The title of this newsletter is ‘New beginnings’ and, after less than three weeks in my new position as CEO, that is certainly true for me.  I would like to thank the Board for inviting me to join this wonderful team of dedicated professionals and volunteers, and Michelle and Kelly for helping me to settle in.

Like many people, I was shocked to learn that stillbirth still happens, and that despite all our medical and scientific advances, six babies are stillborn every day in Australia.

But of course bald statistics do not tell the whole story. We all know that behind each number there is a much-loved child, a proud but heart-broken family, and a lifetime of lost potential.  

There is also a determination to try and prevent stillbirth from happening to others. The Stillbirth Foundation Australia provides one way to do this, through our emphasis on funding education and research - and this will continue as we strive to raise awareness and fund research into stillbirth.

As you are no doubt aware, it is nearly 10 years since Emma McLeod founded this organisation and had the courage to shine a light on stillbirth. Now, as we start making plans for our next decade, I would like to pay tribute to Emma and her remarkable achievements.  

I would also like to acknowledge and thank the many, many people who support the Stillbirth Foundation Australia and who are committed to making a lifetime of difference for others - people like Graham and Nadine Belfield, whose story is below.

It is a privilege to be here, and I'll look forward to meeting you and worknig with on in the months ahead. 

With best wishes,

Jan Samuels

P.S. Check out another new beginning - our fabulous new website: www.stillbirthfoundation.org.au

Earlier this month, SFA was pleased to grant $25,000 as Part 2 of research funding for Professor Edoardo Aromataris’ study ‘Provision of effective and appropriate care for families who have experienced stillbirth: A comprehensive systematic review of the evidence and best practice guidance’. This study aims to identify the most meaningful and effective practice for healthcare staff in caring for families who have recently experienced a stillbirth. The results will then be used to develop recommendations for providing the best possible care to families all across Australia.

Stillbirth Foundation Australia is proud to be funding studies such as this one because of how tragic stillbirth is. The time families have with their babies is so brief so ensuring they are looked after in the best possible way is incredibly important to us.

Research Applications for 2015 Research Grants are now open. All applications that address any aspect of stillbirth will be considered. However, priority will be given to rigorously designed clinical studies that address unexplained stillbirth, are designed to provide a greater understanding to prevent stillbirth of a known cause, or to enable best practice amongst staff caring for families who experience stillbirth. Please click here to access our application form. Applications will close August 27, 2014 at 5pm.

You can also continue to support our research by clicking here.

Next month we will be holding our third Annual Golf Day at Ryde-Parramatta Golf Course. Game day is Thursday, May 15th so if you haven’t already, make sure you register yourself or your team by submitting this form. Also, if you or your company are interested in being a sponsor this year or know of someone who would like to sponsor a hole, click here to view our Sponsorship package.

A major part of our Golf Day’s success is owed to the wonderful efforts of our volunteers so if you’re not keen on playing but would still like to be involved, please consider volunteering! Simply email Michelle.

We look forward to seeing you for another fantastic day on the green!

It’s exciting to see how many people are re-joining Gold Team Stillbirth this year for the Sydney City2Surf, including a couple of our interstate friends!

City2Surf is always a challenge but by raising funds in honour of your baby or a friend’s baby, you are actively getting involved in raising the money we need to fund research to prevent other families from having to experience this tragedy.

To be a part of our Gold Team, all we need from you is a $100 registration fee and the dedication to raise $1,000 for our charity. In return, we will supply you with a spot on our Gold Team, a running singlet, a cap, and a complimentary post-event brekkie with your family on Bondi Beach. Getting started on registration is as simple as clicking here.

Alternatively, if you would still like to be involved in City2Surf this year but as an individual, you can click here and you’ll be able to select Stillbirth Foundation as your nominated charity once you’ve submitted your information.

Stillbirth Foundation Australia is thrilled by Graham and Nadine Belfield, whose son Cameron was stillborn in September 2011, and their close friend Lee Heslehurst's wildly successful 2014 Sydney2CAMberra bike ride.

Jan met them – and their fellow riders and supporters – this week when she had the honour of receiving a cheque for $90,000 made out to the Stillbirth Foundation Australia. This is a fantastic result and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year!

2014 Entertainment Books are now on sale. This year, you can either order your traditional book or you can purchase a digital membership which allows you and your family to access all your favourite Entertainment Book deals on your iPhone or Android. No more missing out because you forgot your book at home and what's more, 20% of your membership purchase will come directly to SFA!

To purchase your 2014 Entertainment Book, click here.