ABOUT THE FOUNDATION

We have an ongoing
commitment to Research
in Cancer and Asthma

Cancer and Asthma

We don’t offer a cure,

we help look for one

The Foundation

Since 1993, The Picchi Brothers Foundation has run completely on a volunteer basis.

We as custodians of the Foundation are empowered to distribute funds raised
to projects involved in the research and assistance into cancer
and asthma recovery.

And from such, we give Generous donations to further exciting developments in these two challenging fields of research.

Our Board

As a charitable foundation, our Board Members serve on a voluntary basis. We have a strong cross-discipline of Board Members in a variety of fields who work together to achieve the Foundation’s objectives.

The charter requires a representative from both the Cancer and Asthma fields

Our board has a wide range of business and community experience providing targeted value for the Foundation’s earnings.

It provides me with a moment to reflect on a wonderful organisation: the Picchi Brothers Foundation and a lovely group of people who have made a genuine and meaningful impact on cancer and asthma research.

Frankly, I’m incredibly proud of what we have achieved and I look forward to our ongoing success and influence.

Professor Mark Rosenthal

 

 

 The Foundation’s Current  Board for 2024:

The Picchi Brothers Foundation is served by volunteers who are not rewarded for their efforts. Our Board consists of these fine people who give their time generously to this wonderful task.

Mr. Joseph Lukaitis AM RFD

Chairman PBF

Joseph is our Legal Advisor and was the lawyer who helped set up the Picchi Brothers Foundation with Pietro Picchi.

Professor Jo Douglass AO

Head of Department, Immunology & Allergy,
The Royal Melbourne Hospital

Jo leads in the world of asthma study and with her experience, our Foundation gains tremendous insight into the field of asthma.

Professor Mark Rosenthal

Director, Medical Oncology,
The Royal Melbourne Hospital

Mark’s experience with leading research teams in oncology gives us great guidance into the depth of research going on in our State.

Ms. Lyn Parkin

Executive Officer PBF

Lyn is our go-to for all Public Relations and liaison needs.

Mr. Adrian Trubiani

Treasurer PBF

Adrian’s ongoing contribution with the maddening world of finances has made our Foundation into the solid enterprise it now is

Ms. Bronwyn O’Brien

Board Member PBF

Bronwyn’s real-world experience within the pharmaceutical business world brings a very sensible balance to the table.

Mr. Simon Osborne

Board Member and Consultant PBF

Simon is a highly experienced leadership and organisation culture professional and coach who is passionate about empowering people to be more constructive thinkers and leaders to deliver sustainably excellent business results.  His experience has been gained in senior roles in both the public and private sectors in Australia and as a consultant with a major international consulting firm.  He has worked with CEOs to team leaders and frontline staff in Australia and internationally.

He has been the Director of his own consultancy for over 20 years providing support for team development, leadership and organisation culture.  He has a passion for creating Amazing Workplaces®, with a particular interest in in healthcare.  He is also the Lead Coach for an international leadership program for women who have a background in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.

Mr. James and Mrs. Melanie Pierini

Family and Board Members PBF

As the Foundation requires a family connection, James and Melanie are our blood link to the Picchi family.

Mr. Min Simankevičius

Board Member and Consultant PBF

For a balance of science and arts, Min provides the humanitarian side of the Foundation.

He has been Director of The Imaging Services Group since inception working with both owners and top executives from small, medium and large sized businesses on Corporate Identity, presentation graphics and general publication. The balance of various fields of interest is his strong point, understanding the needs of engineering, science, medical and industrial concerns.

He is currently working on retirement projects including music, painting and the written word.

A little History

The Foundation’s First Board

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By decree of the Foundation’s rules and regulations, the board of the Picchi Brothers must have at least the following representatives: 

  • one person connected to the Picchi family,
  • two medical representatives nominated by the University of Melbourne
  • a legal representative
  • an accountant
  • and at least one consulting representative.

The Board has an option to co-opt other members to the Board at any time it feels necessary.

 

The Founding Board members were:

  • Mr Joseph Lukaitis
    Chairman elect
  • Mr Andrew Zilinskas
    Legal representative
  • Mr Glenn Scott
    Accountant representative
  • Professor Richard Fox AM
    Oncology, Melbourne University
  • Professor Peter Phelan
    Paediatrics, Melbourne University
  • Mr Robert Berger
    Accountant
  • Mr Pietro Picchi
    Co-Founder and family representative

 

Contributors & former Board members

The Foundation has been blessed with on-going contributions from board members & co-opted members. We wish to acknowledge the following people for their past contributions:

    • Garry Hawking
    • Glenn Scott
    • Vicki Paulin
    • Monika Pakonski
    • Professor Terry Nolan
    • Professor Richard Fox AM
    • Andrew Zilinskas
    • Suzie Powell
    • Christine Damain

Ms Doreen Akkerman AM

Director of Cancer Information and
Support Services and worked for Cancer Council
Victoria for over 20 years.

I have nothing but praise for the donations given by the Picchi Brothers to the helping of our patients at the Cancer Council. Their wonderful DVD was a generous production given out freely to all who wished for one.

Prof Andreas Strasser

Molecular Genetics of Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
Cancer Council Victoria Research Grant 2013- 2015 RESEARCHER

We want to discover mechanisms that impose breaks on cancer development and expansion of malignant tumor cells in order to develop new therapies and so we thank the PBF for their generous support for our studies.

 

Sumone Chakravarti

VCCC PR and Media department

I am so thrilled that the Picchi Brothers has decided to support both awards! The prestige of the awards is growing fast in the scientific community, and it will be so exciting to see the awardees grow in their careers and continue to make an impact in cancer.

 

 

Contact Us Today to Learn More About How You can Apply for one of our Grants/Awards.

Students and researchers in the fields of oncology and asthma may approach their heads of Departments for further information.
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