Looking back to move forward
Emeritus Professor John Willoughby, who served as Chair from 1983 to 1988, reflects on the enduring belief that has shaped the Foundation since its earliest days: that community generosity can help clinicians and researchers go further, faster.
From the outset, the mission was clear: to back the people behind the care and support research beyond what traditional funding could achieve.
A community behind the mission
“The Research Foundation was embraced by everyone: researchers, clinicians, administrative staff, volunteers, and the cleaning staff, who raised funds for several years"
“Even small amounts of funding helped early-stage projects get started and later compete for larger grants.”
A pivotal moment came with the creation of an external Board, strengthening community and government connections and helping secure matched funding for Mrs Mary Overton AM’s gift to build the Research Foundation Laboratories—an early example of philanthropy turning generosity into tangible impact.
For John, these milestones reflect a principle that still defines the Foundation today.
“It was clear that patients and families who valued their care wanted to give back, and research was a meaningful way to do that.”
A shared future
Fifty years on, that connection between community and care remains at the heart of everything we do.
Looking ahead, John’s message is simple: stay true to purpose.
“We were genuinely concerned, ethical and passionate people supporting medical science,” he said. “I’m proud to have been part of its earliest growth and successes.”
Pictured: The first Flinders Foundation office, located within Flinders Medical Centre
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Flinders Foundation acknowledges the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the land on which the Flinders precinct was established. We acknowledge the Kaurna people’s deep and ongoing connection to land, waters and community, and pay our respect to their Elders, past and present.
