The David Collins Leukaemia Foundation of Tasmania (DCLFT) recently celebrated its 45th anniversary with a special afternoon tea at Government House, with Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, Governor of Tasmania hosting DCLFT members, supporters and recipients of Foundation funds. David Collins lived in Howrah with his wife Beverley and children Tony and Sally. At the time of his diagnosis, he taught bricklaying at Hobart Technical College. David was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in 1977 and died in February 1979 at the age of 47. Before his death, David expressed a wish to his doctor, Professor Ray Lowenthal, that funds be raised (starting with money in lieu of flowers at his funeral) to assist other patients with leukaemia and other blood cancers, support Tasmanian research into leukaemia and encourage health professionals to develop their knowledge in leukaemia. These wishes formed the guiding principles for the Foundation’s mission.

“The Foundation is run by a committee of volunteers with the aim of all monies raised being utilised for the benefit of patients, researchers and health professionals,” Foundation president Deirdre Tuck said. “During 2025, $51,170 was allocated for patient support, assisting almost 100 patients from the North- West, North and South of Tasmania.” Over the life of the Foundation, more than $2 million has been raised for research, including the Royal Hobart Hospital and University of Tasmania’s Menzies Institute for Medical Research.