Reception in Support of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia's 30th Anniversary

National Chairman, Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Callister AM and Board Members present and past; Foundation staff, donors and supporters; senior health, research and education leaders, including representatives from Queensland’s hospital and health services and experts in prostate cancer treatment and care; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

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

Graeme and I are delighted to welcome you to Government House in support of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s 30th anniversary. And tonight, with the House lit up in blue, we hope to help carry your important message well beyond these walls.

As Joint Patrons in Queensland, we take a deep interest in the incredible work done by all involved in the Foundation, as you endeavor to defeat this troubling and insidious disease. 

In the early days of the Foundation’s work, myths and misinformation about prostate cancer were rife, and there was a great deal of apprehension about the disease, the diagnostic process, and the treatment.

Indeed, the establishment of the organisation was based on the recognition of an urgent need to combat fear and confusion by providing clear, accurate information about prostate cancer.

With the help of vocal supporters like Roger Climpson OAM, and Max Gardner AM, the many support groups from around the country were gathered under one guiding body, which would become the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia—now the country’s leading community-based organisation for prostate cancer research, awareness and support.

Much has been achieved in the past three decades, not least the dramatic increase in survival rates for men with prostate cancer, from 60 per cent to 96 per cent.

This is a wonderful achievement, and the researchers, clinicians, and administrators involved—some of whom are here with us this evening — should be very proud of this significant progress.

However, as you will be aware, the many challenges that have been faced with this disease over the past thirty years still abound in 2026. Prostate cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. 

Each day, around 79 Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and more than 11 die from the disease.

The statistics are sobering. More alarming still, is the recent sharp rise in early-onset prostate cancer, and the deeply worrying rise in the diagnosis of younger men in their 30s and 40s.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia continues to face these stark issues with undaunted determination, recognising the ongoing need for more extensive information and detection programs; dismantling the barriers to timely diagnosis; and ensuring more equitable access to treatment across the country, especially in regional areas.

Just last month, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, in conjunction with the grant-making charity, the Profield Foundation, launched the five-year Profield Plan to address the regional survivorship gap, including by strengthening specialist nursing across rural Australia.

At the commencement of my term as Governor, I committed to visit every public hospital and health service in Queensland and recognise, in person, the extraordinary contribution of our healthcare workers and volunteers.

During the time I have spent visiting these facilities, I have been provided invaluable opportunities to hear directly from staff, patients and communities about the issues that matter most to them.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia continues to take a major role in supporting the health of Australian men and their families, galvanising the community, working towards its overarching goal: no more deaths from prostate cancer.

I have every confidence that the inspiring commitment and passion shown over the past thirty years will continue, with renewed vigour, into the future.

On behalf of all Queenslanders, congratulations to everyone involved in this vital work.