The Foundation’s Board of Directors is made up by a number of outstanding members of the community who volunteer their time, knowledge and expertise. They actively contribute to positively improve the impact of the Foundation’s initiatives and efforts to enhance the quality of life for children.

The Director’s duties include administration of financial matters, completion of account statements, liaison with Charitable Collections Advisory Committee and auditors, management of funds and investments, analysis and assessment of applications for fellowships.

Board Members:

Graham Dowland - Chairman ACA B.COM

“Primary scientific research is critical to our continued wellbeing. Funding WA based scientists with research proposals for improving child health achieves our two main aims – Kick starting the careers of our ‘young’ scientific researchers and adding to the knowledge base for improving the health of our children”.

Andrew Thompson – Deputy Chairman LLB FAICD M AusIMM  

"I support the Foundation's work because it is committed to encouraging bright medical scientists to achieve success in overcoming child heath problems through innovative research."

Tom Atkinson FAICD FCILT

"As an independent organisation, BrightSpark Foundation is able to play a unique role in health funding in WA. You never know where a solution to a problem is going to be found and there are many people with the skills to whom we can channel resources to effectively look for answers. We are dedicated to assisting child health research in WA, working towards ensuring our children have the opportunity to lead full, healthy lives. The Foundation provides funding to emerging scientists as they look at innovative ways of approaching child and babies’ health."

Professor Frank Christiansen MBBS, MD, FRACP, FRCPA

"The Foundation is independent of the major research institutions and can provide transparent competitive funding.  Limited overhead expenses and bureaucracy, prudent management of funds combined with a board of talented and committed people with diverse backgrounds ensure that the Foundation distributes most of its money to the stated objectives of encouraging research. The Fellowships have provided opportunities for career development for WA researchers."

Dr Liz Davis MBBS, FRACP

"As a Paediatric Endocrinologist, I constantly see the improvements to clinical practice and children's health that follow from research. Therefore I am pleased to be involved in a Foundation with the commitment to support young researchers in the field of child health.   As a mother, I recognise the value of the Foundation where all the money raised is channeled directly back to support research which benefits the children of WA."

Professor Michael Quinlan MB BS MD FRACP

 Melissa Price LLB(Hons) GAICD

"The BrightSpark Foundation is focused on expanding the number of opportunities for researchers to carry out important child health research.  During its 30 year history, BrightSpark is proud to have played its part in the improvement of the health of children and look forward to its ongoing contribution."

Trish Ridsdale

"As a community we need to do all we can for children with disease and/or disabilities. Through medical research we can help them to lead longer and healthier lives."

  Kim Pervan FPRIA

  Mr Geoff Anderson B.Comm, FAICD

Secretary:

Tony Barber, B.Bus, CA

" I find it rewarding to assist the work of the Foundation in my own professional area of expertise, as a way of being able to offer my services to the community.  The work we support in research into child health issues for the future of children, and the encouragement to emerging researchers is a direct way of contributing to a worthwhile cause."

Foundation Manager:

Eugenie Harris 

The Foundation has a part-time manager.  She can be contacted via this website and is happy to answer any queries you may have about the Foundation, the Fellowship Application process or donations.