Posted: 22 November 2024
BioMelbourne Network’s 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) brought together over 100 members in Melbourne. The event provided an opportunity to reflect on the highlights of FY24, explore the organisation’s new opportunities for advancing the sector, connect with peers across the biotech ecosystem and gain insights from keynote speaker Dr Anna Lavelle AM about the sector’s transformation and future potential.
The strong turnout spoke volumes about the engagement of BioMelbourne Network members and their commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation within the industry.
Board updates and leadership changes
David Herd, Board Chair, and Karen Parr, CEO, expressed their appreciation to the members, sponsors, partners, the Victorian Government, the Board of Directors and the BioMelbourne Network team, highlighting that their collective dedication and expertise drive the organisation’s mission forward.
The AGM marked changes in the Board of Directors, whose leadership and vision remain integral to BioMelbourne Network’s impact. The Board Chair and the CEO thanked and farewelled:
- Dr Tim Oldman
As Director since 2018, and Acting Treasurer since January, Dr Oldman made invaluable contributions to the organisation, strengthening its position within the sector. - Stefanie Mackenzie
As Secretary/Public Officer since 2022, Stefanie MacKenzie’s operational support has been critical to the smooth governance of BioMelbourne Network.
You can read about the full BioMelbourne Network Board here.
Guest speaker: Dr Anna Lavelle AM, Non Executive Director and industry leader
The AGM’s keynote address by Dr Anna Lavelle AM, Non-Executive Director and industry leader, provided compelling insights into how the biotech and healthtech sector have transformed and continues to rapidly evolve.
Dr Lavelle highlighted the industry’s maturity, noting that new entrants now have the opportunity to build upon a wealth of experience within the sector. She emphasised the importance of leveraging this collective knowledge to drive innovation and overcome systemic barriers to serve patients better.
Drawing from her experience with the recent Health Technology Assessment (HTA) review at the federal level in her role as Board Chair Medicines Australia, she underscored the importance of aligning the sector’s growth with streamlined processes, ensuring innovative treatments can reach patients faster and without unnecessary delays. “This is also morally the right thing to do,” Dr Lavelle reminded her audience, urging the sector to unite in its advocacy to remove barriers and to challenge policies, habits and practises that might no longer be fit for purpose and outdated.
Inspiration to harness collective expertise
The seasoned industry leader also encouraged the sector to foster agility, adapt to a rapidly changing environment by being open to taking risks, although well-considered ones, and embracing opportunities, emphasising: “Being clear about the destination you are heading in is going to be increasingly important in the new world.”
Dr Lavelle’s words were a powerful call to action, inspiring attendees to harness their collective expertise to transform ideas into impactful outcomes in a sector that for her “… is a source of good. It’s an engine room for good, and everyone here tonight is part of a positive industry,” Dr Lavelle remarked.
Tim Plenderleith, KPMG Partner, also explored the evolving landscape of the biotech sector amidst current global uncertainties. He emphasised Australia’s strong position as a leader in innovation and reminded members of the resilience and potential of Australia’s biotech ecosystem, even in times of challenging.
BioMelbourne Network well set and ready to embrace future challenges and opportunities
The AGM also celebrated the launch of the 2024 BioMelbourne Network Annual Report, showcasing the organisation’s achievements over the past year, its strategic priorities and member testimonials.
“With a highly-engaged membership, high-calibre Board of Directors, and a shared vision for the future, BioMelbourne Network is well set and ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead,” said Karen Parr, BioMelbourne Network CEO, after the event.
A special thanks to Tim Plenderleith, Alun Needham and the KPMG team for hosting and facilitating a dynamic AGM and networking function.
Click here to view our 2024 Annual Report
