FECRI announces new board chair

THE Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute has appointed Paula Nicholson as its new board chair.

She replaces Graeme Dixon who led the centre for four years.

Ms Nicholson re-joined the FECRI board in 2021, having previously serving for seven years prior to 2016. She has served on the Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute, Ballarat Arts Foundation and Ballarat Evolve boards.

She said she is excited for the next two to five years at the head of Australia’s only regionally based cancer research centre.

“The institute is at a pivotal stage, both in its research potential and profile,” she said. “The Ballarat regional community should be so proud of what they have underpinned in all that has been achieved at the institute.

“Now is the time for statewide and national communities to be informed and invited to share in the success of the organisation through financial support and involvement, as cancer touches everyone in some way.

“Cancer research is a long-term investment, and we are making headway and contributing to the international pool of knowledge on this disease and the various forms it takes. The team right here in Ballarat have such momentum and are delivering very promising developments in their research.”