Statement from Mr Martin Adams, Chair of The Florey Board
We were deeply saddened to hear this weekend of the passing of Harold Mitchell AC at the age of 81.
Harold was The Florey’s valued and deeply committed Board Chair from 2012 to 2020 and has served as a Governor since.
When Harold was first appointed, he wrote in Brain Matters that he was ‘blown away’ by the facilities and people at work and added, “I can think of no greater contribution than to help build the Florey.” Harold set us on a new and exciting path for our brain research with vision and vigour.
Harold was known across Australia for his immense influence as an advertising and media buying executive. He believed in our mission and the pursuit of discovery and offered wisdom, charm and boundless energy. One of this morning’s headlines labels him as the ‘ultimate man of ideas’ and we were lucky to be the recipient of so many of those.
He was hugely proud of The Florey and was a very generous philanthropic donor whose substantial donations have supported our scientists to conduct world-leading research. Harold considered researchers to be ‘heroes’, working for the good of humankind.
During his time with us, his leadership, guidance and unwavering commitment has left an indelible mark on The Florey. Harold wanted The Florey to be an incubator of scientific talent, offering both security and excitement – one of his many contributions that we have taken forward in the our Future Florey strategy.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Harold made Australia ‘a better place’ – a sentiment we echo.
It has been an incredible privilege to have had Harold as part of The Florey. His legacy is one that each and every one of us will feel. In his honour, we continue in the pursuit of knowledge of the brain and scientific excellence that he so passionately championed.
On behalf of all at The Florey, I extend my heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Harold’s family, his two children Stuart and Amanda, and friends.
Mr Martin Adams
Chair of The Florey Board
