Robin's Reflections – April: Momentum, Advocacy & Collaboration
March 31, 2025
Looking back on March I feel more motivated than ever. From our record-breaking research funding announcement to fantastic meetings with senior government officials and colleagues, it’s been a time of incredible energy and impact for our team, as we continue to celebrate OCRF’s 25th anniversary year.
The largest research funding round in OCRF history
One of the standout moments of March was the announcement of $3.5 million in funding across eight projects through the OCRF National Research Grants Program. This represents the largest amount of funding we’ve granted to ovarian cancer research in OCRF’s history—a milestone that showcases the generosity of our remarkable community. This investment wouldn’t be possible without your support, and it demonstrates our firm commitment to a healthy vital future for all those impacted by ovarian cancer.
Pictured: Dr Dale Garsed, 2025 OCRF grant recipient
Advancing Advocacy
At the very end of February, I had the honor of attending a lunch function to represent our cause to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. It was an important opportunity to discuss the need for continued investment and research in women’s health and disease, and I enjoyed every moment.
Seeing this issue elevated at a national level is an encouraging sign of the progress we’re making, and it feels like there’s a seriousness and urgency to these conversations that is new. In the comings days we will be sharing an update about the major initiative we’ve been working on with the Australian New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) and Ovarian Cancer Australia, a transformative project which is about to take a key step forward.
In fact, collaboration and connection has been a central theme throughout March, starting with the ANZGOG Annual Scientific Meeting that I attended in Canberra alongside David Hunt (Research Director) and Avalee Weir (Senior Communications Director). Joining over 300 researchers, clinicians, and advocates, we explored the latest developments in gynecological oncology research and clinical trials.
The diversity of challenges in this field is vast, yet the insights and hope we witnessed were inspiring, each research project brings us closer to change.
Celebrating International Women’s Day
To mark International Women’s Day, I had the privilege of delivering the keynote address on gender and structural inequities in medical research to the Women in Super Mavis Robertson International Women’s Day Lunch in Sydney. The audience was deeply engaged, and engaging, and I’m grateful to Zara Lawless, Jo Kowalcyk, and the Mother’s Day Classic team for the opportunity to speak at this special event.
Looking to April
As we step into this new month, we’re excited to launch the Witchery White Shirt Campaign, now in its 17th year! This year also marks 25 years of collaboration between Witchery and OCRF - a remarkable achievement that has played a key role in our success, raising over $17 million for medical research and a huge amount of awareness.
Drum roll...
This year’s White Shirt is particularly special, designed by Margie Woods, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Viktoria & Woods. Margie’s has a personal connection to ovarian cancer, due to her mother Mona’s diagnosis in 2023, which adds profound meaning to this campaign. Keep an eye on our social pages for all the details when the 2025 Witchery White Shirt goes on sale on Tuesday 8 April, with the help of an amazing line up of ambassadors.
The UN International Women’s Day theme for 2025 was March Forward and so we have. Each step this month reflects our steadfast commitment to improving outcomes for everyone impacted by ovarian cancer. Onward we go.
Warm wishes for April,
PS. Don’t forget to pick up your yummy Darrell Lea OCRF Easter Eggs from Myer or Ritchies IGA supermarkets – Happy Easter everyone!
Robin Penty
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