Robin’s Reflections – September 2026
September 13, 2026
Flying the flag for women
From the hallowed halls of Parliament House, the voice of OCRF has been heard alongside other gynaecological cancer organisations and advocates about the urgent need to transform outcomes for women affected by these cancers.
First, we give thanks!
I’m delighted to offer my heartfelt thanks to the incredible participants, staff and board of the 2026 Mother’s Day Classic, who announced a donation of $1.312 million to the OCRF for ovarian cancer research late last month! This brings the total amount donated by the Mother’s Day Classic to a jaw-dropping $3.88 million since 2024. These funds are already supporting six ovarian cancer research projects, plus the first Louise Davidson Ovarian Cancer Fellowship recipient, Dr Kathleen Pishas at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Brava and bravo, one and all!
Recently, our Sydney Marathon participants endured crowds, blazing sun, queues and of course, views, as they ran their way past our nation’s most iconic landmarks in the harbour city and raised more than $100,000 to boot (or is that, to shoe?)! An absolutely stellar effort from these intrepid individuals who trained so hard for our cause. Bring on the Melbourne Marathon!
Are you ready to frock?
Australia’s most fashionable fundraiser, Frocktober, is only a few weeks away and there are hundreds of Frockers already registered! This is hundreds of enthusiastic individuals, teams, and workplaces, ready to look-good, feel-good, and do-good to raise awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research. It’s inspiring to see the exceptional creativity and community we have in the range of fabulous events and stylish outfits planned for Frocktober. It’s easy, it’s fun, and it’s all to spark conversations about ovarian cancer. We have a swag of inspirational stories from our Frockers and Frock Crews on our website, plus great tips and tricks for fundraising.
Flying the flag
As you know, I truly love the energy of Frocktober. However, we all know this fundraiser is for a very serious cause.
So, I was especially proud to represent the OCRF at a landmark event this week at Parliament House in Canberra - Australia’s first National Gynaecological Cancer Roundtable, at which I was privileged to speak alongside our partners in the Gynaecological Cancer Transformation Initiative, Ovarian Cancer Australia and ANZGOG.
Guiding our discussions were the important voices of women with lived experience of gynae cancers, alongside researchers, clinicians, policy-makers, senior leaders in cancer control and prevention from Cancer Australia and the NHMRC, Department of Health, Inherited Cancers Australia, Rare Cancers Australia, and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) - among other specialist organisations – all sharing insights toward consensus of the priority areas for investment for all gynaecological cancers. Assistant Minister for Health, Women and Indigenous Health, The Hon Rebecca White is leading these efforts to truly transform gynaecological cancer outcomes in Australia, and it was terrific to hear her speak so passionately about our cause.
Momentum is building. The time for change is now.
Women’s Health Week
I was also honoured to give a keynote address about ovarian cancer during Women’s Health Week, thanks to a thoughtful invitation from Jean Hailes for Women’s Health CEO Dr Sarah White. This speech was at a special Parliamentary Friends of Women’s Health gathering at Parliament House on September 10, joining Co-Chair Senator Marielle Smith and Assistant Minister for Health Rebecca White and other great colleagues within the hallowed halls of parliament. Our immense gratitude to the co-chairs of this group – Senators Smith, Maria Kovacic, Rebekha Sharkie and Larissa Waters for making this event possible.
We have a new home!
In exciting news, the OCRF has a new home in the heart of Collingwood! You can now find us at 54 Wellington Street, on Level 8. Our growing team needs more space, and this location enables us to dwell in an environmentally-friendly building that is kind to the community and the world it inhabits – a perfect fit for the OCRF values! We look forward to welcoming you here.
Warm regards for spring,
Robin Penty, CEO
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