Robin’s Reflections – May 2026
May 11, 2026
Showtime at the OCRF
This time of year is something we call “showtime” at the OCRF and this year has been a major production – think jazz hands! In fact, about half of our annual fundraising revenue is raised between April and June – it’s a phenomenal, concerted effort by you, our community, and this year was bigger and better than ever.
Since our last newsletter, the 2026 Witchery White Shirt Campaign has been flying high, gracing the pages of magazines, billboards and newspapers, appearing on social media feeds, and being seen in the halls of Parliament, as MPs from all parties got on board to share a unanimous message of bi-partisan support.
In a long-held tradition, the Witchery White Shirt Campaign wrapped up last week with a heavenly White Shirt event at the head office of Country Road Group, bringing together hundreds of staff, all wonderful in white. It’s a sight to behold, but more than that, there is a palpable sense of unity and purpose when we gather like this. Eighteen years of the White Shirt Campaign, which has now raised more than $18 million, is a stellar achievement, and I’m just so proud of how far we’ve come thanks to this amazing partnership. To every person who bought a shirt, held an event or supported the campaign as an ambassador or partner – and to St Agni for your stunning designs – thank you from the bottom of my heart. It’s a huge collective effort that is making a real difference – and we’re only 18, so we’re just getting started!
An epic Mother’s Day Classic
Speaking of which, the Mother’s Day Classic this past Sunday was absolutely EPIC! It’s hard to put into words – and very humbling – to share what it means now that ovarian cancer has such an incredible platform for awareness and fundraising. With 90 MDC events across the country, and a growing army of teal zeal amid the pink, the whole event has grown and mobilises much-needed change for ovarian cancer research, just as it continues to do for breast cancer.
In fact, in only two years, the Mother’s Day Classic has raised over $2.57m for ovarian cancer research – wow! – and five OCRF-funded research projects are now directly supported by the MDC.
The MDC is such a warm and beloved institution for so many people across the country – families, friends, work teams – people of all ages, ethnicities, and walks of life, coming together to do something fun and worthwhile on Mother’s Day. Having lost my own mother to cancer, I understand that for many people, Mother’s Day can be difficult and emotional, and the Classic is a really special way to start Mother’s Day. It’s a real tonic.
So many people and organisations contribute to making this day possible. Our sincere thanks to the MDC leadership and Board, Principal Partner AIA, generous sponsors, media partners, suppliers, and, of course, the many committed volunteers who make the magic happen. Enormous kudos to MDC CEO Zara Lawless and her mighty team for a superb event. We are so proud and grateful to be part of it and to stand alongside our sisters at the National Breast Cancer Foundation to step up for women’s health.
Also last week, the OCRF team was truly grateful to be at the historic estate Raheen in Kew, Melbourne, at a special function hosted by the Spicer family and Fiona Geminder. This special White Shirt luncheon raised vital funds and awareness for the OCRF. The next day we were in Adelaide and welcomed by the Coopers Foundation family for their annual Golf Day and Dinner. It was thrilling to present to such engaged groups on both days, and we look forward to future events like this with our major patrons.
Our why – more research, better outcomes
All of which leads me to [drum roll please!] …the announcement of the OCRF annual research grants funding for 2026 – which also happened in this last month! $4.6 million committed, with $2.6 million of that going to eight projects through our National Research Grants Program, and a further $2 million that will be awarded to an expanded OCRF Partnerships Program later this year. It’s our biggest ever annual funding commitment, and all thanks to you, our passionate and generous community of supporters. Congratulations to the successful research teams – your projects are innovative and very important to add to our growing body of knowledge about this disease, and ultimately to prolong and save lives.
On a final note, Friday 8 May was World Ovarian Cancer Day, a special global awareness day, hosted by the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition. It was great to see so much happening around the world and fly the teal flag. To mark the day, we proudly joined forces with our peers from OCRA (USA), Ovarian Cancer Canada and Ovarian Cancer Action UK, to launch the second AI Accelerator Grant from the Global Ovarian Cancer Research Consortium. $1 million USD plus in compute credits from Amazon Web Services are also on offer to support further and faster progress, applying AI to ovarian cancer research. The EOI for applications is now open.
It really is showtime – so much happening, it does feel like the wind is high.
As I write this, the Federal Budget will be handed down tonight, and our community will find out if the bid for the Gynaecological Cancers Transformation Initiative has been successful. If it is funded in full, it will be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shift the dial for gynae cancers – overlooked and underfunded for too long. After 18 months of lobbying with our colleagues at ANZGOG and Ovarian Cancer Australia, we are hopeful. If not tonight, we will not rest. Regardless of the outcome, I know one thing for sure – this community will not stop until these devastating diseases catch up to the progress already made in other cancers.
Determinedly yours,
Robin
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