Parliament House Canberra ACT 2602
Telephone 02 6277 7820 Facsimile 02 6273 4140
The Hon Alan Griffin MP
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
VA067
Saturday 12 July 2008
APPEAL TO SUPPORT THE WORK OF WEARY DUNLOP
New book tells life story of Australian hero
The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, today launched a new book on the life of a great
Australian and appealed to the nation to support the work of the Sir Edward Dunlop Medical
Research Foundation.
The Foundation was established in 1985 to carry on the work of Australian war surgeon Sir
Edward Dunlop. Affectionately known as ‘Weary’, he is renowned and admired for his
leadership while a prisoner of war of the Japanese during World War II. His name and deeds
have become synonymous with compassion, courage, steadfastness and hope.
The book, Weary, An Australian Hero by Foundation chairman Dino De Marchi and Melbourne
author Robert Hillman, is a brief biography of Sir Edward and is written for young students.
Representing the Prime Minister at the launch of the 2008 Weary Dunlop Appeal, Mr Griffin said
the not-for-profit organisation had supported the health and wellbeing of veterans for more than
a quarter of a century, but volunteers and public donations were essential to its continuation.
“The Foundation seeks to improve quality of life for veterans and their dependants through
medical research and the promotion of the personal qualities and standards of excellence that
Weary Dunlop came to represent.
“The vital work of the Sir Edward Dunlop Medical Research Foundation exists purely through
the goodwill of volunteers and donations. I urge Australians to contribute to the Appeal by
assisting in fund-raising, buying a lapel pin or by making a donation,” Mr Griffin said.
Mr De Marchi said the Foundation granted funds to worthy medical projects Australia-wide each
year. “Most recently we have funded research into prostate cancer, heart disease, diabetes,
obesity and mental health. This research assists not only the veteran community, but all
Australians,” he said.
The Foundation also hosted the granting of a scholarship by Swinburne University and the City
of Stonnington to Emily Petersen for outstanding achievement.
Anyone able to assist with the two-week appeal from 12-25 July should contact the Foundation
on 03 9387 7833 or info@siredwarddunlop.com.au
Media inquiries: Laura Ryan 0437 863 109
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