Strengthening Cancer Care in the Solomon Islands

Professor Desmond Yip continued his longstanding partnership with the National Referral Hospital in Honiara through the fifth multidisciplinary oncology mission in October 2025.

Building on the Foundation’s initial support for cancer services in the Solomon Islands in 2016, the mission brought together specialists in oncology, pharmacy, nursing, haematology and palliative care to provide clinical support and education alongside local healthcare professionals.

The team focused on strengthening oncology nursing practice, chemotherapy safety, palliative care and clinical decision-making, supporting the continued development of the hospital’s cancer services.

A significant outcome of the Foundation’s sustained investment has been the growth of local specialist expertise, including support for Dr Andrew Soma to complete his Master of Cancer Sciences and become the Solomon Islands’ first specialist oncologist. Dr Soma now leads the National Referral Hospital’s Oncology Unit, supported by a growing team of medical and nursing professionals.

In 2026, the Foundation extended its commitment to developing local expertise by approving a further scholarship of $18,363 to support the training of a second oncology specialist. Awarded to Dr Freda Maeli, the scholarship enables her to undertake the University of Melbourne’s Master of Cancer Sciences while continuing to work at the hospital.

This investment in specialist training is an important step towards building a sustainable oncology service, strengthening local leadership and reducing reliance on visiting medical teams.

The continued progress of the service demonstrates the lasting impact of long-term partnerships, with local clinicians increasingly equipped to provide comprehensive cancer care within their own community.

Paediatric Surgical Mission – Honiara

In April 2026, an eight-member multidisciplinary volunteer team led by Dr Celine Hamid, including Foundation Members Dr Rajay Rampersad and Dr Carol Leerdam, travelled to the National Referral Hospital in Honiara to provide specialist paediatric surgical care.

During the mission, the team reviewed 44 children and performed 28 complex surgical procedures, providing life-saving treatment for young patients with limited access to specialist services.

Alongside the surgical program, the volunteers delivered practical training and mentoring for local medical, nursing and anaesthetic staff, with a focus on strengthening clinical skills and supporting the continued development of paediatric surgical services.

The mission highlighted the value of combining immediate patient care with long-term capacity building, ensuring that the benefits of each visit extend beyond the individual patients treated.

The Foundation is extremely proud of its volunteering Members, whose dedication and expertise continue to deliver meaningful medical care, support professional development and strengthen healthcare services in communities with limited resources.

The Annual Member Dinner at Lunetta Restaurant on Red Hill in December 2025 brought Members together to celebrate the year’s achievements and enjoy an evening of conversation and connection. The well-attended event provided an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and reflect on the Foundation’s continued work in the community.

In March, Members and their partners gathered at Osborn House in Bundanoon for the annual Member Weekend over the Canberra Day long weekend. Despite wet weather, the weekend provided a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the Southern Highlands, with shared meals, hiking, horse riding, yoga and time spent relaxing with colleagues.

A highlight of the weekend was the Member Forum, where participants contributed their knowledge and experience to the Foundation’s emerging philanthropic strategy. Discussions focused on the EvoHealth environmental scan, which examined unmet health and wellbeing needs across Canberra and opportunities for more targeted philanthropic investment. The forum demonstrated the value of drawing on the collective expertise of Members to help shape the Foundation’s future direction.

In July, the Foundation introduced monthly Friday Socials as a new way for Members to connect in a relaxed, informal setting. Held at Cork & Glass in Yarralumla, the gatherings provided an opportunity to catch up outside the Foundation’s more structured events.

Members also continued to demonstrate their commitment to the broader community through fundraising and advocacy. In August, Independent Director Bobbi Campbell led the second annual DonateLife Cycling Challenge, bringing together 32 riders, including five Foundation Members. Participating Members included Philip Chia, Julia Hoy, Carolyn Hardman, Tim Makeham and Kalyna Harasymiv. The event raised awareness of organ and tissue donation while generating approximately $15,000 in support of Street Side Medics Canberra, reflecting the generosity and community spirit of those involved.

Together, these activities reflected the breadth of Member engagement throughout the year, combining professional exchange, friendship, recreation and philanthropy. They also reinforced

the importance of the relationships and shared commitment that continue to underpin the Foundation’s work.

The Foundation’s 20th anniversary in 2026 provided an important opportunity to reflect on its history, recognise the contributions of Members and charity partners, and celebrate the impact achieved over two decades.

An important part of the anniversary program was the development of a documentary capturing the Foundation’s story, from its establishment through to the projects, partnerships and people that have shaped its evolution.

Interviews with founding and longstanding Members, brought together personal reflections and stories of the Foundation’s achievements. Additional footage captured the impact of the Foundation’s work in the community and overseas.

The documentary was prepared for its premiere at the 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner at the National Gallery of Australia on 6 November 2026, bringing together Members, charity partners and supporters to celebrate this significant milestone.

The anniversary provides an opportunity not only to recognise the Foundation’s achievements, but also to acknowledge the generosity, expertise and commitment of the Members whose contributions have shaped its first 20 years.

As the Foundation looks towards its next chapter, these relationships and shared values remain the foundation on which its future legacy will be built.

Hosted by comedian and author Jean Kittson AM, the evening commenced with a Welcome to Country by Senior Ngunnawal Elder Aunty Violet Sheridan and featured the premiere of a specially commissioned documentary tracing the Foundation’s history. Through reflections from founding and longstanding Members, alongside stories from community partners, the film celebrated the people, projects and partnerships that have shaped the Foundation since its establishment in 2006.

Guests also enjoyed live entertainment, a portrait photography lounge and a pop-up whisky tasting bar, while an interactive 20-year timeline invited Members and guests to contribute their own memories and reflections, creating a shared record of the Foundation’s journey.

The evening provided a special opportunity to acknowledge the vision of the Foundation’s founders, the leadership of its Directors and the generosity and commitment of Members whose contributions have made 20 years of giving possible. It also recognised the many charity partners who have worked alongside the Foundation to improve health and wellbeing outcomes in Canberra and beyond.

More than a celebration of past achievements, the Gala was a reminder of the strength of the relationships and shared purpose that underpin the Foundation’s work. As the Foundation enters its third decade, this legacy of generosity, collaboration and community service provides a strong foundation for the years ahead.