Sir Gustav Nossal

Let’s show our gratitude 

It’s time for you as a member of the Nossal family and associated community, to show gratitude for an Australian Living Legend.

Sir Gustav Nossal is a world-renowned scientist and humanitarian. He dedicated his life to helping others, especially through his research including how the human body’s immune system worked and how it was able to defend itself against bacteria and viruses. In the past two years, we have all come to appreciate the vital work of epidemiologists as the world has battled COVID, how honoured are we as a school, that our namesake is an internationally recognized scientist in a similar field of medical research?  

He is an inspiration to us all at Nossal. Applying himself to his study and work, he has risen from being a young child immigrant, unable to speak English, to being the Dux of his school, a graduate with first-class honors in Medicine and Surgery and ultimately being knighted for his revolutionary discovery in the field of immunology. 

He has been recognised internationally with numerous awards and accolades for his scientific discoveries and has had his humanitarian work also recognized in a variety of ways including being named the Australian of the Year in 2000 and prior to that in 1997, being named as one of Australia’s 100 Living Legends.   

So now we want your help to recognise this great man and how proud we are to be associated with him. 

The School Council is going to open an appeal to fund a life-sized sculpture of Sir Gus to be sited on the forecourt of the school, similar to the one shown here. The sculpture will be a lasting tribute to the school’s namesake.  

Our goal is to raise $90,000 and we need everyone’s help. All donations made will entirely devoted to this community arts project and any amount over $2.00 attracts a taxation deduction.  Donations can be made at the school office so we are encouraging individuals, families and businesses to get behind the cause. So often we hear how parents are not only appreciative of the outstanding education students receive at Nossal, but also they are extremely grateful for the values and directions in life that this State Education school provides. Show your appreciation. All donations, no matter the size, will help us honour our very own legend. Please consider what you or your business can give this financial year as together we come together to honour Sir Gustav Nossal.   

Keith Butler

Project Coordinator