In 1981, Australian Rotary Health was born when $2 million was raised to fund research into Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. The findings by Professor Terry Dwyer, in a trial using 10,000 babies, produced outstanding results and helped save millions of lives worldwide.
In 2000, ARH took the bold step to make its main research focus the promotion of better mental health for all Australians. From one research project four decades ago, we now fund 93 researchers and 80-plus Indigenous Health Scholars. Our Lift the Lid on Mental Illness campaign has been widely embraced by Australian Rotarians, and our brilliant national Research Committee selects the best research submissions for us to fund. Australian Rotary Health has become one of the largest non-government funders of mental health research in Australia.
After having the pleasure and privilege of serving on the ARH Board since 2013, I finish my tenure as chairman in December after a most challenging year. Following widespread drought and bushfires, the impact of coronavirus has seen all our Board meetings since February held online.
The most important avenue of funds for ARH comes from our clubs and, increasingly, from individual Rotarians who recognise the importance of our research funding and the quality of our governance. Last year, ARH received its first ever million-dollar bequest, which was a great thrill and, I sincerely hope, will lead to many more bequests in the future.
Australian Rotary Health is a truly great homegrown Australian Rotary project.