Rotary teams up with Government House to promote women’s health

PICTURED: Women patients who enjoyed A morning tea at Government House. A Tribute to many who have since passed.

A Government House luncheon hosted by the Governor of Tasmania has raised more than $15,000 for the Rotary Tasmania Gynaecological Cancer Project, supporting women facing one of Australia’s most under-recognised and under-funded cancers.

On 6 March, the Governor of Tasmania, the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, hosted an International Women’s Day fundraising luncheon at Government House to support Tasmanian women with gynaecological cancer.

More than 100 people attended the luncheon, with all proceeds going to the Rotary Tasmania Gynaecological Cancer Project. More than $15,000 was raised through ticket sales.
Her Excellency said she was delighted that her third annual Governor’s International Women’s Day luncheon supported the project, having previously hosted a morning tea at Government House to celebrate its launch.

“Gynaecological cancers are the third most common group of cancers affecting Australian women, with more than 7,000 women of all ages and backgrounds impacted every year,” Her Excellency said.

“Sadly, diagnosis is often delayed, survival rates remain poor and research is underfunded.

“Each year, International Women’s Day events provide us with an important opportunity to not only advance the national dialogue on gender equality, but also to raise funds to support women locally and internationally.

“That is why I am so pleased that the funds raised at our Government House luncheon will help Tasmanian women who are facing the challenges of this insidious disease.”

The Rotary Tasmania Gynaecological Cancer Project was initiated in 2022 by Rotary Tasmania’s then District Governor Bob Calvert. He realised there was a very real need to increase community awareness and conversations around these cancers to highlight the difficulties with diagnosis and treatment to help improve survival rates.

As well as increasing awareness, the project raises funds to support Tasmanian patients in need of financial assistance to access vital treatments. They are working in partnership with the Royal Hobart Hospital, which liaises with colleagues around the state to identify those in need.

“Conversations around these cancers are often awkward, and patients travel their tough journey in a relative silence. Hence, these cancers are often referred to as the ‘silent killers’,” said Bob. “This only highlights the critical need to increase awareness to improve community knowledge and support.”

Bob said he was moved by a talk at his Rotary club from oncologist Dr Allison Black, outlining the difficulties faced by Tasmanian women with gynaecological cancer, when searching for a project to support during his year as District Governor in 2022-23.

“Such difficulties were not just limited to their trauma but also included funding pathways to support their treatments,” Bob said.

“Additionally, there was a need to raise community awareness, including amongst family and friends, of the seven gynaecological cancers.

“From thereon, I made this my project for that year and am overwhelmed that it continues to financially support those in need.

“This project fits warmly within one of Rotary International’s seven Areas of Focus, Maternal and Child Health, where the prevention and treatment of cervical cancers are rated as a priority globally.”