Governance and Finance – BrightSpark Foundation

Honorary Patron of Engagement

Lyn Beazley

The BrightSpark Foundation proudly acknowledges our patron and alumna, Professor Lyn Beazley AO, for her exceptional contributions to science and the community. As Western Australia’s Chief Scientist from 2006 to 2013 and the first woman to hold the role nationwide, Professor Beazley has led a distinguished career in neuroscience and science advocacy. Her research, in partnership with Professor John Newnham, helped establish the standard global treatment for lung development in preterm babies. She is currently the Sir Walter Murdoch Distinguished Professor of Science at Murdoch University.

The Board

Operational Committee

Providing Strategic Leadership and Governance Oversight

Graham Dowland

B.COM
Chair

Michael Aitken

MBBS FRANZCOG
Director

Mike is a retired obstetrician and gynaecologist with longstanding expertise in fertility care and reproductive surgery. Over his career, he held senior clinical roles across Western Australia and was a co-founder and Director of Fertility Specialists of Western Australia. A key focus of his career has been the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease, with research exploring how parental health and fertility treatments shape long-term outcomes for children. As a BrightSpark Director, Dr Aitken brings deep clinical insight, decades of experience, and a continued commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of future generations.

Tony Barber

B.BUS, CA
Director and Secretary

Tony is a Principal Chartered Accountant with more than 40 years’ experience supporting clients across a wide range of industries. Raised in regional Western Australia, he developed deep expertise working with farming enterprises, helping them navigate the financial challenges of one of the state’s most demanding sectors. Holding a Bachelor of Business and recognised as both a CPA and Chartered Accountant, Tony brings extensive financial acumen, practical business insight and a strong commitment to sound governance. As a BrightSpark Director, he contributes valuable strategic and financial oversight to support the organisation’s mission and long-term sustainability.

Alexandrea Thompson

LLB BA MA
Director

Nick Blakiston

B.COMM
Director

Prof. Peter Richmond

Director

Prof. Andrew Currie

Director
Research Advisory Member

Andrew is an immunologist with over 20 years of experience in paediatric immunology and infectious diseases. He leads the Sepsis Diagnostics Research Group at Murdoch University and co-heads the Neonatal Infection and Immunity Team at the Wesfarmers Center of Vaccine & Infectious Diseases, Telethon Kids Institute. A former BrightSpark grant recipient, Andrew now serves on the Foundation’s Research and Advisory Committee, contributing his expertise to support the advancement of child health research. His current work focuses on improving sepsis diagnostics for newborns and children.

Assoc. Prof. Louise Naylor

Director
Research Advisory Member

Louise is an academic at The University of Western Australia and a clinical exercise physiologist at Fiona Stanley Hospital, specialising in cardiac rehabilitation. A former BrightSpark grant recipient, she now contributes her expertise as a member of the Foundation’s Research and Advisory Committee. Louise leads a research group focused on exercise and physical activity as therapeutic interventions for those at risk of heart disease, including childhood cancer survivors and patients awaiting heart transplants.

Dr. Misty Palmer

Research Program Manager

Misty has over 15 years of experience managing grant programs for leading national and international funding bodies, including the NHMRC and the Medical Research Future Fund. With a strong background in strategic project delivery and stakeholder engagement, she brings deep expertise in research funding and organisational development. As the Research Program Manager for the BrightSpark Foundation, Misty plays a critical role in overseeing fellowship programs—ensuring support is awarded to the most promising early-career researchers in child health.

April Honey Baylie

Coordinator

April is an experienced Administrative Coordinator and Document Controller with a strong background in office administration, compliance, and project support. At BrightSpark Foundation, she provides essential administrative, web, and document management support, helping to ensure smooth operations across the organisation. Known for her attention to detail and collaborative approach, April also contributes to event coordination and stakeholder engagement to support child health research initiatives.

Ambassadors

Dr. Elizabeth Davis MBBS, FRACP, PhD

We are proud to welcome Dr Davis as a cherished Ambassador, following her extraordinary 20 years of devoted service as a BrightSpark Board Member and as Director and Chair of the Research Advisory Committee.

Across two decades with BrightSpark, Liz’s leadership, integrity, and deep scientific expertise have shaped our research direction and strengthened our impact. While Liz steps down from formal Board duties, we are delighted that she will continue the journey with BrightSpark as an Ambassador, advocating for children’s health, research excellence, and the vital support our Foundation delivers assisting WA’s emerging child health researchers.

We thank Liz for her remarkable contribution and look forward to her continued involvement in this new chapter.

Mr Andrew Thompson

We are proud to welcome Andrew as the inaugural BrightSpark Ambassador. Andrew retired in December 2024 from the Board and as Deputy Chair, following 20 years of service as a BrightSpark Board Member and deputy Chairman.

Andrew’s leadership provided the Foundation with increased purpose, governance and structure. He was instrumental in the planning and establishment of the Early Career Fellowship Program which commenced in 2023.

BrightSpark is very appreciative that Andrew will continue assisting BrightSpark as an Ambassador, advocating for children’s health, research excellence, and the vital support our Foundation delivers assisting WA’s emerging child health researchers.

Finance

The BrightSpark Foundation is a public ancillary fund registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and is constituted as a trust with a company limited by guarantee acting as corporate trustee. As the Foundation is endorsed by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) as a deductible gift recipient, any donations made to the Foundation by eligible donors are tax deductible.

Our annual financial reports are available via the ACNC website.