Lung Foundation

The Australian Lung Foundation (ALF) was launched in 1990 by a group of Physicians concerned about the chronic shortage of funds for potentially life-saving research work.

The need for an Australian lung foundation was first recognised by the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand in the mid 1980's.

It was observed that a lung foundation had been successfully established in the United Kingdom (British Lung Foundation) and the United States (American Lung Association). Both these organisations had a long and successful track record in fundraising, advocacy, education and support.

The ALF was established under the inaugural chairmanship of Dr Geoffrey McLennan, and from 1990 - 1994 was administered by volunteers and a National Council, comprised of mainly medical professionals.

The ALF presented its first major award in 1992, the Astra Career Development Award valued at $40,000 per annum. As the ALF has grown, so to has the faith of our corporate sponsors, and the total amount now awarded annually through sponsored research grants and awards is in excess of $200,000.

The ALF's first major fundraising event was staged in 1992. The Queensland Corporate 7's Rugby Tournament has grown from small beginnings to produce an annual return to the ALF of $25,000 - $30,000. This event was symbolic in the development of the ALF, as it became evident that involvement of the corporate sector was a key to future growth of the ALF.  This event is now in its second decade in Queensland.

In 1994, the Chairmanship of the ALF shifted to Dr Robert Edwards, a Queensland-based Thoracic Physician. Coinciding with this, a grant was generously forthcoming from Allen+Hanbury's to allow for the establishment of a permanent, professional National Secretariat, based in Brisbane, to administer the affairs of the ALF.

Therein commenced an intensive stage of planning and development which included:

• The preparation of an ALF "Operational Plans and Policies Manual" to determine strategic directions for the ALF, and to guide the activities of the ALF and its state committees on a day to day basis.
• A commitment to operational sustainability through the development of a capital base of $10 million.
• Development and growth of volunteer committees in all states including high profile and energetic business people willing to support the ALF in its endeavours.
• Confirmation of the TSANZ as a principal source of scientific reference to support lung health communications programs
• Appointment of an international fundraising consultant to establish a campaign, aimed at raising $300,000 from members of the TSANZ.

This period of consolidation and development equipped the ALF to move into an exciting new phase of growth, which included the establishment of a national Patient Support group network, the publication of ALF material on the internet, the staging of a major National Summit Conference to determine future research directions, and the set up of multidisciplinary consultative groups in major lung disease categories.

Two major sub-committees now exist within the ALF to focus on specific aspects of ALF business. The Research Advisory Committee, chaired by Dr Mark Holmes, reviews and determines the recipients of the annual Grants and Awards presented by the ALF. The Education Sub-Committee, chaired by Dr Peter Holmes, produces patient education leaflets which are made available to patients and healthcare professionals throughout Australia.

The Australian Lung Foundation is responding to the need in the community to reduce the significant and debilitating cost of lung disease, both in human and monetary terms. Your support will help us to achieve this.

Content updated March 10, 2008