubled our commitment to research over the 

past two years 

— Introduced 25 corporate partnerships to our 

Foundation with some of Perth’s leading business 

organisations 

— Succeeded in recording three successive operating 

surpluses, securing our financial future, and 

creating a culture of success 

Work commenced on the new three year Strategic 

Direction document and I am pleased to report that all is 

in readiness to continue this run of success. I commend 

the AFWA Board Members for their courage, commitment 

and leadership shown during this period. 

Financial performance 

It is pleasing to report a third successive operating surplus 

in an ever increasing and competitive environment. 

We believe the ethos is now so firmly entrenched, that 

anything other than a surplus each year will be deemed 

unacceptable and that with every successful year, our 

financial commitment to research and staff development 

will increase accordingly. My appreciation is extended to 

our Treasurer, Spencer Broad, his committee who oversee 

the financial dealings of the Foundation, and to Sarah 

McKenna our Finance Manager for tirelessly ensuring we 

were kept up to date at all times. 

Partnerships 

Newmont Asia Pacific 

We are blessed to have the support of one of the 

world’s leading gold producers, Newmont Asia Pacific. 

Through Mr Kelvyn Eglinton, Regional Manager- Social 

Responsibility and Mr Ken Ramsey, Group Executive – 

Environment & Social Responsibility this organisation 

has epitomised the value of strong relationships, and the 

work we have achieved because of this alignment cannot 

be understated. Our regional expansion into WA will 

occur because of their commitment to our partnership. 

Department of Health WA 

Our primary focus is the delivery of health services to 

people with asthma, and in cases where people need 

assistance, their carers and the aged. Each year the 

Department of Health fund many of our programs which 

are detailed later in this report. We have set targets, 

such as 2500 appointments with people with asthma, 

including face to face clinics, telephone advice, resources 

and internet and website access to information. GP and 

pharmacy referrals result from the activity funded by our 

Health Department. We have delivered programs to play 

groups, child care centres and aboriginal medical service 

outlets. Our scope is large, but with this support, the 

task is very much achievable. On behalf of the Board and 

staff of the Foundation we thank Gerrie Williams and her 

team for their ongoing support and inspiration. 

Lotterywest, loyal supporters of the Asthma Foundation 

WA for many years, committed funds via a grant to help 

us address the working conditions for our staff and 

volunteers. The finished product is something everyone 

who was involved is immensely proud. We believe that 

we achieved the perfect blend of a professional working 

environment, that wasn’t “over the top”, but conducive 

to service excellence. On behalf of my staff, Board and 

the Volunteers of AFWA, we record our thanks to Jan 

Stewart and her team of Jacquie Thomson and Teresa 

Smith for their unwavering support of the Foundation. 

These works may perhaps be one of the most significant 

initiatives ever completed by the Foundation and add to 

its illustrious history. I also extend our thanks to Airlec, 

their contractors and suppliers for delivering the finished 

product on budget and “nearly” on time. The photos 

contained later in the report provide a small insight into 

the before and after. 

Channel 7 Telethon Trust 

The Asthma Foundation WA has for many years enjoyed 

support from the Channel 7 Telethon Trust via grants 

from Telethon. This year we were able to produce and 

promote on commercial television, an advertisement 

aimed at encouraging children to participate in sport and 

“don’t let asthma hold you back”. This investment led 

to a 32% increase in people seeking more information 

about asthma and a 22% increase in parents developing 


an asthma management plan for their child. The most 

overwhelming statistic resulted in 70% of respondents 

indicating they would get an action plan from their doctor. 

Whilst a costly exercise, the campaign was a tremendous 

success and we thank Steve Mummery and his Board for 

supporting this vital resource. 

Evol LNG, our partners for the last five years. To Nic Rea, 

Business Manager LNG, whose enthusiasm for what we 

are trying to achieve is quite remarkable, and who leads 

a team that truly understands what a relationship should 

look like, we say thank you. The Foundation is in debted 

to your unwavering support. 

Wesfarmers commitment to supporting the West 

Australian community is well documented. Their support 

of our Foundation now has extended 3 years since first 

supporting the initial “Tackling Asthma” campaign in 

2011. We are extremely grateful to have such an iconic 

partner, who generously participate at all our functions 

and we trust that in return they receive the recognition 

worthy of a major partner. 

Our Toyota WA relationship grows year to year. We now 

boast the complete range of Prius vehicles on offer and 

their presence from Joondalup to Rockingham is often 

referred to by many observers. I’d like to record publicly 

my personal thanks to Michael Beros and Mark Lauren for 

believing in our Foundation and of course congratulate 

Stan Perron on the 50th anniversary of Toyota WA in 

Western Australia. Mr Perron has been a major donor to 

the Foundation over many years, and this relationship is 

one we are extremely proud of. 

Our Freeway Bike Hike for Asthma was the most successful 

event of all time with over $440k realised through our 

partnership with Corporate Sports Australia and the 

West Australian cycling community. Achieving just over 

10,000 participants was always the target from the very 

first “Bike Hike”. To have achieved this milestone perhaps 

1-2 years ahead of time is a remarkable effort and we 

thank all the stakeholders who helped to make the FBH 

the biggest mass participation cycling event in WA. Thank 

you to Main Roads, The Public Transport Authority, 

Transperth, St Johns, the West Australian Police Force and 

the army of volunteers who turn up every year aiming to 

better the year before. You did it! 

One initiative that has taken most by surprise is the 

“Tackling Asthma” campaign, enthusiastically supported 

by the Emirates Western Force through Rugby WA. 

Twenty prominent Perth companies were approached to 

provide a two dollar coin for every tackle the Force players 

laid throughout the season. Whilst the final tally will cross 

over into two financial reporting periods, we can report 

that $63k was raised through this initiative and it can only 

continue to grow. 

National 

Our commitment to Asthma Australia remains strong 

through the efforts of newly appointed National CEO, 

Mark Brooke. Because of this, we have seen a reduction 

in the duplication of resources, a more streamlined 

approach to Federal funding, and a commitment for 

National initiatives such as research, education, training, 

and creating an asthma friendly environment for all to 

enjoy. We wish Mark and his team continued success as 

we all work toward a true Federated model that exists to 

service all Australians with asthma. 

Branding 

Another highlight of course was the realisation of a 

dream on World Asthma Day with the unveiling of our 

hot air balloon on the South Perth foreshore. To Damien 

Hays who arranged the delivery on time and at very little 

cost to our Foundation, we pass on our appreciation on a 

job well done, and we look forward to seeing our logo fly 

high over Perth at various times throughout the year. Our 

new look brochures, professional images, presentations 

and offices are a true reflection that the Foundation is 

now something very proud to be associated with and I 

commend Bec Daniels and her team for helping realise 

the dream. 

My staff 

Many of the Foundations successes can be directly related 

back to the effort my team has put in, and none more so 

than this year. Whilst we laughed off at the time about 

the lifting, ditching, building, planning and frustration 

that accompanied the refurbishment of the facilities, 

one hopes for a strengthening bond to develop during 

tough times and a culture of co-dependency to evolve. 

To deliver, and at times exceed our work targets, during 

this period has only increased my respect for my team, 

and I congratulate all who participated in ensuring the 

Foundation’s immediate future is secure. 

Conclusion 

The last three annual reports have been a pleasing task to 

compile, as there have been many achievements. 

The support and commitment of my Board has provided 

confidence to challenge the way things have always been, 

and technology and advancements in 

medicine and research continue to 

make the job easier. We look forward 

with confidence to continuing our 

service to all people affected by 

asthma and believe we are well 

prepared to deliver this service as 

you would expect. 

David Johnson 

Chief Executive Officer 

“What do we live for, if it is not 

to make life less difficult for each 

other?” — George Eliot

Our Board & Management 

PATRON 

His Excellency Malcolm McCusker AC CVO QC 

Governor of Western Australia 

VICE PATRON 

Dr. Ken Fitch AM 

BOARD 

Mr Anthony Carter - President (Resigned Feb 2013) 

Mr Cathal Smith - President (From Feb 2013) 

Mr Tony Carter - Vice President 

Mr Spencer Broad - Hon. Treasurer 

Mr David McKenna 

Ms Lisa Viska 

Prof. Graham Hall 

Mr Warren Campbell 

Prof. Alan James (Resigned Dec 2012) 

Ms Amy Mears (Resigned Oct 2012) 

Mr John Kerr OAM (Resigned Oct 2012) 

Mr Vic Court AM (Resigned Oct 2012) 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER 

Mr David Johnson 

FINANCE MANAGER 

Ms Sarah McKenna 

HEALTH SERVICES MANAGER 

Mr Kyn Cowper 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER 

Mr James Garnaut 

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER 

Ms Bec Daniels 

INVESTMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE 


Mr Paul Van der Ven (Independent Member/Advisor) 


Mr John Kerr OAM (Resigned Oct 2012) 


Mr Spencer Broad 

Mr Tony Carter 

Mr Cathal Smith 

AUDITOR 

Stirling Partners and Associates 

FINANCE & AUDIT COMMITTEE 


Mr Spencer Broad 



Mr Tony Carter 

Mr Cathal Smith 

MEDICAL & SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE 

Prof. Alan James (Chair until Dec 2012) 

Prof. Graham Hall (Chair from Jan 2013) 

Dr Neil Misso 

Prof. Peter Henry 

Dr Phil Stumbles 

Dr Andrew Wilson (National Representative) 


Ms Yolanda Arcaro 

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS 

Mr Vic Court AM 

Dr Ken Fitch AM 

Dr John Hobday 

Mr John Kerr OAM 

Dr Rod Mason 

Mr Barry Rubie OAM 

Dr Keven Turner AM 

Dr David Webb 

Mrs Roslyn Webb 

Mr Grahame Young 

Ms Margaret Seebeck 

HONORARY COUNCILLORS 

Mrs Doreen Ambler 

Mrs Coralanne Cranston 

Mrs June Steen-Olsen 

Mrs Sue Fraser 

Mr George Johnson 

Dr David Mathias 

Mrs Val McDonagh 

Mr Robert Mitchell 

Dr Mauro Mocerino 

Mr Bruce Simpson 

Mrs Pat Sinclair 

Prof. Wayne Thomas 

Christian 


Board Member Profiles 

Cathal Smith - President 

Cathal is a lawyer who has worked in various 

overseas jurisdictions. In recent years, Cathal 

has been involved in various pro bono activities 

including the Princes Trust (London), the 

Australian Business and Community Network and 

the Asthma Foundation WA since 2008, offering his expertise on 

other committees. Having returned to Australia from overseas, 

he is happily married and enjoys spending time with his wife and 

four children. 

Tony Carter - Vice President 

Tony followed his father’s footsteps into his 40 

year career in the motor industry and is currently 

Dealer Principal of Shacks Holden & HSV. 

During his years in the motor industry, Tony has 

managed sales departments, finance operations 

and service divisions and recalls on his years working with John 

Hughes as the time of greatest learning. This experience led to 

an appointment as Dealer Principal of Southside Mitsubishi and 

later City Motors Holden in partnership with AHG. 

Tony was appointed as Board Member of the Asthma Foundation 

WA in October 2011. 

Tony has a keen interest in the Asthma Foundation WA’s goal of 

finding a cure for this condition that impacts the quality of life for 

so many Australians, as Tony himself has asthma. 

He is an avid sailor, is married with two children and is a 

grandfather of four. 

Spencer Broad - Treasurer 

Spencer Broad is a Director of South Perth based 

accounting and financial advisory firm, Acute 

Business Services. He advises clients in many 

industries including mining, transport, property, 

manufacturing and civil contracting. Spencer 

specialises in corporate and domestic taxation, business services 

and financial consulting. 

He holds a Bachelor of Business from Edith Cowan University, is a 

Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA) and a fellow of the Institute 

of Public Accountants (IPA). He is also a Director of numerous 

private companies. Spencer joined the Asthma Foundation WA 

Board in October 2011. 

Professor Graham Hall 

PhD, CRFS, FANZSRS 

Prof. Graham Hall is Head of Paediatric 

Respiratory Physiology at the Telethon Institute 

for Child Health Research and specialises in 

researching the impact of lung disease on how 

the lungs grow. 

His research involves improving our ability to diagnose and 

manage asthma and other lung diseases in infants and young 

children. Graham is also the Senior Respiratory Scientist in 

Charge of Respiratory Medicine at Princess Margaret Hospital. 

He has Professional Memberships with the Thoracic Society of 

Australia and New Zealand, the Australian Society of Medical 

Research, Asia Pacific Society of Respirology, the Australian and 

New Zealand Society of Respiratory Science and the European 

Respiratory Society. Graham joined the Board in October 2010. 

David McKenna 

David is a partner of the firm Jarman McKenna, 

an insurance and commercial boutique practice 

in WA. He has a B. Juris and LLB and was 

admitted to practice in Western Australia in 

1980. He practiced initially as a solicitor with 

the Legal Aid Commission for seven years and since 1987 has 

practiced solely in the area of insurance litigation. He has a wide 

breadth of experience in that field and has regularly appeared 

in the workers’ compensation jurisdiction, District, Supreme and 

Federal Courts and the High Court. David currently practices in 

the area of property, transport, liability, asbestos litigation and 

professional indemnity insurance. 

David is the immediate past National President of the Insurance 

Law Association and has been a member of that association 

since 1987 and a member of the board since 1997, holding the 

positions of Secretary and Vice President before being elected 

National President. 

David is married with two children. His interests include spending 

time with family and friends, travelling, yachting, paddle boarding 

and cycling. 

Warren Campbell 

Warren Campbell has been working in the 

Marketing and Advertising industry for 16 years. 

Warren’s relationship with his current employer, 

Creative ADM began in early 2002 and recommenced 

in 2010 after two years as National 

Marketing Manager for the Aspen Group. Work matters aside, 

Warren’s love is for his family and friends – and he also enjoys 

surfing and the occasional round of golf. 

Warren joined the Asthma Foundation WA Board in 2008. 

Lisa Viska 

Lisa is a Registered Psychologist with over 25 

years experience in both the private and public 

sectors. During this time, she has worked as 

an educational counsellor, a university lecturer 

and as a private practitioner. She has devoted 

a substantial part of her career to developing and delivering a 

range of psychological and educational training packages across 

a broad range of areas. 

Lisa is also the mother of four children and loves being involved 

with her family, friends and the local community. Lisa joined the 

Board in December 2009. 

Board Member Possible Actual 

Alan James Resigned Dec 3 2 

Amy Mears Resigned Oct 2 0 

Anthony Carter Resigned Feb 3 2 

Cathal Smith 7 7 

David McKenna 7 6 

Graham Hall 7 4 

John Kerr Resigned Oct 2 2 

Lisa Viska 7 6 

Spencer Broad 7 6 

Tony P Carter 7 5 

Vic Court Resigned Oct 2 2 

Warren Campbell 7 6 


A Lifetime of 

Support 

At the 2012 Annual General Meeting the Asthma 

Foundation WA said farewell to two of its longest serving Board 

Members, Mr Vic Court AM and Mr John Kerr OAM. 

Mr Court joined the Board in 1968, and worked with the Foundation for 

44 years. During that time Mr Court served as President twice, and held the position 

of Treasurer for many years. Mr Court was honoured with Life Membership, the Asthma 

Foundation WA’s highest award in 1985. In 2006 he received an Order of Australia (AM) for services 

to the Asthma Foundation WA. 

Mr Court was recommended to the Board when a partner in his Chartered Accountancy practice, Hendry Rae 

& Court (now WHK Horwath) noted that some professional input was required to assist the Asthma Foundation WA. 

The Foundation could not have asked for a more dedicated individual for this role. 

Mr Kerr was a long standing Board Member for the Foundation, and first joined in 1976 following a severe asthma 

attack suffered by his daughter. At the time the only medication that could be used to save his daughter’s life was 

a shot of adrenaline. Since that incident Mr Kerr has provided 36 years of support to the Foundation, holding a 

number of Executive positions, serving as President twice and providing knowledge and assistance to the Foundation’s 

Investment Portfolio. Mr Kerr is a Life Member of the Asthma Foundation WA and in 2006 he was awarded an Order 

of Australia Medal (OAM) for his services to the Asthma Foundation WA and the Anglican Church. 

Volunteers 

The Asthma Foundation WA would like to thank the 

many volunteers who assist us with administration 

tasks, data entry, expos and mail outs, in particular 

Christian, Sue, Elsie and Jackie, four of our regular 

volunteers. 

The Foundation was lucky enough to have 40 

volunteers who assisted with the National Asthma 

Week Street Appeal in the Perth CBD. 

The Board and volunteers also contribute their time, 

knowledge and resources to help guide 

the Foundation, participating in subcommittees 

such as the Finance, Audit 

& Risk Management Committee, the 

Investment Review Committee and the 

Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee. 

We would also like to take this opportunity to 

thank all the volunteers who assisted with the RAC 

Freeway Bike Hike for Asthma on 

March 24 2013. We hope to see 

you again next year! 

Every volunteer has given up 

their time to aid the Foundation 

in achieving our mission, to help 

West Australians with asthma 

and linked conditions breathe 

easier. It is through their 

support and generosity 

that we are able to 

achieve so much. 

Administration: 

Accounts Support Officer Janine Witherow 

Membership & Events Kristen Till 

Research Officer 

Yolanda Arcaro 

Receptionist 

Gemma de Wind 

Health Services Team: 

National Programs Manager Wendy Spicer 

HST Support Officer 

Gwen Betland 

Asthma Educator - NW Yvonne Ashworth 

Asthma Educator - NE Diane Marks 

Asthma Educator - SE Kara Pappagallo 

Asthma Educator - SW Kay White 

Training Officer Eleissa Fuller 

Training Officer Raelene Punshon 



What is Asthma? 

Asthma is a condition of the airways. People with asthma have sensitive airways which 

react to triggers that set off their asthma. Their airways swell and get thick with mucus 

and the muscles around the airway squeeze tight. This makes it hard to breathe. 

Could it be asthma? 

People with asthma can have a range of symptoms: 

— Breathlessness 

— Wheezing 

— Chest tightness 

— Persistent cough – often at night, 

Airways 

early in the morning or during/after activity 

Who gets asthma and why? 

Asthma affects people of all ages. Some get asthma when they are young; others when they are older. 

The causes are not fully understood, although people with asthma often have a family history of asthma, 

eczema and hayfever (allergic rhinitis). There is some evidence that exposure to environmental factors 

such as workplace chemicals or tobacco smoke can lead to asthma. 

Researchers continue to try and find out more about what causes asthma and how we might prevent it. 

How do people with asthma keep safe and well? 

While we still need to find out more about what causes asthma, we do know a lot about how to live 

well with asthma. Most people carry out their lives normally, by following simple asthma treatments 

Services provided by the Asthma Foundation WA 

— Asthma and asthma first aid education 

— Learn about your asthma symptoms, triggers and medication 

— Be accredited as an asthma educator 

Normal Airway 

Muscles 

Asthma Airway 

Muscles 

squeezing tight 

Swelling 

Thick mucus 

Everyone’s asthma is 

different and can 

change over time: 

that’s why it is 

important for people 

with asthma to see 

their doctor at least 

twice a year for an 

asthma check-up and 

more frequently if 

they have concerns. 


Health Services 

The Health Services Team has continued to deliver 

exceptional service to the people of WA utilising our 

delivery structure of educating people with asthma, 

training carers of people with asthma and training 

Health Professionals to deliver this education and 

training. 

We believe that this is the most effective way to reach 

as many people as possible in reducing the burden of 

asthma. 

Asthma Foundation WA has adopted the “Asthma 

Model of Care”. We played an instrumental role in 

developing this in conjunction with other members 

of the WA Department of Health’s Respiratory Health 

Network. 

A major recommendation in the Model of Care 

is the universal access to health services across the 

State. Asthma Foundation WA reacted to this 

recommendation by expanding our services to rural 

and remote Western Australia. This has been in 

the form of increased regional visits by educators, 

enhancing our accredited training into regional areas 

and placing a focus on rural WA within our Asthma 

Child and Adolescent Program. This resulted in 12 

major regional trips being conducted throughout the 

year. 

A strategic focus has been placed on our Training 

Organisation, as more and more people are required 

to hold accredited qualifications. This has seen a 

boost to our training of Childcare staff across the State 

in Emergency Asthma Management, a qualification 

that continues for a three year period. To meet the 

demand for our training services, we have increased 

the number of trainers that deliver our courses as well 

as ensuring that all staff within the Health Services 

Team are qualified to deliver. 

Asthma Foundation WA continues to participate in 

the WA Department of Health Respiratory Health 

Network to provide a consumer and primary healthcare 

perspective in policy development and planning for 

health service delivery. We also participate in other 

policy areas such as Medicare Locals and Australian 

Council On Smoking & Health. 

A system of Continuous Improvement has been 

instigated across the Health Services Team to ensure 

that all of our training offered is of the highest quality. 

Community Services 

The Asthma Foundation WA Community Services 

program is funded by the WA Department of Health 

(WADoH) to provide consumer information and 

education and advocate on behalf of people with 

asthma. Service delivery was focussed at high-risk 

and priority populations including parents of children 

less than nine years of age, Aboriginal populations 

and people from rural and remote areas of Western 

Australia. 

The Community Services Program is conducted 

throughout the community as well as at our 5 

dedicated clinics throughout the metropolitan area. 

Education and information was delivered to: 

— 562 families 

— 3464 individuals 

— 1023 people in 105 asthma first aid sessions 

— 1130 people via the Asthma information line. 

19,910 resources were distributed throughout the 

community. 

All people utilising our services are requested to 

complete a pre and post clinic evaluation. Results 

show that 51% of people attending our clinics do not 

represent at hospital within the following 12 months 

and 62% of people report they reduced unplanned 

GP visits in the following 12 months. 

Professional Training 

Training courses were conducted for health 

professionals to enable them to take current asthma 

information to their workplaces and into the wider 

community. 

Training opportunities were accessed by health 

professionals through the year with: 

— 4 x four day Asthma Educator Courses, 

attended by 68 health professionals 

— 4 x one day Health Professional Workshops, 

attended by 42 health professionals. 

The one day Health Professional Workshop was 

also included in the one week Regional Respiratory 

Training Program, attended by 18 regional Nurses 

and Physiotherapists 

Spirometry Courses continued to be hosted by 

Asthma Foundation WA conducted by Prof. Graham 

Hall and Dr Kevin Gains. 

Customised training was provided to health 

professionals and health students at hospitals, 

universities, and within various health care settings 

across the State. 


Information, resources and training opportunities 

were distributed to 231 Asthma Educators across 

the State (health professionals who completed the 

Asthma Educators Course). 

We continue to network nationally to support the 

development and maintenance of consistent best 

practice programs and meet the asthma education 

needs of health professionals. Throughout the year, 

we have supported the Asthma Australia Education 

& Training Framework as well as taking a lead in the 

area of Health Professional training. 

Asthma Foundation WA continues to build on its 

accredited training base with the development of 

new courses and delivery methods. 

Carers Training 

Training courses were conducted for people who 

had a duty of care to people with asthma to enable 

them to take current asthma information to their 

workplaces and into the wider community. A large 

increase in this area is due to Emergency Asthma 

Management being delivered to Childcare workers. 

This has seen over 1500 qualifications being issued 

compared to 36 in the previous year. 

Training opportunities were accessed through the 

year with: 

— 136 Emergency Asthma Management 

courses, attended by 1503 participants 

— Asthma Awareness for Pharmacy Assistants, 

attended by 41 participants. 

Asthma Child and Adolescent Program 

Asthma Australia is funded by the Department of 

Health and Aging to manage the Asthma Child and 

Adolescent Program, which is delivered in Western 

Australia by Asthma Foundation WA. 

During the year in review, Asthma Foundation WA 

trained 6,208 teachers and support staff from 213 

schools and 148 preschools to manage an asthma 

emergency in a school setting. As a result of this 

training, 51% of Western Australian schools have 

received accreditation from the Foundation as Asthma 

Friendly Schools. 

All sessions were delivered face-to-face by an Asthma 

Foundation staff member or by 91 Authorised 

Representatives across the state. 65% of schools 

trained were in the metropolitan area and 35% 

in regional WA. 65% - 75% of staff reported an 

increase in their ability to recognise asthma, know 

asthma first aid, and their confidence to manage an 

asthma attack. 

Community Support Program 

Asthma Australia is funded by the Department of 

Health and Ageing to manage the Community 

Support Program, which is delivered in Western 

Australia by Asthma Foundation WA. The program 

targets people with asthma and their family and carers 

in at-risk populations including seniors, Aboriginal 

& Torres Strait Islanders, Culturally & Linguistically 

Diverse people, people from low socio-economic 

areas, and regional West Australians. 

The aim of the program is to; increase access to 

asthma information and education; increase the 

target groups’ ability to effectively manage their 

asthma; and provide referral pathways and access to 

relevant support services. 

During this financial year: 

— 117 group education sessions were 

delivered to the general community, health 

professionals, aged care facilities and seniors 

– an increase of 69% over the previous 

period. 

— Education sessions were conducted in 12 

regional centres. 

— The Foundation attended 15 major community 

events and expos throughout the year. 

— 9,141 individual resources were disseminated 

throughout the year. 

The contracts for both the Community Support 

Program and the Asthma Child and Adolescent 

Program expired on 30 June 2013. Funding for 

the next contract period has been approved by the 

Department of Health and Ageing to continue these 

programs with some modifications, mainly to an 

outcome based work plan. Asthma Foundation WA 

is in a good position for this as our programs and 

systems are outcome based. 

Kyn Cowper 

Health Services Manager

Major Donors 

The Asthma Foundation WA is extremely grateful 

for the support received from some of WA’s most 

generous individuals and companies. The following people 

made it possible for the Foundation to increase our financial 

commitment to asthma research, education and training: 

Mr Anthony Clarke 

Rajpal & Jyoti Thethy 

Ralph & Patricia Sarich 

The Stan Perron Charitable Trust 

The Fraunschiel Family 

Mr Richard Court 

Mr Cornelis J. Van Dalsen 

Ms Katie McMahon 

Bequests 

Mr Lou Sauzier 

Lions Club of Scarborough 

Lions Club International 

Mr Paul McGrath 

The Lovegrove Family 

Shreeve & Carslake Pty Ltd 

Busselton Old Time Dance Inc 

Mayday Op-Shops 

The Asthma Foundation WA is extremely grateful to those individuals who have decided to support the 

Foundation through a bequest. We would like to honour the passing of the following people for their 

extremely generous donation. 

By choosing to make a bequest, these individuals have helped support 

those currently suffering from asthma, as well as those researching 

the condition. One day we hope to say we have found a cure for 

Asthma. 

Vera Ann Wood Nelson 

Graeme Stanley Carter 

Harry Frederick Carter 

Leaving a bequest is a simple process that could make a 

difference in the lives of asthma sufferers thoughout WA. 

If you do not already have a will, or would like to add an 

amendment to it, Jarman McKenna offer a 

free will service to those who wish to leave 

a bequest to the Asthma Foundation 

WA. 


Asthma Australia 

I would like to start by offering the 

congratulations of Asthma Australia’s 

Board and our National office team to 

the Asthma Foundation WA for their 

continued demonstration of excellence 

in supporting people with asthma, for 

exceeding the highest benchmarks set by raising 

the profile of asthma throughout your State and 

for the Foundation’s continued leadership of our 

National agenda. 

Many people in Government, the medical profession 

and the general community including people with 

asthma themselves believe asthma is under control. 

However, current evidence highlights that asthma 

self-management and control is sub optimal for 

many people in the community and in particular 

those people and communities that are hard to 

reach. The economic impact for both the individual 

living with asthma and the broader community is 

substantial. 

A proactive approach towards asthma selfmanagement 

is seldom reported by the majority of 

patients, with many experiencing daily symptoms, 

struggling with medication adherence and feeling illinformed 

and disempowered about their condition, 

and the information received in the primary care 

setting. Given these trends, it is not surprising that 

each year across the country, too many people 

are visiting emergency departments and avoidable 

hospital admissions attributable to asthma remains 

an issue needing to be tackled. 

2012-2013 in Review: 

A Strong and Proactive Partnership 

The past twelve months has seen an increased 

emphasis on working together with Asthma 

Australia and Asthma Foundation WA is leading the 

way in forging meaningful partnerships with people 

with asthma, health practitioners and professionals, 

corporate partners and donors. 

The Asthma Foundation WA continues to deliver 

the Australian Government’s Asthma Management 

Program in collaboration with Asthma Australia and 

the scope and reach of the program is commendable. 

Western Australia’s continued push into regional 

and remote communities leads our National push 

for greater equity for those living outside of major 

metropolitan centres. I commend the WA Health 

Services team for their outstanding contribution to 

the Adolescent and Child Asthma Program (ACAP) 

and the Community Support Program (CSP). 

Perhaps the greatest demonstration of Asthma 

Foundation WA’s impact on the National stage is 

their willingness to invest in the National Asthma 

Research Program, which sees for the first time a 

combining of all State and Territory activities under 

one Nationally consistent program. The generosity 

of the donors and corporate partners in your State 

through the investment made by the Asthma 

Foundation WA ensures that vital asthma research 

can continue to be carried out across the country, 

and Australia retains its place on the global stage 

as a key contributing factor in the hunt for a cure 

for asthma and improved ways of managing the 

disease. 

Western Australia was a large contributor to the 

2013 Tackling Asthma Conference – the Next Five 

Years. This National event was supported by both 

the WA Foundation and a large contingent of 

medical and community professionals. The National 

Conference, hosted by Asthma Foundation ACT and 

held in Canberra, highlighted the impact of Asthma 

Foundations on a National scale and their capacity to 

engage with people with asthma, particularly those 

that are most disadvantaged in our community. 

On behalf of Asthma Australia, please continue to 

invest your time, energy and funds to support the 

Asthma Foundation WA as a leader amongst our 

National team. 

Asthma Australia is the Nation’s peak asthma body. 

For over 50 years, Asthma Australia and our eight 

member Asthma Foundations have been delivering 

high quality support to people with asthma and their 

care givers. As one of the country’s largest and most 

respected respiratory organisations and charities, 

with offices and staff in every State and Territory 

of Australia, Asthma Australia continues to deliver 

evidence based, consumer focused, accessible and 

appropriate services to over 200,000 Australians 

with asthma every year. 

Mark Brooke 

CEO - Asthma Australia 


Research 

The Asthma Foundation WA has a long history of funding research to find a better treatment and cure for asthma 

and related conditions. The spirit of research innovation continues with the Foundation committed in providing 

researchers with grants in the following categories for 2012/13: 

— New Investigator Grants – aims to assist asthma researchers at the start of their career to 

secure their first major element of research funding. 

— Project Research Grants – these are traditional project grants aimed primarily at proven 

researchers in establishing new asthma projects and continuing programs of research. 

— PhD Scholarship Top Up – supports students who hold or have been approved for a full-time 

PhD Scholarship to assist in their studies for a maximum of three years. 

— Vi Watson Vacation Scholarship – this scholarship provides students undertaking research 

projects relevant to asthma. It provides students with the financial support required to continue 

their research over the summer break. 

The Asthma Foundation WA Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee (MASAC) chaired by Professor Alan 

James until his resignation in December 2012 and since chaired by Professor Graham Hall, is to advise, make 

recommendations and provide information to the Board of the Asthma Foundation WA on various respiratory 

research matters. 

The Foundation is appreciative of Professor Alan James and Professor Graham Hall and fellow MASAC members 

Professor Peter Henry, Dr Neil Misso, Dr Phil Stumbles, Professor Geoffrey Stewart and Dr Andrew Wilson for their 

expertise in the selection process for the grants. 

Shannan Simpson, Alicia Annamalay, Ryan Mead-Hunter and Anderson Jones 

Asthma Foundation WA President Anthony Carter and MASAC Chairman Alan 

James with 2012/13 grant recipient Mr Ryan Mead-Hunter 

19

The Asthma Foundation WA congratulates the following recipients whose grants were approved in 2012/13: 

Project Grants 

The effects of Vitamin D supplementation in infancy on immune development 

Winthrop Professor Susan PRESCOTT, A/Prof Aris SIAFARIKAS, A/Prof Debra PALMER and Dr Kristina RUETER 

Telethon Institute for Child Health Research 

Funded at $25,000 

Elucidation of atopic asthma endotypes via differential co-expression analysis of airway inflammatory 

gene networks 

Dr Anthony BOSCO and Professor Graham HALL 

Telethon Institute for Child Health Research 


New Investigator Grant 

Modelling airway deposition of liquid vs. solid (powder) asthma medication 

Mr Ryan MEAD-HUNTER with A/Prof Benjamin MULLINS supervising 

Curtin University 


PhD Scholarship Top Up 

The role of viruses, bacteria and environmental factors in acute lower respiratory infections and 

asthma in developed and developing populations 

Miss Alicia ANNAMALAY with Professor Peter LE SOUËF supervising 

The University of Western Australia 

Funded at $6,000 per annum over 3 years 

Vi Watson Vacation Scholarships 

No applications received. 

Research Evening 

The grants were presented to the successful applicants at the AFWA Awards night at the Telethon Institute 

for Child Health Research during National Asthma Week. Awards were presented by Foundation President, 

Mr Anthony Carter. Professor James gave a transparent interpretation of the aims of each funded project. 

Emeritus Professor Lou Landau from School of Paediatrics and Child Health 

and Child Health at the University of Western Australia was the evening’s 

guest speaker and provided some personal insights as to the importance 

that Asthma Foundation WA funding plays to research in Western Australia. 

Acknowledgements 

The Board and staff thank the McCusker Charitable Foundation for its 

financial support contributing $20,000 towards the Asthma Foundation 

WA’s research grants again this year. 

The Board would also like to thank the Asthma Foundation WA staff, David 

Johnson and Yolanda Arcaro, for their dedication and enthusiasm for the 

cause of asthma research. 

Proudly supported by: 

McCusker Charitable 

Foundation 


Marketing and Communications 

It has been yet another big year for the Asthma Foundation WA. The Foundation has been working hard to engage all 

areas of the community through multiple mediums, including increasing its social media presence, to ensure that the 

community is aware of the services and support offered by the Foundation, as well as being aware of the condition of 

asthma and its impact on people’s lives. 

With the help of our wonderful group of corporate supporters, the Foundation has been able to reach thousands 

of West Australians throughout the entire State, meaning that more people than ever have been introduced to the 

Foundation and our services. 

The 2012 National Asthma Week Street Appeal attracted a lot of attention, as the Asthma Foundation WA team 

engulfed the streets of the CBD on Friday 7th September. We had the help of an army of volunteers yet again, who 

helped the Foundation reach a fundraising total of more than $6,000! Forrest Chase and the Murray Street Mall were 

again awash with masses of blue balloons and we thank everyone who gave up a couple of hours of their time to help 

us raise funds and awareness on the day. 

A successful 2012 Tackling Asthma campaign was wrapped up at the stunning Mosmans Restaurant on Tuesday 31st 

July, with the 14 companies involved having raised a total of almost $30,000. We were then extremely 

pleased to gain the full support of the Emirates Western Force for the 2013 campaign, which was 

kicked off in style at the RugbyWA premises in Floreat. Attendees were treated to a cocktail function 

followed by a tour of the Force’s state-of-the-art facilities, guided by Western Force legend Brett 

Sheehan. Brett was also kind enough to agree to be interviewed by Mick Colliss from 6PR, where 

he shed some light on the changes at the club under new coach Michael Foley and what was in 

store for Force fans in season 2013. Special thanks must go to Rachel Cook for her support and 

assistance with the campaign during the season. 

The Asthma Foundation WA would like to thank and acknowledge the support of the following 20 

companies for lending their generosity and support to the campaign: 

— Acute Business Services 

— ASB Marketing 

— Austal 

— Ballem Civil 

— C.D. Dodd Scrap Metal Recyclers 

— Cooch Creative 

— Core IT Solutions 

— Corporate Sports Australia 

— Easifleet 

— Guardall 

— Jarman McKenna 

— Lucidity Business and Executive Coaching 

— Major Motors 

— Monadelphous 

— Print Sync Business Solutions 

— Shacks Holden 

— SKG Radiology 

— Spill Crew Australia 

— UChoose 

— Wesfarmers 

The Asthma Foundation WA was extremely lucky to gain the support of Windward Balloon Adventures in 2012/13 

and we thank Damien Hays for choosing to support our Foundation. Damien has organised for a hot air balloon to be 

made and branded in our colours and logo - and as you will see from the photos in this Annual Report, the balloon 

is simply breath-taking! We launched the balloon on the South Perth foreshore on World Asthma Day – Tuesday 7th 

May and it truly was a sight to be seen! It gained plenty of media interest across Perth and we look forward to being 

able to utilise the balloon on different occasions over the next three years. Windward Balloon Adventures operates out 

of Northam so if you would like to go for a flight in the Asthma Foundation WA balloon, contact Damien and he will 

happily help you out! 

I would like to pass on my sincere thanks to Arnya Tait from Frasers Restaurant and Jacie Cowling from Mosmans 

Restaurant, both of whom have offered us wonderful support by providing us with state-of-the-art venues, food and 

service for our corporate functions. The support offered by both these venues is greatly appreciated by all who were 

lucky enough to enjoy your hospitality! 

We have continued to circulate our newsletter “OnAir”, however from January 2013, in an effort to reduce administration 

costs to the Foundation, two “OnAir” editions have been replaced by two “OnAir E-News” editions. Members and 

supporters of the Foundation will now receive an “OnAir” in the mail in December and June and an “OnAir E-news” in 

March and September. The “OnAir” newsletters in both formats will continue to keep our members and stakeholders 

up to date with the activities at the Foundation and provide them with important asthma information at the turn of 

each season. If you would like to receive the “OnAir E-news”, please email bec.daniels@asthmawa.org.au to be added 

to the subscription. 


Thanks to our partnership with The Sunday Times and PerthNow, we have been able to reach a wider audience, 

receiving advertising space in The Sunday Times and coverage through the PerthNow.com.au website. Sunday Times 

photographers have also been present at our functions throughout the year and provided plenty of support during the 

RAC Freeway Bike Hike for Asthma again in 2013. 

Significant media exposure was also gained through our mass media campaign, which was an 8 week campaign aired 

on Channel 7 and in The West Australian. This 

campaign was made possible thanks to the 

wonderful people at the Channel 7 Telethon 

Trust, Steve Mummery and his team, as well 

as Ron Samuel and his team from Cooch 

Creative. The campaign was centred around 

a “call to action” to the parents of children 

with asthma, prompting them to be aware of 

their child’s asthma symptoms and visit their 

GP to get a written Asthma Action Plan to 

ensure their asthma remained under control. 

With thanks to the support of Julia Zivanovic 

from Know L’Edge, we were able to gain 

relevant data and feedback from pre and 

post campaign research and the results were 

extremely encouraging. There were plenty of 

outcomes from the research, however I have outlined the key result area for the Foundation below: 

Key messages taken were: 

− You can control and manage asthma - 89% 

− Get an Asthma Action Plan from your GP - 70% 

− Improve your child’s enjoyment of life - 66% 

Exposure: 

− Print ad - 60% had seen the Asthma Foundation WA ad before the day of the survey 

− TV commercial - 59% had seen the tv commercial before the day of the survey 

Increased interest in: 

− Observing my child for signs of asthma symptoms - 55% 

− Visiting the website controllingasthma.org.au - 17% 

− Downloading information from controllingasthma.org.au - 14% 

− Booking an appointment with my child’s GP through the website - 7% 

− Visiting my child’s GP to develop an Asthma Action Plan - 11% 

− Phoning the 1800 number - 4% 

Likelihood of actions being taken: 

− Go to the website www.controllingasthma.org.au - 32% 

− Use the online booking service to book an appointment with your child’s GP - 9% 

− Getting an Asthma Action Plan from my GP for my child - 22% 

The Foundation has increased its activity on social media over the past year, with a Facebook 

following of 835 people. The AsthmaWA Twitter account has also been very active, with 

552 followers from whom we have received plenty of support. If you haven’t done so 

already, I encourage you to join up to our Facebook and Twitter accounts to stay up to 

date with Foundation activities, as well as research updates and asthma information. 

The next 12 months is promising to deliver even more exciting opportunities for the 

Foundation to build our profile in the WA community and I look forward to continuing to 

play my role in supporting people with asthma. 

Bec Daniels 

Marketing and Communications Manager


2012/13 has been another successful year for the 

Foundation in the area of corporate support and 

fundraising. Existing partnerships have been retained 

and strengthened, and the RAC Freeway Bike Hike for 

Asthma raised a massive 64% more than the 2012 

event, which was a wonderful result. 

We completed year two of a three year partnership 

with Principal Partner Newmont Asia Pacific. Due to 

the support provided by Newmont in 2012/13, the 

Asthma Foundation WA team has been able to travel 

far and wide throughout Western Australia, visiting 

Newmont mine sites at Boddington and Wiluna, as 

well as areas from the Pilbara all the way down to 

Albany and Esperance. With Newmont facilitating this 

expansion of asthma support services into regional 

Western Australia, we have been able to reach more 

than 3,000 people in areas that would otherwise not 

have access to these services. The Newmont team 

were also there to help us out on the 2012 Street 

Appeal during National Asthma Week, with seven 

staff volunteering their time on Friday 7th September. 

We offer our sincere thanks to Kelvyn Eglinton and 

Ken Ramsay for sharing our vision to free all West 

Australians from the burden of asthma, without 

allowing geographical location to be a barrier. 

Long term corporate supporter EVOL LNG have again 

been wonderful supporters of the Foundation in the 

second year of the partnership, once again providing 

volunteers for the National Asthma Week Street Appeal 

and attending all Foundation functions. We sincerely 

thank Nick Rea and his team for their enthusiasm and 

support of our Foundation. 

Wesfarmers Ltd, a current corporate partner of 

the Foundation, also committed their support to 

the Tackling Asthma campaign for the second year 

running. We are truly grateful to Alan Carpenter and 

Jo Williams for their on-going support. 

The partnership with Toyota WA has strengthened in its 

second year, with 2 of our Toyota Hybrid Prius Cs being 

replaced with the larger model Prius V and a Hybrid 

Camry. We congratulate Toyota WA, and in particular 

Mr Stan Perron, on celebrating 50 years in the WA 

car industry in 2013 and thank Mr Perron for his ongoing 

and generous support of our Foundation, both 

through the Toyota WA partnership and also through 

his financial contribution to the Foundation through 

the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation. We pass on 

our sincere thanks also to Mark Lauren, Michael Beros 

and Samantha Gillies for their dedication to growing 

the partnership. 

Funding partners Lotterywest and Telethon continue 

to demonstrate their loyal support of the Asthma 

Foundation WA, both providing significant financial 

grants to the Foundation in 2012/13. To Jacquie 

Thompson and Jan Stewart from Lotterywest – thank 

you is not enough! The contribution by Lotterywest to 

the Foundation through funds provided to refurbish 

our premises is immeasurable. The Staff of the 

Foundation are proud to come to work every day in a 

modern, clean and inviting environment. 

To Steve Mummery and the team of the Channel 7 

Telethon Trust – thank you for your on-going support. 

Being aligned with an organisation of the calibre and 

status of Telethon is an honour. 

The McCusker Charitable Foundation has again 

provided a funding grant to support the Asthma 

Research Fund in 2012/13, enabling the Foundation 

to increase our commitment to respiratory research. 

We sincerely thank our Patron, His Excellency the 

Governor and Mrs McCusker. 

The RAC Freeway Bike Hike for Asthma raised just 

over $218,000 surpassing last year’s total by a massive 

$78,000 – the best result in the event’s history. This 

increase can be attributed to a focus on personal 

engagement with each fundraiser, a focus on engaging 

with corporate teams and a commitment to the 

fundraising strategy. Thank you to all corporate, social 

and individual fundraisers – there were some fantastic 

achievements and we look forward to engaging 

with you all again in the lead up to the 2014 event. 

Thank you also to all the volunteers who assisted with 

fundraising and the event. 

During the year we gained significant support from 

our community supporters Gateway Printing, Frasers 

Restaurant, Mosmans Restaurant, Swimming WA 

and Lions International. Our successes this year have 

provided a great impetus for 2013/14 and we look 

forward to building on our achievements yet again. 

James Garnaut 


Manager

Volunteers 

Corporate Support 

Fundraising Initiatives 


RAC Freeway Bike Hike for Asthma 

The Asthma Foundation WA would like to thank everyone involved in the 2013 RAC Freeway Bike Hike for Asthma, 

which yet again has exceeded the results from the previous year. 

This year’s event had the largest number of participants and the most money raised in the event’s history and we are 

so grateful to everyone who continues to help this event grow year after year. 

On Sunday 24 March, a record 10,158 riders converged on the southbound lanes of the Mitchell and Kwinana 

Freeways and began their trek into Perth City. 

Thanks to the fundraising efforts of the West Australian community, this year’s fundraising total reached over $218,000, 

a massive increase on last year’s total of $140,000 and we are grateful to the people of Perth for their generosity. 

There was a team riding in the event this year with a special purpose. The Staniforth family lost their 16 year old 

daughter Fiona at the beginning of 2013 after she suffered an asthma attack. Through family friend Steve Davey, the 

Coglioni Cycling Club pulled together to support the family and registered a team of over 80 people to ride in the 

event in honour of Fiona’s memory. With the help of the generous people of Perth, the Coglioni Cycling Club raised 

$31,170 - a magnificent effort. 

The largest amount raised by a corporate team was $31,879, which was raised by CBI Kentz Joint Venture. This is the 

second year running that the CBI Kentz team has been the largest corporate fundraiser and we are extremely grateful 

for their on-going support! There was some incentive for the staff however, with Project Director Mike Trzeciak 

promising to sky dive if the team raised $25,000. We hope Mike enjoyed his sky diving experience! 

We would also like to acknowledge the efforts of our top two individual fundraisers - Stephen Billins, who raised 

$3,450 and Nicholas O’Leary, who raised $3,225. Thank you very much for your efforts! 

All funds raised through the RAC Freeway Bike Hike for Asthma help us provide education and training programs to 

the WA community and a large portion of this year’s funds will contribute to funding our respiratory research program. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s event and we look forward to seeing you back next year to help 

us again raise the bar! 

We sincerely thank RAC, our event sponsor for your support. To Channel 9, The Sunday Times, PerthNow and 96FM 

- thank you for the media coverage and support you provided. To Main Roads, the Public Transport Authority and the 

Department of Transport, we thank you for your on-going support in making this event possible. Thank you to all the 

partners involved in making 2013 such a success. 

Finally, we would like to say a special thank you to Corporate Sports Australia for coordinating yet another successful 

event. 

Planning is already under way for the 2014 event and we look forward to another wonderful day on the freeway! 

Event Manager 

28

Building Refurbishment 

The Asthma Foundation WA was extremely fortunate to receive a grant from Lotterywest to fund extensive building 

refurbishments which took place in early 2013. The building at 36 Ord Street, West Perth was in dire need of improvements 

and thanks to Lotterywest, the dream of a modern workplace has now become a reality. 

From adding a new front access to tearing down dividing walls to changing door handles, significant changes were made 

throughout the entire building. Working through the construction was a trying time for all staff but they are now very happy 

to be reaping the rewards! 

The final touches of black, white and blue have made the building synonymous with Asthma Foundation WA branding and 

provide a professional and welcoming atmosphere. 

The results are fantastic and the 

following pages showing the before 

and after pictures speak for themselves. 

Pictured here from Lotterywest is 

Jacquie Thomson, General Manager 

Grants & Community Development and 

Jan Stewart, CEO receiving a certificate 

from David Johnson on behalf of the 

Asthma Foundation WA. 

Once again, the Foundation sincerely 

thanks Lotterywest for their support.

Before 

Front Entrance 

Before 

After 

Reception 

After

Before 

Hallway 

Before 

After 

Training Room 

After

Financial Report 

2012/2013 

Asthma Foundation of WA Inc

Statement by the Board 

In the opinion of the Board, the accompanying Balance 

Sheet and Statement of Income and Expenditure 

of the Asthma Foundation of Western Australia 

Incorporated are drawn up so as to give a fair and 

true view of the state of the affairs of the Asthma 

Foundation of Western Australia Incorporated at 30 

June 2013, and the results for the 12 month period 

ended on that date. 

On behalf of the Board 

Cathal Smith 

President 

2 September 2013 

Statement by the 

Honorary Treasurer 

I, Spencer Broad, being the Honorary Treasurer of the 

Asthma Foundation of Western Australia Incorporated 

state that in my opinion the accompanying Balance 

Sheet and Statement of Income and Expenditure are 

drawn up so as to give a fair and true view of the 

state of affairs of the Asthma Foundation of Western 

Australia Incorporated at 30 June 2013, and the 

results for the 12 month period ended on that date. 

From the Treasurer 

In my first year as Treasurer I am very pleased to report 

an operating surplus of $79,609 for the year ended 

June 30th 2013. 

This is the third consecutive year the Foundation has 

reported a surplus. 

Income for the year exceeded the prior year due 

to a strong increase in fundraising, sponsorship 

and donations. The Freeway Bike Hike had another 

successful year which contributed to this increase. 

Retail sales have also recorded strong growth from the 

prior year which is an excellent result. 

After non operational items of $1,029,323 being 

accounted for the total surplus for the year was 

$1,108,932 with the Lotterywest renovation grant 

making up the majority of this additional surplus 

with $811,617 received. The funds received from the 

Lotterywest grant were utilised to renovate the offices 

in West Perth which was a complete success and the 

building looks amazing. The investment portfolio also 

reported strong gains for the year. 

The Foundation’s Balance Sheet has strengthened 

with assets exceeding liabilities by over four million 

dollars. 

Our forward budgeting shows surpluses for the 

next three years which bodes well for the Asthma 

Community of Western Australia. 

Spencer Broad CPA 

Treasurer 

Spencer Broad 

Treasurer 

2 September 2013

Independent Auditor’s Report 

We have audited the accompanying financial report, 

being a special purpose financial report of the Asthma 

Foundation of Western Australia, which comprises the 

balance sheet as at 30 June 2013, and the income 

statement for the year ended on that date, a summary 

of significant accounting policies, other explanatory 

notes and the statement by members of the committee. 

Committee’s Responsibility for the 

Financial Report 

The committee of the association is responsible for the 

preparation and fair presentation of the financial report 

and have determined that the accounting policies 

described in Note 1 to the financial statements, which 

form part of the financial report, are consistent with 

the financial reporting requirements of the Associations 

Incorporation Act of Western Australia (1987) and are 

appropriate to meet the needs of the members. The 

committee’s responsibilities also include establishing 

and maintaining internal control relevant to the 

preparation and fair presentation of the financial report 

that is free from material misstatement, whether due 

to fraud or error; selecting and applying appropriate 

accounting policies; and making accounting estimates 

that are reasonable in the circumstances. 

Auditor’s Responsibility 

Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the 

financial report based on our audit. No opinion is 

expressed as to whether the accounting policies used, 

as described in Note 1, are appropriate to meet the 

needs of the members. We conducted our audit 

in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. 

These Auditing Standards require that we comply 

with relevant ethical requirements relating to audit 

engagements and plan and perform the audit to 

obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial 

report is free from material misstatement. 

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain 

audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in 

the financial report. The procedures selected depend 

on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment 

of the risks of material misstatement of the financial 

report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those 

risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control 

relevant to the entity’s preparation and fair presentation 

of the financial report in order to design audit 

procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, 

but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on 

the effectiveness of the entity’s internal control. An 

audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of 

accounting policies used and the reasonableness of 

accounting estimates made by the committee, as well 

as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial 

report. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained 

is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our 

audit option. 

Independence 

In conducting our audit, we have complied with the 

independence requirements of Australian professional 

ethical pronouncements. 

Qualification 

Donations, fundraising and sponsorship are a 

significant source of revenue for the Asthma 

Foundation of Western Australia Inc. The Asthma 

Foundation of Western Australia Inc has determined 

that it is impracticable to establish control over the 

collection of voluntary revenue prior to entry into 

its financial reports. Accordingly, as the evidence 

available to us regarding revenue from this source was 

limited, our audit procedures with respect to voluntary 

revenue had to be restricted to the amounts recorded 

in the financial records. We therefore are unable to 

express an opinion whether voluntary revenue of the 

Asthma Foundation of Western Australia Inc obtained 

is complete. 

Qualified Auditor’s Opinion 

In our opinion, except for the effects on the financial 

report of such adjustments, if any, as might have been 

required had the limitation on our audit procedures 

referred to in the qualification paragraph not existed, 

the financial report of the Asthma Foundation of 

Western Australia Inc. presents fairly, in all material 

respects the financial position of the Asthma 

Foundation of Western Australia Inc as at 30 June 

2013 and of its financial performance for the year 

then ended in accordance with the accounting policies 

described in Note 1 to the financial statements. 

Stirling Partners Audit 

P. Stamatopoulos (FCA) 

278 Stirling Highway, Claremont, WA 6010 

Dated this 2nd day of September 2013 

35

Financial Reports 












36 Ord St, West Perth 6005 

PO Box 864, West Perth 6872 

Ph: 08 9289 3600 

Fax: 08 9289 3601 

www.asthmawa.org.au 

ask@asthmawa.org.au 

1800 ASTHMA 

(1800 278 462)

2012/2013 Annual Report

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