The 2024 Jeannie Ferris Award winners have been announced. See who they are.
Three Australians who have dedicated their lives and careers to cancer have been recognised this week at the 2024 Jeannie Ferris Award.
At a ceremony held at the Australian Parliament House, federal health minister Mark Butler announced the winners – Kathryn Vines, Professor Deborah Bateson and Dr Florian Honeyball.
The award recognises individuals who have made outstanding contributions to improving equity in cancer outcomes for people affected by cancer in two categories, including Members of the Community and Health Professionals and Researchers.
The community category award went to Ms Vines, co-founder of Rare Cancers Australia. Ms Vines has made significant strides in advocating for and supporting those affected by rare cancers, providing vital resources and raising public awareness.
Ms Vines said she was “delighted and honoured” to win the award.
“The creation and development of Rare Cancers Australia has been one of the proudest achievements of my life,” she said.
“From our kitchen table beginnings in 2012 we now support thousands of Australians living with rare cancers across the country. That we have been able to build a model of patient care that supports and empowers these patients is one of my greatest joys.
“I am so proud that the 360-degree care model that I created is now embedded in the DNA of RCA. This award is wonderful recognition for not only my work but for the whole RCA team now so brilliantly led by Christine Cockburn.
“My heartfelt thanks to Cancer Australia for this recognition, it is fantastic.”
Category two had two recipients this year:
- Professor Bateson, Professor of Practice at The Daffodil Centre, University of Sydney, and Adjunct Professor at the University of NSW, who was recognised for her exceptional work in cancer prevention and education.
- Dr Honeyball, a medical oncologist and clinical lecturer at the University of Sydney School of Rural Health, and chair of Cancer Services at the Western NSW Local Health District, who was honoured for his contributions to oncology care and rural health services.
Professor Bateson said the award topped off decades of work in her field.
“I am deeply grateful for this award and humbled by the way it recognises 25 years of working, together with dedicated and passionate colleagues, to help people of all backgrounds achieve their best possible sexual and reproductive health, most recently through supporting the equitable elimination of cervical cancer in our neighbouring Pacific countries and amongst people with disability across Australia,” she said.
Dr Honeyball described the award as important recognition of work being done to even the playing field for those who struggled to access cancer care and health care more broadly.
“It recognises the efforts of a huge group of people beyond myself. I am incredibly proud to receive this honour in recognition of the work that my colleagues and I have performed in Western NSW in many fields including telemedicine, remote cancer clinic co-design, tele-trials, and remote video assisted chemotherapy,” he said.
“We have measured that our work has improved access to cancer services in rural and remote Australia, but there is still a further deep gap to narrow until we achieve equal outcomes in cancer for all Australians.
“I hope that the Jeannie Ferris Award and its recipients will inspire governments, health districts, clinicians and researchers to further focus on equity in access and outcomes in health care for a fairer Australia.”
Mr Butler paid tribute to the award recipients and “the remarkable contributions of individuals dedicated to improving cancer awareness, research, and support”.
“Recognising the achievements of Ms Vines, Professor Bateson, and Dr Honeyball is a reminder of the impact that dedicated individuals can have in driving equity in healthcare,” he said.
Mr Butler said Ms Vines had demonstrated unparalleled dedication to advocating for those affected by rare cancers.
“Her efforts in providing essential resources and raising public awareness have made a significant impact on the lives of many Australians,” he said.
“Professor Deborah Bateson and Dr Florian Honeyball are exemplary professionals whose work in cancer prevention, education, and rural health services is transforming lives. Their dedication to equity in healthcare is truly inspiring.”
Professor Dorothy Keefe, CEO of Cancer Australia, said the award supported and promoted the goals of the Australian Cancer Plan, which prioritises equity in cancer care.
“By celebrating individuals who have made significant strides in this area, we are reinforcing our commitment to ensuring that every Australian, regardless of their background or location, has access to high-quality cancer care,” she said.
Since its inception in 2013, the Jeannie Ferris Award has commemorated Senator Ferris’s legacy in raising awareness of cancer. This event marks the first year of the award’s expanded scope, acknowledging efforts to improve equitable outcomes for all Australians affected by cancer. For more information visit Cancer Australia.
