In the afternoon, the Governor and Emeritus Professor Don Chalmers hosted an afternoon tea to mark the 45th anniversary of the David Collins Leukaemia Foundation of Tasmania.

As Patron of the David Collins Leukaemia Foundation of Tasmania, the Governor was today delighted to celebrate the organisation’s 45th anniversary at Government House.

Foundation members, supporters and recipients of Foundation funds joined the Governor and Professor Chalmers for afternoon tea to mark the milestone and acknowledge the Foundation’s significant work.

Since it was incorporated in 1980, the Foundation has been dedicated to the care and cure of Tasmanians living with leukaemia, lymphoma and other blood cancers.

It was established in honour of Hobart man David Collins, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in 1977 and before his death expressed a wish that funds be raised to assist others with the disease and support research and education.

Speaking to guests, the Governor acknowledged the support of volunteers and community members and thanked everyone who has given their time, expertise and resources to the Foundation.

She commended the Foundation on funding professional development for health professionals and investing more than $2 million into research over the past four and a half decades, while also supporting Tasmanian patients on their cancer journeys.