Reflections from Robin Penty, February 2025
February 16, 2025
Here we go! 2025 marks OCRF’s 25th commemorative year, a remarkable milestone for a charity that was co-founded in 2000 by respected gynaecological oncologist Prof Tom Jobling. Prof Jobling is the medical professional who first treated my mother for gynae cancer in about the same year – and, sadly, so many more women with ovarian cancer - so it feels like a full circle moment for several of us at the OCRF.
There is a lot to celebrate about our organisation’s progress over the past two and a half decades, and you’ll hear more from past funded researchers in the year ahead as well. However, our gaze is very firmly focused on the future, and the work we need to do to effect bigger and faster change.
Already, we’ve kicked off the year with numerous engagements as part of a busy and impactful Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month (OCAM). I was with the team and valued colleagues in Canberra and Sydney over the past week, shaping some of the key initiatives that could make this a seminal year for the cause.
Here are a few of the highlights:
Advocates unite
One of the key OCAM events is the Teal Ribbon Parliamentary Breakfast, organised by our friends at Ovarian Cancer Australia. This year’s event was especially moving as one of the OCRF community ambassadors, Georgie Beck, delivered a deeply powerful keynote address.
Georgie, who is currently undergoing treatment for a recurrence of stage 4B high-grade serous ovarian cancer, shared her personal story and praised the support she has received from the Teal Support program. She spoke candidly about her journey, the daily challenges she faces, and the profound fear that accompanied her diagnosis. Her bravery touched everyone in the room—patients, families, leaders, and policymakers alike.
Stories like Georgie’s remind us why our work at the OCRF is so vital.
Women's Agenda ovarian cancer series
Georgie also joined OCRF ambassadors Justin Flynn and Lavania Parker to share their lived experience of ovarian cancer with Women’s Agenda. Each of their deeply personal stories strengthens our resolve to drive meaningful change.
This article was the first in a series we’re running in partnership with Women’s Agenda as part of OCAM, to extend the OCRF’s reach and raise awareness nationally.
25 years of progress and hope
There is so much to look forward to in the year ahead. We’ve already launched our fresh new visual identity and logo to wonderful feedback. Thank you, everyone! It warmed our hearts that you love it as much as we do.
Sneak peak...
Exciting plans are well underway for our 25th gala dinner in August— a special night to thank the OCRF’s major donors, ambassadors, partners, volunteers, and the ovarian cancer research community. We will also take a moment to acknowledge the ‘unsung heroes’ of the OCRF at the same time.
We’re about to unveil a new five-year strategy, announce the 2025 OCRF National Research Program grants, further develop collaborations both nationally and internationally, and launch a compelling content series highlighting the profound impact of OCRF funding on researchers and their work.
Plus, don’t forget to register now for Mother’s Day Classic! Registrations are now open. We’re launching an exciting new corporate partnership this week, and of course, Easter with Darrell Lea is just around the corner, so standby for more!
This is a momentous and ambitious year for the OCRF. With you, we will celebrate 25 years of progress and hope, and work toward our vision of a healthy vital future for all those impacted by ovarian cancer.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we go for gold in this silver anniversary year!
Warm regards,
Robin Penty, CEO
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