Celebrating the OCRF Silver Anniversary Community Recognition Award winners
September 02, 2025
At the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation’s (OCRF) Silver Anniversary Gala Dinner, the spotlight was turned on the remarkable individuals, families, and organisations whose dedication, generosity and passion are representative of the special nature of the OCRF community.
Presented by OCRF Chairperson Julie Toop and CEO Robin Penty, the Silver Anniversary Community Recognition Awards celebrated the strength of community, from grassroots fundraising to national advocacy, from quiet dedication to lasting legacies.
Outstanding partnerships
One of the hallmarks of the success of the OCRF, has been its ability to attract and retain meaningful long term corporate partnerships that go far beyond a simple sponsorship – they are deep, substantial relationships, rooted in shared values and commitment to our cause.
These corporate partners support our brand, our reach, our fundraising and awareness and make a real contribution to our impact:
- Witchery: Creators of the iconic White Shirt Campaign, which has raised an incredible $17.5 million since its inception and remains one of the cornerstones of the OCRF’s fundraising success.
- oOh! Media: Whose ongoing partnership since 2014 has provided millions of dollars in value-added advertising, amplifying OCRF campaigns such as Frocktober and the White Shirt Campaign to audiences across Australia.
Fundraising Champions
Community fundraising has long been the bedrock of OCRF’s success. This award celebrates individuals who, through creativity and persistence, have raised extraordinary funds over many years:
- Sam Pidgeon – Frocktober Hall of Famer who’s been frocking up for ovarian cancer for over 12 years
- Graham Winbank – our bearded Frocker, who rocks a frock in memory of his beloved wife, Lisa, who passed away in 2020
- Sue Wallis – founder of the fabulous Cabal Club event, a significant annual contributor to the cause.
Combined, these three fundraisers have raised over $800,000 to date for the OCRF.
Advocacy Trailblazers
This award honoured those who go above and beyond to raise public awareness and champion ovarian cancer research on a national scale:
- Jordan Turner: Jordan is an OCRF Ambassador and ovarian cancer survivor who was diagnosed just days before her 28th birthday. Since then, she has passionately advocated for ovarian cancer research and raised tens of thousands for the OCRF.
- Vali Crues: Vali is an OCRF ambassador and ovarian cancer survivor who, after losing both ovaries to separate instances of ovarian cancer, became a mum through a world-first operation. She passionately shares her story to advocate for change.
- Jemima Leydon: Jemima was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at just 5 years old, determined not to let ovarian cancer define or limit her life, Jemima is an advocate for supporting ovarian cancer research.
Their courage in sharing their stories and advocating for change has amplified the voices of countless women affected by ovarian cancer.
Unsung Heroes
While some supporters embrace the spotlight, others work tirelessly behind the scenes. The OCRF recognised the Spicer family — Lindy, Maurice, Samuel and Tatum — for their sustained contributions:
- Lindy Spicer, a survivor of more than 30 years, has been a volunteer, ambassador and member of the Lived Experience Advisory Panel, while also raising over $100,000 through her White Shirt morning teas.
- Maurice Spicer has been a dedicated member of the Finance and Audit Committee since 2021.
- Tatum, Samuel and his wife Jemma have participated in countless fundraising events, keeping the family’s commitment alive across generations.
Heart and Soul
This category recognised families whose extraordinary passion, energy and commitment have left an enduring legacy. These honaries are forces of nature, demonstrating sustained commitment to the OCRF at the highest level, living our values, and earning the respect and recognition of staff, volunteers, and the broader community along the way:
- The Flynn Family – the late Leane Flynn, alongside Justin, Amelia, Laura and Annabel, have been tireless advocates and fundraisers since Leane’s diagnosis in 2017, continuing their support even after her passing in 2023.
- The Herbert Family – the late Mandy Herbert, together with Phillip, Georgie and Penny, have raised over $1 million through events, rides and community initiatives since 2007. Today, Phillip serves as Chair of OCRF’s Finance, Risk and Audit Committee, while Georgie has taken on a professional role within the organisation.
Young Changemakers
The final awards of the night shone a light on the next generation, whose courage and creativity inspire hope for the future:
- Chloe McKenzie and Tirion Wilkinson (Teal 4 Tirion) – Chloe’s brave head shave, alongside her friend Tirion, a young ovarian cancer survivor, attracted national media attention and raised a record-breaking sum.
- Larson Parker – at just 11 years old, Larson, son of OCRF Ambassador Lavania Parker, ran in the Melbourne Marathon Festival to raise funds and awareness for ovarian cancer research.
The OCRF Silver Anniversary Community Recognition Awards highlighted the extraordinary power of community in the fight against ovarian cancer. From corporate partners to grassroots fundraisers, from trailblazing advocates to young changemakers, each recipient represents the collective spirit that has driven the OCRF forward for 25 years — and will continue to power its mission into the future.
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