Premier Bracks and Minister Brumby announce $50 million boost for WEHI

Friday 4 November 2005

The Premier, Mr Bracks and Minister for Innovation, Mr Brumby, today announced $50 million in funding to support a $130 million seven-storey extension to The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Parkville.

The extension will double the floor space of WEHI and enable considerable expansion of research programs, particularly in cancer and infectious diseases, and enhance capacity to translate scientific discoveries to the clinic.

Mr Bracks said, "As we celebrate its 90th anniversary, we honour WEHI as one of the world's leading medical research institutes. This major redevelopment will ensure that WEHI researchers have the necessary facilities to continue to make significant advances in medical science.

Mr Brumby added, "Research undertaken at WEHI has the ability to change people's lives for the better – and Victorian lifescience researchers have powered ahead to lead the nation and the world."

WEHI Director, Professor Suzanne Cory, observed that the Victorian State Government's investment in medical research and biotechnology was epoch-making.

WEHI President, Mr Leon Davis, added that future generations around the world would benefit from this major investment in medical research at WEHI. He warmly thanked the Victorian government and also made special mention of the generous support given to WEHI by The Atlantic Philanthropies. 

As a further part of WEHI's 90th anniversary celebrations, a unique Australian audio documentary was also launched by the Premier.

WEHI Revisited is about the lives of five Australian scientific stars whose discoveries have helped millions over the years and radically improved understanding of how our bodies work. The scientists featured are Sir Gustav Nossal, Professor Don Metcalf, Professor Jacques Miller, Professor Ian Mackay and Dr Margaret Holmes.

WEHI Revisited will be distributed to WEHI staff, students and Alumni at the Annual General Meeting on 10 November 2005. The double CD audio project is presented in broadcast quality and was produced by Louise Darmody from Sound Memories.

For media enquiries or further information, please contact:

Mr. Brad Allan

WEHI Communications Manager
Phone: (03) 9345 2345
Mobile: 0403 036 116
Email: allan@wehi.edu.au