About the Foundation
The AMA (NSW) Charitable Foundation has a commitment to addressing the physical, social and emotional needs of all Australians, particularly those disadvantaged in our society. It also seeks to develop partnerships with government, business and community groups to work together and fund projects where a real and immediate difference can be made to people in need.
Role of the Advisory Board
The Foundation is managed by a trustee-appointed Advisory Board. The Board comprises members of the medical and legal professions and has representation from Parliament, AMA (NSW) and the media. Its role is to:
- Monitor the proper and efficient performance of the AMA Charitable Foundation.
- Make recommendations to the trustee for the disbursement of funds held by the Foundation.
- Make representation on behalf of the AMA Charitable Foundation to the medical profession, corporations and the wider community in order to obtain funding support.
Advisory Board members of the AMA (NSW) Charitable Foundation
- Dr Danielle McMullen (Chair)
- Dr Kathryn Austin
- Mr Scott Chapman
- Ms Fiona Davies
- Dr Elizabeth Feeney
- Mr Ron Heinrich AM
- Ms Sophie Scott
- Dr Michael Steiner
Fundraising Events
The AMA Charitable Foundation is a funding body focusing on the collection and disbursement of funds for projects which meet its stated objectives and, where there is a specific need, initiating projects in partnership with other organisations.
Its fundraising relies on:
- An annual Gala Dinner
- An annual Charity Golf Classic
- Direct mail appeals twice-a-year
- Contributions from Visiting Medical Officers
- Other special events
Previous Grants
Since being established the Foundation has donated more than $1,000,000 to many organisations:
- The Fred Hollows Foundation – for a diode laser unit to treat eye disease in Aboriginal communities.
- Community Drug Education Project
- School Drug Education programs – CD ROM development.
- The Multiple Sclerosis Society of NSW – special shower commodes, specialised mobile showering trolleys and reconditioned wheelchairs.
- Bear Cottage – for equipment for the new children’s hospice.
- House with No Steps – for sensory room and exercise equipment.
- Muscular Dystrophy Assoc – for electric wheelchairs.
- Royal Flying Doctor Service – for five intravenous pump sets for use in rural areas and $28,480 for purchase of ventilator.
- The Exodus Foundation – for purchase of 22-seater bus for disadvantaged students.
- Careflight – for three mobile intensive care stretcher bridges.
- Red Cross – for Asian Quake and Tsunami disaster.
- Vision Australia – for purchase of Braille typewriters and reading materials.
- Lifeline NSW – for development of suicide intervention/prevention programs.
- Royal Hospital for Women – for the establishment of a database on osteoporosis prevalence in Aboriginal communities.
- Aussie Helpers – for purchase of a truck to assist people struggling in the bush.
- Wheelchair Sports NSW – for five wheelchairs for use in their sports rehabilitation program.
- Sydney Cochlear Implant Centre – for a synergy machine and purchase of cochlear implants for three disadvantage persons who are hearing impaired.
- Bobby Goldsmith Foundation – for purchase of three mobility scooters.
- Bear Cottage – Upgrade to family lounge and play area.
- Children’s Hospital Westmead – For an extra corporeal membrane oxygen machine (ECMO).
- Headspace – For secure videoconferencing equipment and internet usage for Headspace Riverina.
- Can Assist – For a minibus to provide transport for rural cancer patients visiting Sydney for treatment.
- Vision Australia in support of the Feelix Library Kits for Vision Impaired Children 0-7 years.
- Can Assist – towards its Face to Face project to help keep cancer patients away from home for treatment in touch with their families.
- The Luke Batty Foundation – to help women and children affected by domestic violence.