Robin's Reflections – February 2026
February 04, 2026
This year’s Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month feels different to the last couple of years. I’ve just returned from two days in Canberra as part of our advocacy push for the Gynaecological Cancer Transformation Initiative (GCTI) and I’d like to reflect on this experience with you.
First up, let’s celebrate the clear-sighted, purposeful, sector-wide collaboration we’ve fostered with Ovarian Cancer Australia, ANZGOG, you, researchers, and other valued partners, since 2023-24. In a way it seems bleedingly obvious, to say that we’re Stronger Together - but in this case, no truer words!
What a difference it’s made for our sector to put forward a sound, well-costed solution for reform, and to lobby with a shared agenda for important and long-overdue investment in gynaecological cancers - so-called ‘rare and less common’ cancers.
Government leaders tell us they have waited years for our sector to come together and advocate collectively, and I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT!
Also, did you know that the AIHW has recently released new data and reclassified ovarian cancer? It is now categorized as a “common cancer for females”.
Not so rare after all, sadly.
Therefore, I was delighted to attend Ovarian Cancer Australia’s Teal Breakfast on World Cancer Day at Parliament House last week, to trumpet our case for support, and to listen to Elsa Lauren and OCA CEO Deb Shiell speak with centered eloquence about the troubling experiences, profound family losses, and persistent gaps in medical research, clinical trials, and comprehensive care for ovarian cancer patients.
Women’s bodies are incredible but no woman should have to endure what these women have gone through.
Pictured (L-R): Alison Evans, CEO ANZGOG, Debbie Shiell, CEO OCA, Rebecca White MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Robin Penty, CEO OCRF.
So, this is my hot take after spending two days together with government, advisors, and your advocates:
1. Our current government supporters are in strong alignment and support of our bid. Tick!
2. It was music to my EARS to hear David Pocock MP, Monique Ryan MP, Allegra Spender MP and Zali Steggall MP talk about investing in funding ovarian cancer research in the HANSARD. Wow! Mamma mia!
3. However. It’s still a hard road to secure this kind of funding injection in a tight fiscal environment.
So, continued advocacy and collective action is essential, not optional, this OCAM. I encourage you to seek a meeting with your local MP to talk about the urgent need to fund the GCTI; send a letter about your own experience with this disease one of our Ministers [template here for your use]; and firmly and fairly demonstrate to them that:
- We are working together.
- We have put forward a coordinated and impactful solution.
- We know what we’re talking about; and,
- We are not going away.
Enough said. Bring on #OCAM2026!
You know what to do now.
Robin
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