“Community is much more than belonging to something, it’s about doing something together that makes belonging matter” Brian Solis
As a long-standing Community Partner of more than 25 years, Pharmacy 777 was proud to join Cancer Council WA to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of Western Australia’s best and brightest cancer researchers at the 2026 Research Awards held last month at The Westin Perth on Friday 18th September.
The event was an assembly of supporters of Cancer Council WA, all with a shared vision to make a difference to people impacted by cancer and the hope of a cancer free future.
This year’s theme “the power of you” highlights what a collaborative effort truly means in progressing research to take on cancer. Together, helping to advance discovery in understanding cancer better, and finding new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat it; ultimately improving health outcomes.
For more than 60 years, Cancer Council WA has brought together the state’s brightest research minds and a community who support them.
The event was attended by Cancer Council WA Patron, His Excellency the Honourable Chris Dawson AC APM, Governor of Western Australia; Cancer Council WA CEO, Ashley Reid; Cancer Council WA President, Professor Caroline Finch AO; Research Grants Advisory Committee Chair, Associate Professor Peter Franklin; and other distinguished guests.
Pharmacy 777 Group CEO Jason Brotherson said, “We are proud to be involved with Cancer Council WA to see the remarkable progress in research, prevention and treatments for cancer.
It’s seeing us band together which really shows the power of community; including supporting organisations and health professionals such as ours at Pharmacy 777, the individual community supporters and donors, Cancer Council WA Team and researchers. We are all part of a cancer patient’s care team with the shared goal to support our community better, with better investment in health care.
From researchers with many years of dedication, through to the researchers of the future who will make new discoveries, we are all committed to the same cause.”
As an example of emerging research, the 777 team was pleased to meet Maryke Mohnke - Opens in new tab, from Edith Cowan University who was awarded a 2026 Student Vacation Research Scholarship in her work on making better laboratory models to speed up ovarian cancer treatments. Maryke is part of a team exploring how a type of thyroid hormone receptor affects cancer cells, to help scientists develop new targeted treatments. This research could lead to a bigger project to explore therapies for ovarian cancer before moving to patient trials.
“Receiving the Student Vacation Research Scholarship was an incredible opportunity to gain hands-on experience in ovarian cancer research at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research. The experience allowed me to learn from an amazing research team and ultimately influenced my decision to continue with the team for my Master by Research, undertaking a follow-on project that will allow me to investigate this area further,” said Maryke.
Also among the successful recipients of Cancer Council WA’s 2026 Research Funding Program was John Curtin Distinguished Emeritus Professor Lin Fritschi - Opens in new tab, who received the 2026 Professor Bruce Armstrong Cancer Research Career Achievement Award for her lifelong leadership in cancer research and her influential work as a cancer epidemiologist and public health physician investigating workplace carcinogens.
Her landmark studies and internationally used OccIDEAS exposure-assessment tool have helped change practice, improve worker safety, inform policy in Australia and overseas, including evidence supporting the national ban on engineered stone, and preventing cancer before it develops.
Lin’s work has made a global impact while her supervision of more than 30 research students and mentorship of numerous early-career researchers has built a legacy in cancer prevention and public health.
Cancer Council WA CEO, Ashley Reid said Cancer Council WA’s research funding program was only possible through the generosity of the WA community and the support of the State Government. “In 2025/26, together we contributed more than $4.1 million towards cancer research taking place right here in WA,” he said.
“Since 1963 Cancer Council WA’s Research Funding Program has invested more than $73 million across 1387 research projects in WA.”
Currently, almost one in two Australians will be diagnosed with cancer by the age of 85 and we now understand that at least one-third of cancers can be prevented*.
Continued investment in high quality, local research is vital to strengthen research capability, support emerging discoveries and maximise opportunities for improved patient care.
See more of the incredible research projects being funded this year in the Research Awards 2026 booklet - Opens in new tab or click here - Opens in new tab to view all 2026 successful cancer researchers and their projects.
Together, we all have the power to make a difference.
If you are interested in joining Pharmacy 777 in supporting Cancer Council WA, visit donate.cancerwa.asn.au - Opens in new tab. With your help, in support of all West Australians affected by cancer, Cancer Council WA offer a range of practical and emotional support services, and cancer-related information:
- Qualified professionals are available to listen on the free Cancer Connect helpline on 13 11 20
- Cancer Connect https://connect.cancer.org.au/ - Opens in new tab
- Find out more at cancerwa.asn.au - Opens in new tab
