2023 Jeannie Ferris Cancer Australia Recognition Award
Cancer Australia has announced the two outstanding 2023 recipients of the prestigious Jeannie Ferris Cancer Australia Recognition Award for excellence in the field of gyneacological cancer, on the tenth anniversary of the Award.
Jane Hill and Professor Lewis Perrin have been recognised by Cancer Australia for their outstanding contributions and dedicated efforts to improving gyneacological cancer outcomes. as the recipients of the 2023 Jeannie Ferris Cancer Australia Recognition Award.
Awarded in the category of those with a personal experience of gynaecological cancer or as a carer (consumer), Jane Hill, CEO of Ovarian Cancer Australia and Co-Vice Chair and non-executive Director of the Ovarian Cancer World Coalition, has made a significant positive impact on people affected by ovarian cancer both in Australia and internationally. Ms. Hill has been instrumental in driving many public awareness campaigns, cross-sector collaborations, research and funding initiatives, and has demonstrated significant political awareness, savvy and advocacy.
Awarded in the category of the health professionals or researchers working in gynaecological cancer, Professor Lewis Perrin has demonstrated his significant professional dedication through an outstanding record of contributions to improving gynaecological cancer outcomes across 30 years. He has led and facilitated research in gynaecological cancers, and has mentored and trained more than 50 fellows, many who are now at the forefront of their discipline in Australia and internationally; working in Great Britain, Germany, The Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa and Ireland.
This Award was launched in 2013 and named in honour of the late Jeannie Ferris, former Senator for South Australia who was passionately committed to raising awareness about gynaecological cancer in Australia.
Senator Ferris was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in October 2005 and passed away in April 2007.
To mark the important milestone, an in-person ceremony and 10th anniversary celebration took place on Monday 13 February at Parliament House, Canberra. Attendees included senators and past recipients of the Award. Jeremy Ferris, son of Jeannie Ferris, presented the 2023 Awards.
From 2024, the future scope of the Jeannie Ferris Cancer Australia Recognition Award will be broadened to recognise and promote the value and efforts of consumers, health professionals and researchers in improving equitable outcomes for all Australians affected by all cancers, in alignment with the ten-year Australian Cancer Plan.
