Community & Business
27 May, 2026
Ovarian cancer talk
LEADING voices in ovarian cancer research and care will join fundraising campaigner Amy Braes for a free event at the Mareeba International Club on June 6 to raise awareness about the vital work to improve late diagnosis of the illness.
It’s the first event since Ms Braes, a local shire councillor, began a $1 million fundraising campaign over a year, following her online buzz-cut.
She will share her deeply personal story, which inspired her ‘Start the chat. Build the buzz.’ campaign for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.
Attendees will also hear from guest speakers Professor Carlos Salomon-Gallo and Dr Shabnam Gujadhur.
Professor Salomon-Gallo is a translational scientist dedicated to changing the story of ovarian cancer from late, devastating diagnoses to early detection and survivorship.
As a Professor at The University of Queensland and Director of the UQ Centre for Extracellular Vesicle Nanomedicine, he leads internationally recognised research developing blood-based biomarkers, including OCRF 7, designed to detect ovarian cancer at its earliest stages and improve survival for women.
Dr Gujadhur, a recipient of the 2025 World Ovarian Cancer Coalition Impact Award, is recognised internationally for her contribution to awareness and advocacy.
Diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 30 while working as a junior doctor at Gold Coast University Hospital, Dr Gujadhur has since transformed her personal experience into a powerful platform for change.
Now pursuing specialist training in oncology, she is driven by a clear purpose: to improve outcomes for women through earlier detection, greater awareness, and stronger investment in research.
As an ambassador for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation, Dr Gujadhur focuses on empowering women, reducing stigma, and ensuring that conversations about ovarian cancer are both more visible and more culturally informed.
A panel discussion will be held after the presentations.
Beginning at 11am (with doors opening at 10.45am) until 12.30pm, the event is on Saturday 6 June at the International Club.
Guests are invited to continue the conversation with the Lions Club of Mareeba hosting a complimentary sausage sizzle, served from 12:30pm.
“This is an opportunity to learn and to build the momentum which will go well beyond Mareeba,” Ms Braes said.
“The event will appeal to women, families, community members, and those working across health and medical fields, and to anyone interested in supporting meaningful progress in ovarian cancer research”.
“It’s very much an awareness event, but people can also donate to the campaign on the day with QR codes around the room,” Ms Braes said.
To book, visit https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1585792
