Annual Report Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25)
A message from our Chairman
FY25 reinforced what makes Cure Cancer Australia Foundation (CCAF) powerful: a committed community, and a shared determination to back the best ideas in cancer research. As Chair, I am proud of the way the organisation stayed focused on what matters most: supporting brilliant emerging researchers, and ensuring CCAF remains sustainable, well governed, and accountable to the people who back our work.
A key milestone late in the year was welcoming our Chief Executive Officer, Vanessa Barry, who commenced in May. While her tenure only covered the final months of FY25, her appointment signals an exciting new chapter for CCAF. Vanessa brings fresh perspective and strong leadership, and we enter FY26 with a strong sense of optimism about the opportunities ahead, from deepening supporter experience to strengthening the ways we help promising research ideas progress.
I am also delighted to welcome two new Board members, A/Prof Liz Caldon and Kate Guest. A/Prof Caldon is a Laboratory Head at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, leading a basic and translational research program across breast and ovarian cancers, including work focused on treatment resistance. She also brings the valued perspective of a Cure Cancer alumnus, having previously received CCAF support earlier in her career. Kate brings senior risk and compliance leadership from Scentre Group, which owns and operates 42 Westfield destinations across Australia and New Zealand. Her governance and risk expertise will further strengthen the Board as we continue to build a resilient organisation with a long-term future.
To our donors, fundraisers, partners, volunteers, and researchers: thank you. Your support helps keep new ideas moving forward, and ensures talented researchers can continue their exciting and important work that leads to better outcomes for patients in the future.
Paul Umbrazunas
Chair, Cure Cancer Board of Directors
A message from our CEO
Chief Executive Officer, Cure Cancer
What your support means
Together, our FY25 December and June appeals raised more than $200,000 for pioneering cancer research. That's the equivalent of around 2,667 hours in the lab, led by emerging researchers who are pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo.
Just as importantly, these appeals gave our community powerful stories to rally around, thanks to incredible patient advocates, such as Natalie Diepenhorst and Dom Scoleri, who shared their lived experience with such honesty and generosity, motivated purely by the hope of greater awareness and better outcomes for others.
Natalie's bowel cancer story reminded us why earlier detection matters, and connected directly to donor impact: she works alongside Cure Cancer-funded researcher Dr Peter Georgeson, who is developing a personalised screening approach using genetic data to identify people at higher risk, helping ensure screening happens earlier and more effectively.
The achievements you have made possible in FY25
Total fundraising revenue and donations
Revenue by campaign FY25
FY25 Highlights
11 grants awarded to innovative cancer research projects on World Cancer Day
On the 4th of Feb 2025, World Cancer Day, Cure Cancer proudly announced funding for 11 innovative research projects that place patients at the centre of cancer care. In alignment with the year’s theme 'United by Unique', Cure Cancer celebrates the power of unity in advancing solutions for all cancers while recognising the unique needs of individuals impacted by the disease. Read more.
Cure Cancer named a Gold Winner at the Better Future Australian Design Awards 2025
Cure Cancer was proud to be recognised as a Gold winner at the Better Future Australian Design Awards 2025 for our refreshed brand identity, created in partnership with Principals. The award celebrated a bold, community-first design system built to help our message cut through, and invite more Australians to back brilliant cancer research led by emerging researchers. Read more.
2025 Researcher of the Year Awards
Held at Government House, Sydney, on 16 June 2025, our annual Researcher of the Year Reception brought together researchers, donors, volunteers, ambassadors, and friends to celebrate the ideas, and people, shaping the future of cancer research. A/Prof Shuai Li was named Cure Cancer Researcher of the Year 2025, with Dr Mohamed Saad and Dr Heather Murray recognised as runners-up. We also honoured two outstanding community champions with Cure Cancer Inspire Awards: Edwin (Eddy) Agcaoili and Chef Adam Moore. Read more.
A snapshot of some of the projects you have helped fund
Cancer types funded since 1967
Let's stay in touch
To receive updates on our work, campaigns and our impact in cancer research, subscribe to our newsletter.
