David and Margaret Wattchow

Giving back to the next generation

For David and Margaret Wattchow, supporting Flinders University is not simply about philanthropy. It is about creating opportunities for others and investing in the people who will shape the future.

Their connection to Flinders stretches back to the University's earliest days.

David was part of Flinders University's original medical intake, arriving as a 17-year-old student who, as he reflects, "didn't know much". What followed was not only a medical career spanning decades, but a lifelong relationship with the institution that helped shape him as a doctor, researcher, educator and leader.

"Flinders influenced me throughout that time," David says. "Firstly, to achieve a medical degree, then becoming a professional doctor."

Margaret shares a similarly strong commitment to education. Both grew up in regional South Australia, with David spending his childhood in Quorn and Riverton, and Margaret in Port Augusta. Their country backgrounds helped shape a belief that educational opportunities should be available to everyone, regardless of circumstance.

"We both worked in the public system," Margaret says. "And so it was our way of giving back to the next generation."

David and Margaret Wattchow

Over many years, the Wattchows have supported a wide range of initiatives at Flinders, including student scholarships, travel opportunities for early career researchers, staff appointments and medical research. Their philanthropy reflects the two passions that have guided much of their lives: education and discovery. They have made a recent major donation to support neurogastroenterology research.

Research, in particular, holds special significance.

During his career as a surgeon and researcher, David was involved in pioneering investigations into the nervous system of the human gut and helped establish collaborations that continue to influence research at Flinders today. Working alongside scientists and clinicians, he saw firsthand how breakthroughs begin with curiosity, collaboration and persistence. Some of those researchers were the late Marcello Costa and Professors Furness, Brookes, Spencer and Dinning.

That experience also gave him insight into the challenges researchers face. "Funding is very hard to get," he says, “and people in senior positions need to help."

For the Wattchows, supporting research is not only about advancing knowledge. It is also about supporting the people doing the work.

"The real impact is on looking after the people who do the work," Margaret says.

Margaret and David understand that many researchers spend years pursuing competitive grants while navigating the uncertainty of short-term contracts. Philanthropic support can provide stability, help retain talented people, and ensure important work continues.

Their commitment to supporting people extends beyond the laboratory.

The Wattchows have also established a travel scholarship to help emerging researchers and students connect with peers, attend conferences and develop their careers. They have supported scholarships that assist students facing financial barriers and contributed to initiatives that reflect their belief in education as a powerful force for change.

Throughout the conversation, one theme emerges again and again: gratitude.

Both David and Margaret recognise the opportunities they were given and the role that education played in their lives. Their philanthropy is a way of ensuring others can benefit from similar opportunities.

They are also motivated by a desire to inspire others.

David hopes that sharing their story will encourage more Australians to support causes that matter to them.

"One of my hopes is that by publicising this, we might get others of my vintage to contribute," he says.

Margaret agrees, noting that philanthropy is about more than financial contributions.

"Australians are still quite generous," she says. "It's not just money you have to give. It's actions and kindness."

Today, their support continues to strengthen research, expand educational opportunity and help the next generation realise its potential.

For David and Margaret Wattchow, giving back is both a thank you for the opportunities they received and an investment in a future they firmly believe is worth building.

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