Who Is Fara

WHO IS FARA AUSTRALIA?
The Friedreich Ataxia Research Association (fara) is a not for profit organisation that supports research into treatments and a cure for Friedreich Ataxia. fara Australia does not receive State or Commonwealth Government support and relies largely on the family and friends of Friedreich Ataxia patients and generous businesses within Australia to fund its research programs.

OUR PRIORITIES:

We will deliver on our Mission by focussing on:

  • Awareness & Fundraising

  • Informing & Care

  • Supporting Research

  • Dedication to Governance

Since its establishment in 2003, fara Australia has funded over $4m in scientific research. Although there has been significant progress, today there is no cure for FA. But we have hope.

OUR TEAM:

The Board is comprise of six volunteer Directors. fara Australia is staffed by one full time & one part time employee.

Please contact the Secretary, Jason Coffey jason.coffey@morgans.com.au to discuss issues relating to the board, including appointments.

  • Mason has a Commerce Degree, Diploma of Superannuation Management, Diploma of Financial Planning and is a Certified Financial Planner. Mason is a Partner and Co-Founder of Escala Partners, a leading Australian wealth management business and a Partner and Co-Founder of 2nd Chapter, a business management company. Mason was recently ranked 3rd in the Barron's Australia Top 100 Financial Adviser List, published in the Australian Financial Review 2020.

  • Campbell Wright  (B.Coms Hons, GAICD) is the General Manager for ANZ Mobile Lending a sales distribution arm of ANZ Group. He has had over 15 years in financial services working across multiple geographies including New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. Prior to leading the Mobile Lending Business, Campbell held Senior Leadership roles across Risk, Regulatory, Operations and Payment functions. Campbell’s association and support of fara is through his sister who had Friedreich Ataxia.   

  • Jason Coffey (B. Com, G. Dip.AF) is a Principal at Morgans Financial Limited. He has 17 years experience in wealth management, providing professional investment management and strategic financial planning advice. Prior to joining Morgans Jason was a Director with JBWere. His is currently President of the Friedreich Ataxia Association Victoria.

  • Richard Steer (B. Bus) is a manager at NineSquared, a Brisbane based management consultancy. His expertise includes financial management and analysis, program and portfolio management, policy development and electronic ticketing.

  • Rohan has held executive positions in leading consultancies, where he has driven strategic transformation and led the successful delivery of complex, large-scale projects. He has also worked within mining companies, contributing to the delivery of major projects and digital initiatives. Across these roles, Rohan has ensured fiscal discipline to maximise project value and sustainability. With a foundation in biological sciences, he brings a structured, analytical approach to problem-solving, complemented by a strong focus on innovation and sustainable outcomes. A proud parent of two boys and navigating Friedreich's ataxia journey with his youngest son, he is actively involved in the fara community and is committed to applying his professional expertise to support research, advocacy, and community impact.

  • Andrew is the Head of Business Development ANZ for IQVIA, a global contract research organization. He has >20 years research and pharmaceutical experience, and has held local and global roles in R&D in large pharmaceutical companies as well as local research institutions. Andrew has expertise in the development and operational delivery of global clinical studies across Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa, and North America. He is passionate about the development of new medicines for diseases with inadequate treatments, and spent many years working on clinical trials for malaria and tuberculosis vaccines.

  • Brad Hyde (B.Eco) has had a career in Senior Marketing & Strategic Management roles with Australian and International companies where he has worked to define and differentiate organisational purpose and brand positioning and used this to drive engagement. He is an enthusiastic story teller with a love of simple, clear communication. With a passion for volunteering, Brad has been involved in local education and sporting groups for more than a decade where he applies his professional experience to help support the community.

  • Dorota (B. Com, FCCA) assumed the Financial Controlling responsibilities at fara in 2017 by establishing a robust accounting and reporting system. She continues to implement and oversee the finance practices and policies and is a member of fara’s subcommittees. Dorota is a Fellow of Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) and prior to joining fara, has been in public practice for over two decades, mainly with KPMG in the Cayman Islands, and Poland in areas of financial services and assurance. She is passionate about the environment and enjoys providing sustainable digital solutions to analogue problems, within the NFP sector.