That’s a wrap: 2018 Centenary Institute Foundation Fundraising Dinner

[smartslider3 slider=6]

Surrounded by exquisite art and entranced by deep jazz beats, the 2018 Centenary Institute Foundation Fundraising Dinner went off with a bang!

Thank you to our guests, who ensured the night at the Art Gallery of NSW was a remarkable success; showcasing and supporting the life-saving work of Centenary’s most precious assets – our brilliant scientists.

A natural in front of a microphone, SBS news anchor Anton Enus was a captivating MC, sharing his own personal and very-real battle with bowel cancer to highlight the need to invest in medical research.

Special guest Michaela Maree also drew on her own story to bravely speak about her family’s experience with genetic heart disease, and how researchers, such as fellow speaker Dr Richard Bagnall, are critical to the future health of our nation.

Bonhams CEO Merryn Schriever demonstrated why she’s considered a world-class act with a gavel, auctioning-off some fabulous prizes, including a bespoke replica of Richie Benaud’s iconic commentating jacket.

Big congratulations to Dr Shweta Tikoo, who was awarded the 2018 Bank of Queensland Gender Equity Early Career Award. Dr Tikoo is currently examining the role of the immune system in combating breast cancer, and says the funding will help her to develop a deeper understanding of how the body’s defence mechanism fails to prevent cancer spread and resurgence.

The aim of the dinner was to raise funds for Future Leader Fellowships, which are critical to ensuring brilliant young scientific minds are able to continue their life-saving research, right here in Australia.

Watch Centenary’s Dr Jodie Ingles and Dr Stefan Oehlers explain why Fellowships are essential.