Key Facts:
- Cancer Australia has celebrated its 20th anniversary of national leadership in cancer control at a Parliament House event attended by Minister Butler.
- The 2026 Jeannie Ferris Awards, which recognise outstanding contributions to improving cancer outcomes, were presented to Ms Kirralee Hughes and Dr Andrea Garrett.
- Ms Kirralee Hughes, co-founder of the Mark Hughes Foundation, has helped raise more than $30 million for brain cancer research and support, including securing a $15 million commitment for a dedicated research centre at the University of Newcastle.
- Dr Andrea Garrett, a gynaecological oncologist, has improved access to cancer care for women across Queensland, particularly in rural, remote and underserved communities, including culturally safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
- A new supported placement initiative for rural, regional and remote health service leaders will be delivered through the Australian Comprehensive Cancer Network, offering two six-week placements in 2026-27 at Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
Cancer Australia has marked 20 years of national leadership in cancer control, with the announcement of new regional cancer leadership placements, as well as the recipients of the 2026 Jeannie Ferris Awards.
Minister Butler attended the event in Parliament House, Canberra, to make the announcements. The Jeannie Ferris Awards recognise individuals who have made outstanding contributions to improving outcomes for people with cancer.
The 2026 recipients are:
Members of the Community:
- Ms Kirralee Hughes is co-founder of the Mark Hughes Foundation. Her leadership has helped transform brain cancer support, research and advocacy across Australia. Under her guidance, the Foundation has raised more than $30 million, established the Brain Cancer Care Coordinator program and helped secure a $15 million commitment for the Mark Hughes Foundation Centre for Brain Cancer Research at the University of Newcastle.
Health Professionals and Researchers
- Dr Andrea Garrett is a leading gynaecological oncologist. Her work has improved access to high-quality cancer care for women across Queensland, particularly in rural, remote and underserved communities. Dr Garrett established the Queensland Trophoblast Centre and has championed innovative, culturally safe models of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
The new supported placement initiative for rural, regional and remote health service leaders will be delivered through the Australian Comprehensive Cancer Network (ACCN) in partnership with the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
Two supported six-week placements will be offered in 2026-27, providing recipients with access to expertise from two of Australia’s leading comprehensive cancer centres.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler, Minister for Health and Ageing
“I offer my congratulations to Ms Kirralee Hughes and Dr Andrea Garrett, the recipients of the 2026 Jeannie Ferris Award.”
“Their leadership, innovation and commitment to improving the lives of Australians affected by cancer reflect the values that Senator Jeannie Ferris championed throughout her life.”
“As Cancer Australia celebrates its 20th anniversary, we recognise the significant progress Australia has made in cancer prevention, screening, treatment and care.”
Quotes attributable to Professor Dorothy Keefe, CEO, Cancer Australia
“The achievements of Ms Kirralee Hughes and Dr Andrea Garrett demonstrate the profound difference that passionate and committed individuals can make to the lives of Australians affected by cancer.”
“As we look to the future, Cancer Australia remains committed to working to deliver on the goals of the Australian Cancer Plan and achieve better outcomes and experiences for all Australians affected by cancer.”
“The supported placements with Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre reflect this commitment by strengthening connections between rural, regional and remote health service leaders and Australia’s leading comprehensive cancer centres.”
Quote attributable to Kirralee Hughes
“This award reflects the many amazing people I’ve had the privilege to work with especially my husband Mark, our amazing MHF Team and all the staff at the MHF Centre for Brain Cancer Research at the University of Newcastle.”
“I am in a unique position of being the carer of someone who has brain cancer and nothing motivates you more to make a difference than this very situation. But this position comes with immense responsibility, and I’ll never lose sight of the trust that people place in us.”
Quote attributable to Dr Andrea Garrett
“Thank you, Cancer Australia. To receive the Jeannie Ferris Award is a great honour and reflects my passion for improving the lives of women diagnosed with gynaecological cancer.”
“This award also recognises the efforts of my amazing colleagues, whose dedication and commitment to advancing women’s health outcomes has inspired me throughout my career.”
About us:
Cancer Australia is the Australian Government’s national cancer control agency, leading and coordinating evidence-based action to reduce the impact of cancer and improve outcomes. In 2026, Cancer Australia marks its 20th anniversary and continues to drive national reform through delivery of the Australian Cancer Plan.
