About the Brain Foundation

Mission

The Brain Foundation was established in 1970 by members of the Australian Association of Neurologists and the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia to reduce the incidence and impact of disorders of the brain, spine and nerves through the provision of support, community education and research.

History

The Founding President of the Brain Foundation was Lord Casey and Vice-President Sir Leslie Herron.  The Executive Committee comprised of Dr J Game, Professor KC Bradley, Mr A Mellor (Hon. Sec.), Mr R Chancellor (Hon. Treas.) and Mr F Dethridge (Hon. Legal Adv.).  The Foundation was incorporated on 13 May 1970.  1980 saw a name change to the Australian Brain Foundation and 1997 a further name change to the Brain Foundation. 

The inaugural meeting of the Foundation was held in Canberra on 16 May 1970 and thereafter in Sydney or Melbourne.  The National Office was established in Melbourne in 1977. The National Office was relocated to Sydney in 1997. 

A National Scientific Advisory Committee was established in 1976 and a National Finance Advisory Committee in 1977.  The first Executive Director was appointed in 1977.  The National focus in the founding years was a major public appeal, funding of research grants, support services such as the National Stroke Project, and community education programs such as a National Symposium on Head Injuries.

Governance

The Foundation has Members who are the same as shareholders in an ordinary company, which means that they can meet and pass resolutions in general meetings that would override decisions of Directors, however Directors have responsibility for the day-to-day management.  The Directors originally proposed that 200 Members be registered and in 1977 increased that figure to 1000.  The Members comprise the original subscribers; such other persons, companies or corporations as shall be admitted by the Directors; and elected honorary Life Members. 

The National Board of Directors is made up of a President, two Vice-Presidents (one medical, one non-medical), a Secretary, a Treasurer, a representative from both the Australian Association of Neurologists and Neurosurgical Society of Australia, and up to 13 other Directors ensuring that there is at least one representative of each state.  The Directors are elected annually at the Annual General Meeting.

National Board of Directors

Professor Philip Thompson, President,    Adelaide
Professor Max Bennett AO, Director,    Sydney
Dr William Carroll, Director representing Western Australia 
Professor Geoff Donnan, Director,    Melbourne
Professor Nick W Dorsch, Director representing Neurosurgical Society of Australasia, Sydney
Ms Julia Dunstone, Adelaide 
Mr Tony Grey, Director,    Sydney
Professor Michael Halmagyi, Vice President (Medical) representing the Australian and New Zealand  Association of Neurologists,    Sydney
Professor Matthew Kiernan, Director, Sydney
Mr Bill Kuchta, Director and Honorary Treasurer/Secretary,    Sydney
Lady Sonia McMahon, Director,    Sydney
Professor Pamela McCombe, Director representing Queensland,    Brisbane
Mr David Richardson, Sydney
Associate Professor Stephen Robinson, Director, Melbourne
Professor Dominic Rowe, Director,    Sydney
Professor Marcus Stoodley, Director,    Sydney
Professor Elsdon Storey,  Melbourne

Executive Staff

Gerald Edmunds, Chief Executive Officer