The Women and Infants Research Foundation is delighted to announce His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson APM, Governor of Western Australia as our new Patron.
His Excellency was installed as the 34th Governor of Western Australia on 15 July 2022.
The Foundation were indeed fortunate to have Governor Dawson announce his Patronage of WIRF to the Foundation’s biggest supporters, staff and volunteers at our recent Annual Gala.
In his speech, Governor Dawson pointed to the Foundation’s vital work in driving scientific breakthroughs and research to help mothers bring their babies to full term.
“We know now how crucial this is for securing the best possible start in life and long-term health outcomes for the children of this State. One in a dozen children are born premature in Australia and the rate is twice as high for Aboriginal families.”
His Excellency advocated for the importance of additional funding to support research and therapeutic approaches as being key to reducing rates of preterm birth.
“The benefits to our families and communities in doing so are immense when calculated over the lifetime of each child. The flow-on effects extend to our health and education systems, our economy and our society as a whole.”
In finishing, the Governor reflected on the last two years as having shown just how important good health was to our quality of life, and the brilliance of our health researchers and practitioners.
“By working together, we can advance the health and wellbeing of our young people and of Aboriginal Western Australians – these are two priorities that are very close to my heart. I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together to enhance the health and well-being of mothers and infants in our State, now and for the generations to come.”
WIRF would like to thank the Governor and Mrs Dawson for joining us for the Gala and we look forward
to sharing the work of WIRF and our wonderful supporters with them.
