Ovarian Cancer Australia

Last month, Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA) had the privilege of attending the ESMO - European Society for Medical Oncology Asia Patient Engagement Summit in Singapore, with our Support and Advocacy Nurse, Georgie McKenzie representing OCA. The Summit brought together patient organisations from across the Asia Pacific region to collaborate, discuss and share challenges and opportunities to shape impactful health policy for the region. Discussions underscored the critical importance of including the patient voice in all health policy initiatives, with a focus on prevention, improved access to care, and active patient participation in research and innovation. These efforts aim to empower individuals living with and beyond cancer. “It was an incredible opportunity to meet with and share the experiences of our community impacted by ovarian cancer with those across the Asia-Pacific region. We have so much to learn from one another and collaboration is key in ensuring optimal support and care for those impacted by cancer no matter where they live”, shares Georgie. We wish to thank ESMO for inviting and supporting OCA’s attendance at this special event. We look forward to continuing to strengthen connections across the sector and work together towards better outcomes for our community. Images sourced from ©️ European Society for Medical Oncology.

As we approach the end of 2024, we’re reflecting on the incredible efforts of our team and community in delivering on our mission to provide care and support for Australians affected by ovarian cancer, and represent them by leading change. We’re so proud of what we’ve accomplished together and deeply grateful for your unwavering support. Your support has helped ensure that no woman facing ovarian cancer walks alone. To learn more about the impact we’ve made this year, we invite you to explore our latest annual report: https://bit.ly/3RA4ZYd Thank you for being part of our journey, we wish you a very happy new year! 💙

Earlier this month, our friends at MaxCap Group hosted their ‘Women of MaxCap’ networking event; a celebration of women in business and leadership that also served as a fundraiser for Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA)! With over 50 attendees, the morning was a wonderful mix of connection, knowledge sharing, and generosity, raising more than $2,000 to support those impacted by ovarian cancer. Our CEO Debbie Shiell was in attendance, delivering an inspiring keynote on ovarian cancer and the critical support and advocacy work OCA provides. We give a heartfelt thank you to MaxCap Group for raising awareness of ovarian cancer and supporting Ovarian Cancer Australia, and to all attendees for their incredible engagement. To get involved and host your own community or corporate fundraising event, reach out to our dedicated fundraising team at fundraising@ovariancancer.net.au.

Ovarian Cancer Australia is proud to share our 2023 - 2024 Impact Report. This report highlights the strides we've made over the past financial year, from advocacy and support work to impactful campaigns, valued partnerships, and our organisational growth. We’re incredibly proud of the difference we’ve made together, and extend our appreciation to our community, partners, and network for helping us achieve these milestones. Thank you for your unwavering support. Key highlights include: Support: 💙 808 women received access to their own ovarian cancer nurse through the Teal Support Program throughout the year. 💙1574 women, partners, family and friends affected by ovarian cancer received advice and information from our support services. Advocacy: 🤝🏼$387k in funding for the next phase of the TRACKFORWARD project, a collaboration between OCA and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. 🤝🏼 200 additional women annually will benefit from PARP inhibitors, with the expanded listing for HRD now on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Fundraising, Marketing & Partnerships: 📉 Over $2 million raised from community fundraising efforts and partnerships. 📉Onboarded a new major partner Hairhouse, and achieved 62% growth with our principal partner TerryWhite Chemmart. Digital Transformation: 💻Launched a new website to better support all affected by ovarian cancer. With enhanced accessibility and the CareHub, our platform offers more personalised support. 💻Engagement has grown and visibility has increased by 42%, helping us connect with and support even more people. Read the full report here: http://bit.ly/3ZSliUr

That’s a wrap on Workout 4 Women 2024! What an incredible month it’s been. To our 969 participants who dedicated over 51,000 kilometers to supporting women and families impacted by ovarian cancer—thank you! Together, we’ve raised $280,000, reaching our goal! 💙 This challenge continues to be a true celebration of community, connection, and resilience. From seeing teams and individuals climb the fundraising leaderboard to the inspiring stories shared by our 220+ Facebook Group members, the energy and support have been nothing short of inspiring. And let’s not forget our very first Workout 4 Women Melbourne meet-up, which was a fantastic opportunity to connect with participants and set the tone for the month ahead. From rallying 18 store and head office teams, matching $40,000 in donations, to joining us at the Melbourne meet-up, and donating prizes, a special thank you to our campaign sponsor, Hairhouse for their support throughout the challenge. Funds raised will power life-changing services and much needed advocacy for women and families impacted by ovarian cancer across the country. Ovarian Cancer Australia is the only organisation in Australia that provides free access to specialist ovarian cancer nurses to anyone affected by ovarian cancer, no matter where they live - your support will make a difference. Once again, THANK YOU for the fantastic turnout - can’t wait for next year!

Ovarian Cancer Australia (OCA) is pleased to announce Dr Juliet Bourke GAICD as the new Chair of the Board, following the outstanding leadership of Meghan Speers. Meghan has been a key voice at OCA for over a decade and has served as Chair since 2021. We are endlessly grateful to Meghan for her dedication which has been vital in shaping OCA’s growth and success, guiding the organisation through significant milestones. While she steps down from her position at OCA, her impact will be enduring and her legacy will continue to inspire the organisation. We are delighted to welcome Dr Juliet Bourke as our new Chair. Dr Bourke has been a valued member of the OCA Board since 2021, where she established and chaired the Culture and Remuneration Committee and was a member of the Finance and Risk Committee. A Professor of Practice at the University of New South Wales, the inaugural independent Chair of the NSW Parliamentary Advisory Group, and a former human capital partner at Deloitte, Dr Bourke brings exceptional leadership and governance experience to OCA. Dr Bourke’s passion for gender equity and improving women’s health, along with her strategic vision, will guide OCA as it prepares to unveil its new strategic plan in 2025. Together with our dedicated board and team, Dr Bourke is committed to advancing OCA’s mission, ensuring the voices of all affected by ovarian cancer are heard, and that no woman walks alone. Read more here: https://shorturl.at/bIP4F

Today is Giving Tuesday. More than just a day, it's a global movement that inspires millions around the world to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity - it’s a chance to shift our focus from holiday spending to offering hope and critical support for women impacted by ovarian cancer. Launched in 2012 as a response to the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this initiative motivates millions to support the causes they care about. Today, we’re calling on our network to spread the message, and this Holiday Season, give a gift that can change lives. We invite and encourage all to join the global movement, for 12 hours today. Funds raised will power life-changing services and much needed advocacy for women and families impacted by ovarian cancer across the country. Learn more about the movement and donate today: https://t.ly/5qvae

We have exciting news! Thanks to our generous major sponsor Hairhouse, all donations to Workout 4 Women will be MATCHED for the next 48 hours - or until we reach $40,000 in matched funds. From now until 10am, November 28th, every dollar donated will have double the impact. With only a few days to go before Workout 4 Women ends, now’s the time to rally friends, family and colleagues to make an impact for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer. We’re proud to have Hairhouse as a major sponsor for this year’s challenge. Their support has been invaluable, aligning meaningfully with this year’s community ambassador, Kate - a hairdresser diagnosed with ovarian cancer at just 33 years old. Her story brings a deeply personal and inspiring connection to this campaign and partnership. Donate now and double your impact: https://t.ly/Xowc1

Last week, our Acting Chief of Support and Advocacy, Bridget Bradhurst, was invited to speak at an Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation (ANMF) event addressing gender bias in healthcare. Bridget highlighted the need to improve access to care for ovarian cancer patients; from pre-diagnosis through to treatment and ongoing support. Raising awareness of ovarian cancer including risk and symptom presentation is important amongst an audience of health professionals, and we are thankful to the ANMF for this opportunity to shine a light on ovarian cancer and the need for change. We will continue to represent at opportunities like these to educate and advocate for better outcomes for our community.

Ovarian Cancer Australia gives a heartfelt thank you to Mercedes-Benz Brighton for hosting their Women in Business Luncheon at Sandringham Yacht Club, raising an incredible $15,000 for Ovarian Cancer Australia! It was wonderful to see women in business united to support women impacted by ovarian cancer, the importance of the cause was felt in the room and the energy was electric. Highlights included ARIA award winning Tones and I delivering a stunning performance and standing with us in this cause as well as Lyndall Mitchell giving an inspiring keynote speech. Funds were raised through; the sale of raffle tickets to win exciting prizes generously donated, auctions, and the proceeds of a portion of ticket sales. We extend our thanks to all attendees, partners and sponsors who made this possible! To get involved and host your own community or corporate fundraising event, visit the link in bio or reach out to our dedicated fundraising team at fundraising@ovariancancer.net.au.