Order of Australia for Matthew Grounds

It is with great delight that we congratulate our Chairman of the Board, Mr Matthew Grounds, for his deserving selection as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM)

26 January 2020

The award acknowledges Matthew’s outstanding contributions to advancing and supporting medical research, philanthropy, education and investment banking.

As Chairman of the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute since 2013, Matthew Grounds has cemented the Institute’s reputation as one of the foremost centres of excellence for cardiovascular research in the world.

But his services to the people of Australia have extended far beyond the Institute.

“His role as Chairman has been absolutely monumental but I think that’s only a small part of what he’s done. The whole of cardiovascular research in Australia is enriched thanks to his continuing contributions,” said Executive Director, Professor Bob Graham.

“The funding support that Matthew has been able to generate for medical research is a truly amazing effort and further evidence of the impact that he has had on advancing and supporting medical research in this country”.

In particular, Mr Grounds has played a vital role in increasing the amount of funding for cardiovascular research in NSW. In 2016 he led a call for improved medical research infrastructure for cardiovascular researchers across NSW that resulted in a grant of $25 million to establish the Centre for Cardiovascular Research Innovation at the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute. The Centre, to be launched in 2020, will include cutting-edge equipment, which will be available to all cardiovascular researchers in the State.

In June 2018 the NSW Government also announced that it would commit $150 million over the next 10 years to help build capacity in cardiovascular research in NSW. Mr Grounds played a major role in securing this additional funding.

Following extensive negotiation and consultation, Mr Grounds’ efforts were also instrumental in obtaining bipartisan support and approval of the Federal Government’s proposed $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) back in 2015.

Since 2006, Mr Grounds has also been a member of the Council of the University of New South Wales, which is now ranked among the best universities in Australia and the world. Moreover, his significant contribution to the Australian investment banking community over many years is in a class of its own and worthy of recognition.

We warmly congratulate Mr Matthew Grounds on his richly deserved award.

The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute would also like to congratulate another Member of the Board, Mrs Jennifer Doubell OAM for her appointment to the Order of Australia. Mrs Doubell was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her service to the community through charitable organisations.

Finally, our valued long term supporter, Ms Mimi Wong, (Chairwoman, Golden Group) has also been appointed to the Order of Australia as a Member (AM) in the General Division, Australia Day Honours list.

Mr Wong's AM was awarded in recognition of her philanthropic work supporting medical research, the arts, community support programs, education and business in Australia and abroad.

Ms Wong is pictured above with Chairman Matthew Grounds AM, being presented with a Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Ambassador's Award.

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For all media enquiries and interview requests, please contact:

Julia Timms
Head, Media & Communications
j.timms@victorchang.edu.au
0457 517 355