Board Communique June 2025
Dear Members
Principals Australia Research Foundation Ltd.’s (PARF) Board met at Mercure Canberra, Ainslie on Tuesday 27 May 2025. The agenda included 5 key matters:
1. Director administration
2. Investment portfolio manager
3. PARF Strategic Plan 2025-2028
4. Update on current Funded Research Projects
5. Research Funding round 2026.
Director administration
The AGM on 8 May 2025 re-elected, one Director; Matthew Wigzell, nominated by the Board and elected two new Directors; Robyn Evans, nominated by APPA, and Deb Dalwood, nominated by APPA.
The Board acknowledged retiring Directors, Dr Ian Anderson and Garry Brown OAM, and approved letters of appreciation to them acknowledging their contribution to the establishment and work of PARF.
As required by rule 19.4 of the constitution, the Board elected office bearers. Dennis Yarrington was appointed to continue as Chair and Michael Hall to continue as Deputy Chair.
The Board appointed the following Directors as the Investment and Finance Committee: Matthew Wigzell (chair), Deb Dalwood and Michael Hall. The Board also appointed the following Directors to the Research Funding Panel: Jayne Heath (chair), Robyn Evans and Ros Oates.
Investment Portfolio Manager Tender
In line with the 5-year review, the Board resolved to draft a tender document for the management of the investment portfolio for the coming 5 years. This is scheduled to be presented for consideration by the Board at the August meeting.
PARF Strategic Plan 2025-2028
The Board noted and discussed the draft Strategic Plan 25-28. A revised Strategic Plan, with amendments included, will be considered by the Board at the next meeting.
Udate on Current Funded Research Projects
The Tasmanian Principals Association (TPA) and Australian Catholic University (ACU) researchers presented a summary of the 2024 funded project’s final report.
The Board also received current research project updates from:
1. Australian Primary Principals Association (APPA) and
2. South Australian Secondary Principals Association (SASPA).
Research Funding Round 2026
The Board resolved that the 2026 Research and Development Funding Guidelines and 2026 Application Form be approved.
The Board resolved that the closing date for 2026 applications will be 22 September 2025 and the indicative amount of $100,000 be available for projects approved for funding.