End of an era for Townsville Hospital Foundation

After almost six years on the board including two-and-a-half at the helm, Townsville Hospital Foundation Chair Associate Professor Anthony Leicht will be stepping down at the end of this month, leaving a legacy of growth for the charityActing Chair Dr Matthew Bryant, Director North Queensland Persistent Pain Management Service at THHS, announced the resignation and highlighted the significant contribution Associate Professor Leicht had made to the charity, particularly in his period as Chair.

“Anthony was appointed Chair in October 2017. Since that time the foundation and its supporters have contributed more than $1.7 million to the Townsville Hospital and Health Service,” he said.

Dr Bryant noted key achievements including funding for equipment including a paediatric burns laser and ten renal dialysis machines; and last year’s Civic Reception and Teddy Bear’s Picnic celebrating the foundation’s 30th anniversary.

“More importantly, Anthony is a great bloke who has worked tirelessly for the Townsville community in his role as Chair, and I will miss working with him,” Dr Bryant said.

Townsville Hospital and Health Board Chair Tony Mooney said Anthony’s contribution to the North Queensland community had been significant.

“Anthony’s stewardship of the Foundation over the past three years and his contribution over the past six has been tremendous,” he said.

“More than the bricks and mortar and fundraising achievements, I’d like to also acknowledge Anthony’s support of the social elements of the foundation.

“So much of the work the foundation does brings joy to the lives of our patients; from sponsoring the Delta Dogs, to offering unwell children rides on army planes to organising visits from singers – their social contribution is as important as their financial contribution.

“Seeing the joy these programs bring to our patients and our community is one of the lasting hallmarks of his time working with the Foundation.”

With Associate Professor Leicht at the helm the foundation has also benefitted from an internal restructure, strong support from local volunteers and a number of successful community fundraisers.