Footscray Market’s Mr P.S. Lee supports health research and students in the west

Victoria University (VU) has welcomed a significant philanthropic donation from Footscray Market owner Mr. P. S. Lee, supporting new research and community health initiatives focused on prevention and healthy ageing.  

The donation includes $425,000 to support the establishment of the Heart of the West Health and Wellbeing Hub, an outreach program within the VU Research Building at the new Footscray Hospital.  

In addition, Mr Lee has contributed a further $250,000 to support student scholarships through Western Chances and Victoria University. Western Chances, an organisation which supports young people in the west of Melbourne fulfil their potential, is one of VU’s strategic partners, and is headquartered at the University’s Nicholson Street campus. 

In recognition of Mr Lee’s generosity, a large banner has been unveiled today at an event attended by Mr Lee, and representatives from VU and Western Chances. 

An iconic figure of Melbourne’s west, Mr Lee has helped shape Footscray Market into a vibrant hub of culture, connection and community. His latest contribution will extend that legacy and provide better health outcomes for the diverse communities that call the west home.  

The new outreach Hub, within the new Victoria University Research Building (launched on the 26 May), plans to deliver compassionate care and support innovative research into disease prevention and healthy ageing, helping to address some of the most pressing health challenges facing Melbourne’s west.  

Facilities at the VU Research Building include:  

• Clinical Labs: supporting trials to better examine and understand treatment efficacy and the underlying causes of conditions, through to clinical practice trials to test new treatments 
• A Nutrition Kitchen: facilitating clinical trials for obesity and conditions affected by obesity or low-quality diets, promoting fresh produce 
• Research Gym: supporting exercise interventions for a range of conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mental health, as well as for healthy ageing 
• AI Health Space: improving triaging and diagnostic systems as well as simulating a virtual hospital to improve resource allocation and patient outcomes 
• Mindfulness/yoga studio: promoting holistic approaches

Reflecting the spirit of Footscray Market, the Hub will bring people together through a shared focus on health, wellbeing and prevention, supporting communities to live healthier lives and reducing pressure on the healthcare system. 

 Mr Lee said:

Footscray Market and VU have a lot in common. Both our institutions positively shape the community in the west; the market and VU campuses are places where people connect, share and nurture. I am honoured and proud to support an initiative that will help improve health and wellbeing for the community, now and into the future.

VU’s Professor Alex Parker, said the investment will “enable VU to deliver innovative, community-focused research that supports prevention, early intervention and better health outcomes for diverse communities.”