WIRF welcomes new Board Chair, Tanya Brown

WIRF is delighted to welcome Tanya Brown as the new Chair of its Board of Directors, succeeding former Chair Tony Walsh and Acting Chair and Treasurer Wylie Collins.

Ms Brown brings to WIRF a wealth of experience drawn from more than 20 years as a Director leading a Family Office with diverse operations across commercial property, hospitality, large-scale festivals, and philanthropy. Alongside her commercial leadership, Ms Brown has served for over six years on the Board of Special Olympics Australia, where she played a pivotal role as Chair of the Perth bid to host the 2027 World Summer Games.

Ms Brown is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Harvard Business School, The University of Western Australia, and Methodist Ladies’ College, with her career reflecting a rare balance of strategic, commercial, and community-minded leadership.

Motivated by opportunities to lead authentically, inspire others, and drive meaningful impact, Ms Brown’s decision to join WIRF stems from a genuine passion for women’s and infants’ health and a deep respect for the Foundation’s mission and people.

“I feel a deep connection to women’s and infant health, and have a genuine interest in the challenges and possibilities of scientific research. Most of all, I’m inspired by the passionate people within the Foundation and the opportunity to be part of something so meaningful,” Ms Brown said.

As Board Chair, Ms Brown hopes to lead WIRF toward collaborative scientific and medical breakthroughs that deliver sustainable health outcomes for women and babies both locally and globally.

“I hope to achieve shared success by leading diverse and high-performing teams to advance world-class research that transforms lives,” she said.

“By focusing our investment decisions to position WIRF at the forefront of AI, technology and infrastructure for women’s and infants’ research – under the strategic framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – we can inspire unprecedented partnerships and improve health outcomes for generations to come.”

Ms Brown’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for WIRF as the Foundation continues its mission to improve the health and wellbeing of women, babies and families.

Farewell and thanks to Tony Walsh and Wylie Collins

Mr Walsh (left) joined WIRF more than 10 years ago, motivated by the Foundation’s meaningful cause and the opportunity to work alongside an excellent team of Board members. Over his tenure, Mr Walsh played a pivotal role in guiding WIRF through significant milestones, including the successful refinancing of the organisation, its transition from a WA-based association to a national charity, and the succession planning that led to the appointment of Chief Scientist Professor Matt Kemp, and a renewed Scientific Committee and WIRF Board.

Reflecting on his time with WIRF, Mr Walsh said the greatest reward has been seeing outstanding research flourish, driven by fresh ideas and new scientists who are valued and supported to make a real impact.

As he passes the baton, Mr Walsh hopes to see WIRF continue expanding its focus across broader areas of women’s and infant health.

Mr Collins (right) joined the WIRF Board in 2015, bringing with him a strong background in leadership, strategy, and financial management. His personal connection to WIRF’s mission runs deep – both of his children were high-risk pregnancies, with his eldest daughter born premature at just 25 weeks’ gestation at King Edward Memorial Hospital in 2010, spending 99 days in the special care nurseries before finally going home. Mr Collins’ motivation has always been to make a difference for families who may face similar challenges.

During his tenure, he has been particularly proud of the success of the Preterm Birth Prevention Initiative – a groundbreaking program that began at WIRF and went on to receive Commonwealth funding to expand nationally.

“This initiative has helped save countless babies and made a difference to families and the wider community,” Mr Collins said.

“I take great pride in seeing WIRF stronger than ever and well positioned to achieve even greater breakthroughs in women’s and infant health.”

WIRF extends our sincere thanks and appreciation to Mr Walsh and Mr Collins for their exceptional leadership, commitment, and service to WIRF. Their guidance has been instrumental in shaping WIRF’s strategic direction and strengthening our impact across the community.