United to turn fear into hope through action
February 11, 2025
The 11th Teal Ribbon Parliamentary breakfast on Tuesday 11 February, at Parliament House in Canberra brought together a diverse group of advocates including patients, families, politicians, charities and NGOs – including representatives from OCRF. Hosted by Ovarian Cancer Australia, the event aims to highlight the ongoing need for greater awareness, expansion of care, more effective treatments – and fundamentally - more research.
As many in our community know all too well, ovarian cancer is inextricably linked to fear. Speaking as a beneficiary of the vital support offered by Ovarian Cancer Australia, Georgie Beck – also an OCRF Ambassador – spoke powerfully and passionately about the unrelenting shadow of fear that ovarian cancer has shed on her life.
Fear when diagnosed, fear of the treatments and side effects, fear of pain, fear of recurrence, fear for her children and family. Georgie described OCA’s support nurses as ‘teal angels’ – providing care and support at every turn. And, as a passionate ambassador for the OCRF she urged more support for research and clinical trials: “the only way we can change that fear into hope”.
Pictured left to right: Robin Penty and Georgie Beck
OCA CEO, Debbie Shiell’s heartfelt speech expressed sentiments we share at OCRF – stories such as Georgie’s are not told at Parliament House to gain sympathy – they are urgent calls for action. “The scale of the issue is not a reason to hesitate, but a reason to act.”
It was fantastic to see ongoing bi-partisan support for the cause with attendance by The Hon Ged Kearney Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Senator Marielle Smith and Senator the Hon Anne Ruston who commented on the collective goodwill in the room: “Some things are above fighting over. Women need to be united on their health. We must, and will, do more.”
“OCRF is committed to working in partnership with our peer organisations locally and internationally. No single organisation can tackle this alone, so we must unite and bring collective strengths, skills, knowledge and perspectives to achieve our shared goals,” commented Robin Penty, OCRF CEO after the breakfast, which was followed by joint advocacy briefing meetings with government officials. “Together we are stronger and a more powerful force for change - and there’s no doubt this is being noticed. Momentum is building, we have garnered attention, and I am confident that change is coming.”
Pictured left to right: Robin Penty, CEO OCRF, Debbie Shiell, CEO OCA, Alison Evans, CEO ANZGOG
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