17Dec2024D Graeme Boardley retires from WIRF Board after 16 years of transformative service The Women and Infants Research Foundation (WIRF) is bidding farewell to a remarkable leader and advocate as Graeme Boardley steps down from the Board after 16 years of dedicated service. Since joining in 2008, Mr Boardley has been a champion for women’s and babies’ health, guided by his mantra: “If you promote and protect the health of women and babies, you improve the health and wellbeing of future generations.” As a midwife and nurse, Mr Boardley brought a unique perspective and passion to WIRF. Reflecting on his tenure, he considers the Board’s resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic to be its most significant accomplishment. “As a small not-for-profit, we could have taken the easy way out and closed down the Foundation,” Mr Boardley said. “But the belief in what WIRF stands for, together with the commitment of the Board and the staff’s willingness to support the mission, enabled us not only to survive but to refocus and subsequently thrive.” Mr Boardley takes immense pride in the many achievements of the Board during his tenure. Highlights of his service include: Serving on a Board dedicated to improving the futures of women, babies, and families. Working alongside a committed team across all areas of the Foundation. Collaborating with Board members driven by personal experiences and philanthropists passionate about WIRF’s mission. The Whole 9-Months campaign: A landmark initiative that led to the creation of the Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance. Securing Commonwealth Government funding in 2022 for the national rollout of The Preterm Birth Prevention Initiative, which has reduced preterm births across the country. Helping raise funds for Baby Bundles, specialised equipment for King Edward Memorial Hospital, and emergency support for families in need. Championing early and mid-career researchers with grant funding, enabling them to thrive in their fields. “The most rewarding aspect of my service has been working with and meeting an amazing, eclectic group of people who so willingly give their time and money to ensure the work of WIRF makes a real difference to families,” Mr Boardley said. “Hearing the personal stories of these families, as we heard at the special reception for WIRF at Government House recently, is the best reward anyone could hope for.” Looking ahead, Mr Boardley is excited to witness WIRF’s bright future unfold from the sidelines. “I look forward to watching the Foundation continuing to grow, diversify, and expand its reach, impacting more families, advancing researchers’ careers, and informing evidence-based care for clinicians.” During his tenure on the WIRF Board, Mr Boardley was the Director of Midwifery, Nursing and Patient Support Services at Women and Newborn Health Services until November 2023, and has held several other prominent leadership roles throughout his career. These include 13 years as Board Member and Chair of Women’s Healthcare Australasia, nine years as Co-Lead of the WA Women’s and Newborn Health Network, eight years as an instructor for Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics Asia-Pacific, and five years as Chair of the Australian College of Midwives WA. As Mr Boardley steps down from the WIRF Board, his legacy of compassion, resilience, and dedication leaves an indelible mark on WIRF and the countless lives it touches. WIRF extends its deepest gratitude to Mr Boardley for his transformative leadership and commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of women, babies, and future generations. New members of the WIRF Board will be announced in early 2025. SHARE < Back To Listing