Who we are
The David Collins Leukaemia Foundation of Tasmania (DCLFT) was established in honour of David Collins, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia in 1977. Before his passing, David made a heartfelt request: that instead of flowers at his funeral, donations be made to support other leukaemia patients, fund blood cancer research, and assist health professionals in furthering their education. These wishes formed the guiding principles of the Foundation’s mission.
Incorporated in 1980, DCLFT has been a volunteer-led organisation from the very beginning. Every dollar raised goes directly towards helping Tasmanian blood cancer patients and professionals. Thanks to the tireless efforts of its executive committee and community supporters, the Foundation has raised over $3.7 million, including $1.9 million dedicated to vital research that is improving treatment outcomes.
- Over the past 45 years, the Foundation has remained committed to:
- Supporting local blood cancer patients through practical and financial assistance.
- Funding critical research into the causes, treatments, and future cures of blood cancers.
Enhancing professional development by supporting Tasmanian healthcare providers to access the latest global knowledge, research, and innovations.
DCLFT played a key role in the creation of the David Collins Oncology Suite at Calvary St John’s Hospital in Hobart, which opened in 2012. This facility has expanded access to specialist care for blood cancer patients across the State.
We also work closely with the Woolstore Apartment Hotel and PTAS (Patient Transport Assistance Scheme) to assist patients who need to travel for treatment, ensuring they receive care with dignity and as little disruption as possible. And we work with the Cancer Council and Leukaemia Foundation, to ensure that anyone who is in need of assistance gets the right help
at the right time.
Deirdre Tuck, President, David Collins Leukaemia Foundation
“Thanks to these dedicated volunteers, the Foundation has provided hundreds of patients and their families with support, funded leukaemia research and grants for professional development of medical and allied staff in Tasmania.”
What we have achieved
$3.7 MILLION RAISED SINCE 1980
$1.9 MILLION FUNDED RESEARCH FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO TREATMENTS
Awards and Grants
The Foundation provides scholarships for professional development of medical staff so that Tasmania maintains leading edge expertise in the treatment of leukaemia and care of patients. Awards are given to assist applicants to participate in an approved course of professional development or to attend a conference or seminar directly related to the improvement of leukaemia treatment, research or support. Applications are open to Tasmanian nurses, allied health professionals and postgraduate students.
David Collins Outpatient Oncology Suite
David Collins Out Patients Oncology Suite is located at the Gibson Ward in St John’s Campus Calvary Health Care Tasmania, South Hobart. David Collins Leukaemia Foundation of Tasmania provided $80,000.00 to assist with purchasing equipment for patient care and renovations to the reception area of the unit.
Meet the team
Deirdre Tuck - President
Deirdre has been involved with the David Collins Leukaemia Foundation of Tasmania since its inception more than 45 years ago, attending the inaugural meeting and supporting the Foundation over many decades. She has served as President for over a decade.
Deirdre’s involvement is deeply personal. She nursed David during his illness and was present when he expressed his wish that donations, instead of flowers, support patients, research, and health care education. Helping ease financial pressure for patients remains the most rewarding part of her work.
Outside the foundation, she values time with family, travel, gardening, and creating a peaceful home.
Greg Woods - Vice President
Greg’s connection with the foundation began in the early 1980s when, as a PhD candidate, he received funding for essential research equipment. Continued support following his doctorate helped launch his academic career and secure a research position at the University of Tasmania. Once established, he was keen to give back.
Greg finds it deeply rewarding to see research supported by DCLFT achieve successful outcomes, alongside the Foundation’s vital patient support work. Receiving letters of thanks from patients and families remains especially meaningful.
Greg enjoys travelling with his wife and family, staying involved in research, gardening, and Saturday morning parkruns.
Katrina Greenwood - Secretary
Katrina has been involved with the Foundation since 2023, following her retirement after 41 years in nursing, primarily in nursing management. She was drawn to volunteering with an organisation dedicated to supporting Tasmanians.
The most rewarding aspect of Katrina’s role is helping provide additional psychological support for blood cancer patients at the Royal Hobart Hospital. This work is deeply personal, following her husband Rob’s blood cancer relapse in 2024, which reinforced the importance of accessible emotional support.
Outside of her work with DCLFT, family is central to Katrina’s life. She and Rob treasure time with their nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews, and enjoy restoring their century-old home.
Graeme Petterd - Board Member
Graeme has been involved with the Foundation since its founding, becoming aware of the organisation through a family connection while David Collins was in hospital. Over the past 45 years, he has held numerous committee roles, including serving as Executive Officer for a decade, and has witnessed the Foundation’s growth in patient support, research, and assistance for health care workers.
One of Graeme’s most memorable moments was the purchase of a unit in Lutana to support patients and carers travelling from northern Tasmania. The strategic sale and reinvestment of this asset continues to fund accommodation support close to hospital care today.
Outside of his work with us, Graeme leads a busy life. He is a long-standing Hash House Harrier, enjoys running, and plays the piano to entertain aged care residents. Family, friendships, and gardening are central to his life.
Wendy Snell - Board Member
Wendy has been a committee member of the DCLFT for nearly ten years, drawn to the strong ethos that underpins the organisation. Having spent her working life in the health industry, she understands how vital practical and emotional support can be in making a health journey easier.
Her connection to the foundation dates back more than 45 years, when, as a teenager, she attended a fundraiser at David Collins’ home, hosted by his wife Bev, whose commitment to continuing David’s wishes left a lasting impression.
Family is at the heart of Wendy’s life, especially her granddaughters. She is also passionate about health advocacy, crafting, creative projects, and creating meaningful family memories.