Morning Tea in support of the Leukaemia Foundation’s 50th Anniversary

Leukaemia Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Mr Chris Tanti; Board Members Dr Ange Milligan and Ms Jane Hancock; Honorary Life Members; staff, supporters, patients and carers; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Original Custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera people, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to any First Nations people here this morning.

Graeme and I are delighted to welcome you to Government House this morning where we gather to formally acknowledge and celebrate the 50^th anniversary of Australia’s leading blood cancer charity, the Leukaemia Foundation.

From its humble beginnings in 1975, the Leukaemia Foundation has grown into a national force – raising vital funds in order to commission ground-breaking research, improve support for patients, and advocate for better care and treatment options for the thousands of Australians who face the daunting journey of blood cancer.

Bridging the health divide between people living in metropolitan and regional areas has been a particular area of focus, and I commend the Foundation’s efforts to ensure that every Queenslander, no matter where they live has access to equitable treatment and support.

Through its efforts over the past five decades the Foundation has become a trusted leader in the provision of blood cancer research, advice and treatment.  

As we know, blood cancer is a significant public health issue. An estimated one-in-twelve Australians will be diagnosed with blood cancer in their lifetime. Yet public awareness of the disease and its symptoms remains relatively low.

This morning’s event is of course particularly timely as September is “Blood Cancer Awareness month.” This is a global initiative which seeks to raise awareness of blood cancer and to educate people about its signs and symptoms.

Of course, raising awareness of the disease has always been at the heart of the Foundation’s mission, as has fundraising. Many people are aware of the Foundation’s iconic fundraising initiative the “World’s Greatest Shave.”  But perhaps what they might not know, is that thanks to generous donors, sponsors, corporate partnerships and government funding, the Foundation has raised well over 300 million dollars to date, which is a truly remarkable achievement.

These fundraising efforts are more than just numbers. For blood cancer patients they represent lives saved, hopes restored, and futures made possible.

Equally inspiring is the Foundation’s commitment to evidence-based research.  I commend the Foundation for committing more than 61 million dollars to date towards blood cancer research and, importantly, for coordinating a national approach which ensures research outcomes are translated into clinical trials, clinical practice and new treatments which benefit patients.

By investing in cutting-edge science and supporting the brightest minds in medical innovation, the Foundation has helped transform blood cancer from a once-terminal diagnosis into a condition that, for many, is now treatable and survivable. This progress is nothing short of extraordinary.

I extend my gratitude to the Foundation, its leadership team, staff and supporters for their unwavering dedication to improving the lives of blood cancer patients. The work you do matters deeply to all of us.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, I congratulation on you on 50 years of extraordinary service.  May the decades ahead be filled with even greater breakthroughs, and the ultimate triumph over blood cancer.