Sir Gustav Nossal Statue

Generous Sponsorship

Progress on the Community Arts Project to immortalize Sir Gustav Nossal has slowed. The life-sized bronze is nearing completion and to date we have raised approximately 70% of our target amount of $90,000. But we still need to raise more in order to have the sculpture delivered to Melbourne and then commissioned on the school campus.

However, our goal has moved closer with the receipt of two sponsorships.

Silver Sponsorship 

We are very grateful to Roger and Margaret Page for their Silver Level Sponsorship of $2,000. 

It goes without saying that the influence that both Roger and Margaret have had on the development of Nossal High School is profound. Even before the buildings existed, Roger was already involved in the design of the school both physically and culturally. Our school owes them a debt of gratitude for all they have done and given to Nossal which in many ways has made it the place and community it is today. 

Bronze Sponsorship 

Thank you to Dr Toni Meath for her Bronze Level Sponsorship of $1,000. Dr Meath was the inaugural Assistant Principal at Nossal High School helping establish the school’s culture and programs from Day 1. Her contribution to Nossal is recognized by the theatre at the school being named in her honour. 

A celebrated educational leader, Toni went on to be the Principal at MacRobertson Girls High School before taking up the same role at Melbourne Girls Grammar School.   

Can you help us?

But now, our school needs your help. 

We need more donations to finalise the project, honouring a truly remarkable Australian. For those who don’t know, Sir Gustav Nossal arrived in Australia at the age of eight unable to speak a word of English. He was a hard-working, dedicated student, who graduated as Dux of his school in Sydney in 1947 and then entered Sydney University’s Medical School from where he later graduated with first class honours. In 1957, Gus moved to Melbourne to commence work with renowned virologist, Macfarlane Burnet and continued studying at the University of Melbourne obtaining his PhD in 1960.

In his 34 years as a researcher and director of The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, he contributed significantly to the development of modern immunology something he continued internationally as a member of the World Health Organisation where he served as chairman of the Global Program for Vaccines and Immunisation. Sir Gus has had a great influence in government policy making as the president of the Australian Academy of Science. Through his lectures and appearances in media, he has inspired many young people to have a greater interest in science and its applications in a range of community settings.

Sir Gus was the deputy chairman of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation and has served as the chairman of the Advisory Council of The Global Foundation. In 1997, he was named as one of Australia’s National Living Treasures receiving further recognition in 2000, when he was announced as the Australian of the Year. Sir Gus has also been recognised internationally for his work ensuring immunisation programs for children in developing countries through the Bill and Melinda Gates Children’s Vaccine Program. He is a member of the Royal Society of London, a foreign associate of the US National Academy of Sciences and a member of the French Académie des Sciences.

Our school is extremely proud to be named in honour of Sir Gus, an outstanding scientist and humanitarian. Since opening in 2010, Nossal High School students have been inspired by Sir Gus to pursue their educational dreams and make a significant contribution to the community. 

Please help us raise the remaining money to enable us to honour the contribution of this outstanding community leader. Your contribution will enable us to recognise this self-sacrificing man.

All donations raised for this program are directed to the Sir Gustav Nossal statue. The project is entirely a local project with no Government money allocated to the school being set aside for the project. The fund holding the money has DRG status and therefor donations over $2.00 attract a taxation deduction.

Make your contribution today by following the QR code link.

Alternatively, if you know of a business that would like to donate and receive a tax benefit, click on this link to obtain a copy of the prospectus.

Come on Nossal, let’s work together to reach our goal!