Cancer Council WA has been recognised as one of the state’s leading charities, receiving the prestigious Not for Profit/Charity of the Year Award at the 2025 WA Business News Awards.
The honour acknowledges Cancer Council WA’s significant impact on reducing the incidence and impact of cancer across the state, and its long-standing commitment to building a cancer free future for all West Australians.
CEO, Ashley Reid, said the award reflects decades of dedication from staff, volunteers, donors, partners and the wider community.
“This award belongs to every West Australian who has supported us, fundraised for us, or relied on our services during their cancer journey.
“As a community-funded organisation that raises more than $10 million each year through philanthropy and fundraising, we rely on the generosity of our state. This recognition demonstrates the trust West Australians place in us as their leading cancer charity.”
Over the past 18 months, Cancer Council WA has delivered several major milestones:
- 41,000 nights of subsidised accommodation provided at Crawford and Milroy Lodges in 2025, valued at over $8.2 million, helping regional patients access timely treatment, with 91% of guests saying they would not have accessed treatment as early without this service.
- 13 11 20 Cancer Information and Support Line responded to 3,140 calls, providing more than 14,480 minutes of support from qualified health professionals.
- Make Smoking History celebrated 25 years, contributing to adult smoking rates falling from 24% to 10.9%, with its campaigns used globally in countries including the USA, Canada, England and Singapore.
- More than $65 million invested in cancer research over the organisation’s history across 1,307 research projects statewide.
- A new partnership with the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund, providing an additional $5.52 million for cancer research into priority areas such as Aboriginal health and rural cancer outcomes.
- A $25 million commitment from the WA State Government to expand its accommodation facilities for regional cancer patients.
- Continued rollout of the national Cancer Navigation Service, funded by the Federal Government, improving access to cancer information and support across Australia.
Mr Reid said meeting the needs of people facing cancer in regional WA remains one of the organisation’s greatest challenges.
“Western Australia’s geography means too many regional cancer patients experience poorer outcomes simply because of where they live,” he said.
We are committed to breaking down these barriers, expanding our accommodation services, and ensuring all West Australians can access world-class care, no matter their postcode.
Cancer Council WA’s fundraising achievements continue to set national benchmarks. In 2025, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea recorded its most successful year ever in WA, raising $1.8 million through 2200 events held across the state.
Community-led events such as Daffodil Day, Relay for Life, The Longest Day and Do It For Cancer remain core to its ability to fund vital services.
Mr Reid said the 2025 WA Business News Award recognition reinforces the organisation’s responsibility to the Western Australian community.
“Every dollar donated helps us fund research, deliver prevention programs, and support people impacted by cancer every single day,” he said.
“We will continue to advocate, innovate, and stand up for West Australians, just as we always have. Our vision for a cancer free future has never felt more possible.”
