2019 Year-End Message from Chair of ANZSA

Since the formation of Australia and New Zealand Sarcoma Association (ANZSA) over 12 months ago, we have achieved much. The Board of Directors and the Executive Committee have met on nine occasions during this period. It is pleasing to report that 31 of 35 milestones in the 2016-2021 Strategic Plan have progressed and or completed. The ANZSA team lead by our very capable, dedicated and professional Chief Executive Officer, Denise Caruso, has grown to six, providing a sound resource base to deliver on the many activities and projects. Many thanks to Denise and the staff and warm congratulations to both Angela Hong and David Gyorki on their re-election to the Board.

Quality Research

It is most encouraging to note the increased collaboration for clinical trials and studies with international collaborators and increasing interest from ANZSA members and engagement in research. The almost complete upgrade of the database project and links to most sites greatly assists these endeavours. Of particular note is the progress with formally establishing 20 sites in the ANZSA Sarcoma Program.

Led by ANZSA Director Peter Steadman, Australia won the bid to host International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS) the global meeting in Brisbane in 2023. Around 1,000 attendees are expected, and the meeting is expected to be rich in research and education content. This amazing achievement is expected to provide a significant boost to awareness and recognition for ANZSA.

Funding

The Board has been active in this area and stewarded a number of activities including merging funds of ASSG and ASG, developing a funding strategy, obtaining confirmation of three-year infrastructure funding from Cancer Australia, initiating the development of an investment strategy, supporting philanthropic funding and carefully overseeing the utilisation of grant funding for approved trials.

Governance

The Board has adopted a regular rhythm of reviewing important governance matters and over the past 12 months has addressed 13 key activities including review of delegations (July 2019), banking provider review (July 2019), contract register review (July 2019), committee chair appointments (25 February 2019), full-year meeting dates for Board and Executive Committee (25 February 2019), director liability insurance review (25 February 2019), committee terms of reference (24 July 2019), risk review (24 July 2019), constitutional changes (24 July 2019), policy review (24 July 2019), code of conduct and ethics review (24 July 2019), media policy review (4 September 2019) and membership application process (4 September 2019).

Awareness and Recognition

Excellent progress was made with new ANZSA branding applied to most assets, including a new logo, website, contact email, corporate stationaries and collateral. The ‘Go Yellow Anywhere’ for sarcoma awareness campaign in the middle of the year attracted excellent community engagement. The resources page on the website provides clearer patient education and information.

Thanks

On behalf of the Board, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the sarcoma community for the excellent contribution in the never-ending quest to improve sarcoma patient outcomes. Thanks to my fellow ANZSA Board directors for their tireless work and valuable contribution. This year all directors assumed roles as Chairs and or members of various Board subcommittees. In particular, thanks to Jayesh Desai and Angela Hong as Co-Chairs of Scientific Advisory Committee; Geoff McKinnon and Marianne Phillips as Chair & member of the Consumer Advisory Committee respectively, Peter Steadman as Chair Orthopaedic Committee and David Gyorki as Chair of the Annual Scientific Meeting Committee. I would also like to thank Stephanie Lombardi for her contribution as an observer to the Board during the year.

Read all about our updates in our December 2019 Newsletter. 

Wishing all a happy, safe and peaceful festive season.

Adrian Cosenza  |  Chair of ANZSA