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About the Foundation

  • Supporting Excellence In Australian and New Zealand Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery

    The Passe & Williams Foundation improves the health of people with ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions by funding life-changing medical research, surgery and care in Australia and New Zealand.

    To date we have provided over $80 million to exceptional people and projects, resulting in world-leading medical advances such as every newborn baby receiving a hearing screening test, and early detection of head and neck cancers. We fund an annual awards program and host the influential Frontiers conference, led by a Board and management team comprising sector leaders and experts.

Our Story



The Foundation began operating in 1991 as The Garnett Passe and Rodney Williams Memorial Foundation (now operating under registered business name Passe & Williams Foundation). This was thanks to the drive and dedication of the late Barbara Williams. Recognising gaps in support for the Ear, Nose and Throat specialty she established the Foundation, honouring the memory of her two husbands Garnett Passe and Rodney Williams.

The Foundation acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the land and pay respect to the Elders both past and present of the Kulin Nation on which we are based (Naarm, Melbourne).

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  • Our Mission

    We are dedicated to advancing excellence in Otolaryngology Head and Neck surgery, and ensuring Australia and New Zealand remain at the forefront of world clinical and scientific practice.

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  • Governance

    The Passe & Williams Foundation is governed by a Trust Deed established in 1986. The Trust is a registered charity under the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012, which has Income Tax Exempt Status.

    Meet the team