Western Australian Institute for Medical Research (WAIMR)


http://www.waimr.uwa.edu.au

Medical Research Institute Welcomes $1.5M Gift for New Building

September 14th, 2010 - Media Statement

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[L to R]: Professor Peter Klinken, Mr Larry Iffla, Mr Malcolm McCusker QC and Mrs Tonya McCusker

The creation of a state-of-the-art new home for WA's premier adult medical research institute has received another boost with a fresh $1.5 million commitment from one of WA's most generous philanthropic bodies.

The Western Australian Institute for Medical Research's (WAIMR) $110 million development at QEII Medical Centre, which is being funded by the Federal and State Governments, as well as The University of Western Australia, is now also being supported by the McCusker Charitable Foundation.

The charity, established by Perth's well-known McCusker family, is aimed at improving health and education, with particular emphasis on Western Australia.

"We are delighted that the McCusker Charitable Foundation is stepping in to help us ensure that the fit-out of our building is world-class, in keeping with the rest of the facility," said WAIMR director Professor Peter Klinken.

"Foundation trustee Malcolm McCusker QC has been a long-time supporter of the Institute - he led the capital campaign that helped establish WAIMR more than a decade ago, and so has been integral to our success from the beginning.

"As a sign of our appreciation of this latest support, the 250-seat auditorium will be named the McCusker Charitable Foundation auditorium."

Mr McCusker and wife Tonya presented WAIMR with the donation at the Institute's Nedlands campus last Friday.

"The McCusker family has a long term relationship with the Institute and is honoured to continue supporting the work of Professor Klinken and his talented team," said Mr McCusker.

"We very much admire WAIMR's innovative research and the enthusiastic and brilliant researchers who are conducting it."

WAIMR's new facility will help consolidate WA medical research activities, equipment and facilities, paving the way for greater cross-fertilisation and cooperation between research programs, and ensuring the best use of precious research resources.

The WAIMR building is being designed by Hames Sharley Architects and will be completed in 2013.


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