Long-Serving WAIMR Board Chairman Receives Australia Day Honours

January 26th, 2010 - Media Statement

A long-serving chairman of the Board of WA's premier adult medical research institute has been recognised in the 2010 Australia Day Honours for his contributions to health and medical research, education and business.

Dick Lester, who served as head of the Board of the Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR) for seven years (having already spent two years as a Board member), has been made a Member of the Order of Australia for outstanding achievement and service.

WAIMR director Professor Peter Klinken said he was delighted Mr Lester had been acknowledged in the Australia Day Honours List.

"Dick's dedication to our Institute and his enthusiasm over many, many years has been inspirational so the team at WAIMR is thrilled that his contributions have been recognised on a national level," he said.

"During his time as Board chairman, he oversaw a period where our staff numbers swelled from 35 to more than 200 and our standing in the international research community grew rapidly. Dick brought much valuable experience and wisdom to all the opportunities and challenges presented by this growth."

"There is little doubt that his personal backing of medical research has also encouraged crucial philanthropic support from WA's business community and leaders - support that has the potential to improve the health of all West Australians."

Professor Klinken said, despite retiring as Board chairman last May, Mr Lester continued to serve WAIMR.

"Dick is now happily giving his valuable time and expert advice on the creation of our new state-of-the-art building at QEII Medical Centre and we are grateful for his ongoing guidance," he said.

Mr Lester is also an Honorary Life Member of WAIMR.

He became chairman of the WAIMR Board in 2002.

As Western Australia's premier adult medical research institute, WAIMR investigates the genetic and environmental causes of a range of diseases.

For more information please contact:
Carolyn Monaghan
Communications Manager
Mobile: 0448 021 932 (media enquiries only)
Office: (08) 9224 0377
Email: carolyn.monaghan@waimr.uwa.edu.au