The power of giving

Philanthropy has always been close to my heart. I believe that when we are in a position to help others, we have a responsibility to do so. In Australia, we are fortunate to live in a country with strong communities, but there are still many people facing hardship—whether it’s due to illness, financial struggles, or a lack of opportunities. That’s where philanthropy makes a real difference.

For me, philanthropy isn’t just about donating money—it’s about creating lasting change. Whether it’s funding critical medical research, supporting programs for vulnerable youth, or providing opportunities for Indigenous employment, the goal is always the same: to uplift and empower others. Through my work with the Epworth Medical Foundation, Lighthouse Foundation, and the Kids Cancer Project, I’ve seen firsthand how targeted support can transform lives.

One of the most rewarding aspects of philanthropy is seeing the ripple effect it creates. A single act of generosity can lead to improved healthcare, stronger communities, and better education for future generations. It’s not just about immediate relief—it’s about building a better future.

But philanthropy isn’t limited to large donations or corporate giving. Every person has the power to contribute, whether by volunteering time, mentoring someone in need, or supporting local initiatives. Small, consistent efforts can have just as much impact as large-scale giving.

I encourage everyone to find a cause they are passionate about and take action. Giving back isn’t just about helping others—it’s about strengthening the fabric of our society. When we invest in our communities, we create a future where opportunity, support, and kindness are available to all. And that, to me, is what truly defines success.

GJK's 40 years of service, connection, and kindness

This year, GJK Facility Services marks a significant milestone: 40 years of service. As I look back on this journey, I’m filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the incredible people, stories, and moments that have brought us here.

Our teams from across NSW and Victoria gathered for a special morning tea to celebrate this occasion. It was a chance for us to come together, not just to raise a glass of champagne and share a few laughs, but to reflect on the journey we’ve all been a part of.

One of the highlights for me was walking down memory lane with old photos and stories. It reminded me of the early days, when GJK was just a small team with big dreams. Those years were full of challenges, but they were also full of determination, resilience, and a vision for what we could achieve. It was humbling to share those stories with our team, many of whom have been with us for decades and have contributed so much to our growth and success.

As we celebrated, we also looked ahead to what’s next. I’m incredibly proud to announce the launch of our ‘40 Acts of Service’ campaign: a year-long initiative focused on giving back through meaningful contributions to our communities, sustainability, wellbeing, and kindness. This campaign is not just about marking an anniversary; it’s about living our values and continuing to make a positive impact in the world around us.

I want to take this moment to sincerely thank our people, partners, and community for your trust, support, and collaboration over the years. Your dedication and spirit have been the foundation of everything we’ve achieved together.

Here’s to 40 years of service, and to the many acts of kindness and connection that lie ahead.

Reflections on 40 years: wearing every hat, sharing every success

As the company I founded, GJK Facility Services, celebrates 40 years of operation, I find myself reflecting not only on how far we’ve come, but also on the values and people who have shaped our journey.

When I started GJK, it was just me, wearing many hats - cleaner, bookkeeper, salesperson, HR. In those early days, the vision was simple: to build a business that provided quality service while creating opportunities for others. I could never have imagined that today, GJK would employ more than 4000 people across Australia and New Zealand.

Yet, for me, the numbers were never the true measure of success. The heart of our journey has always been about people; about offering a pathway to dignity, opportunity, and inclusion.

I’m particularly proud of our Housing Commission Employment Pilot Program, developed in partnership with the Victorian Government and the Brotherhood of St. Laurence. This initiative created structured job pathways for long-term unemployed tenants in public housing. It’s been recognised internationally, but what matters most to me is knowing that it has given many individuals and families a fresh start.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to support philanthropic causes that align with my belief that when we uplift others, we all move forward. Whether through scholarships for women rebuilding their lives after domestic violence, support for First Nations businesses, or funding vital equipment to advance medical care, my goal has always been to contribute in a way that brings lasting, positive change.

One philanthropic project close to my heart is supporting an AI eye-imaging machine that helps detect diabetic retinopathy in pregnant women, allowing for earlier intervention and potentially preventing blindness. I’ve also been humbled to support organisations like The Lighthouse Foundation, Dress for Success, and countless others that work tirelessly to create brighter futures for those in need.

These contributions are not mine alone. They represent the combined efforts of so many people within GJK, among our partners, and across the communities we serve. The real heroes are those who dedicate their lives to creating a more equitable and supportive world, often with little recognition.

Alongside GJK’s work, I’ve been privileged to serve on various boards and councils, contributing my voice to conversations that shape our industries and communities. Each role has been an opportunity to learn, collaborate, and hopefully, to make a difference.

In 2022, I was deeply honoured to be appointed a Member of the Order of Australia. It’s a recognition that I share with everyone who has been part of this journey, because every success we’ve had has been built together.

As we look ahead, GJK is launching our ‘40 Acts of Service’ campaign to mark this milestone year. It’s our way of saying thank you and of continuing to give back, through community support, sustainability initiatives, wellbeing projects, and simple acts of kindness.

I’m grateful to our people, our partners, and the communities who have trusted us over the past 40 years. Together, we’ve built something that I hope will continue to grow and serve for many years to come.

Mother's Day: strength & selflessness

Mother’s Day is more than just a day to give flowers or gifts—it’s an opportunity to reflect on and appreciate the incredible women who shape our lives. Whether it’s a mother, grandmother, mentor, or someone who has provided guidance and care, this day is about recognising the strength, resilience, and unconditional love that mothers embody.

The values of family, respect, and giving back have always been central to my life and work. I have been fortunate to see the profound impact that strong, caring women have on families, businesses, and communities. In both personal and professional settings, I have witnessed how the values instilled by mothers—kindness, perseverance, and a deep sense of responsibility—influence the way we lead, work, and support one another.

At GJK Facility Services, we understand that a truly inclusive and supportive workplace acknowledges the vital role that family plays in all our lives. That’s why we continue to create opportunities and flexible work environments that allow our employees—many of whom are working mothers—to balance their careers and family commitments. Recognising and supporting women in the workforce is one of the best ways we can honour the spirit of Mother’s Day beyond just a single day of celebration.

This Mother’s Day, I encourage everyone to take a moment to truly appreciate the women who have made a difference in their lives. A simple thank you, a shared meal, or a heartfelt conversation can mean more than any material gift. Let’s celebrate the strength, love, and sacrifice of mothers everywhere—not just today, but every day.

Lest we forget

Anzac Day, observed each year on April 25, is one of Australia’s most significant days of remembrance. It is a time to honour the courage, sacrifice, and resilience of the men and women who have served—and continue to serve—our country.

For me, Anzac Day is deeply personal. It’s a reminder of the values that have shaped Australia: mateship, perseverance, and looking out for one another. These are the same values that guide me in both business and life. Whether in the trenches of Gallipoli or in today’s armed forces, the Anzac spirit represents courage in the face of adversity and a deep commitment to something greater than oneself.

Each year, I take time to reflect on the sacrifices made by those who came before us. Attending the Dawn Service is always a moving experience—the quiet moments before sunrise, the sound of the bugle, and the shared sense of respect among Australians from all walks of life. It’s a powerful reminder of the freedoms we enjoy today because of the dedication and bravery of our servicemen and women.

At GJK Facility Services, we honour the Anzac spirit by embracing the values of community, resilience, and inclusiveness. We believe that supporting others—whether in business, philanthropy, or daily life—is one of the best ways to pay tribute to those who fought for a better future.

I encourage everyone to take a moment this Anzac Day to reflect, attend a service, or simply say "Lest We Forget." It’s not just about remembering history—it’s about ensuring that the legacy of our Anzacs continues to inspire and unite us as a nation.

Investing in the future of nursing

It was a great honour to host the Epworth Medical Foundation Scholarship Awards last week—an event filled with pride, gratitude, and hope for the future of healthcare.

This year, 57 scholarships were awarded to nurses across Epworth, thanks to the generosity of our donor community. These scholarships reflect our shared belief in the importance of nurturing the next generation of nurses and midwives, an investment not only in individuals, but in the future care of every patient who walks through Epworth’s doors.

At the heart of this effort is the Brookes Academy, Nursing and Midwifery at Epworth, one of the most ambitious projects in the organisation’s 105-year history. The Academy is dedicated to advancing nursing and midwifery by strengthening the extraordinary talent we already have, while also creating clear education pathways for those to come. It’s about providing our nurses with the tools, knowledge and confidence to lead with both skill and compassion.

My wife Jaqui Maree and I were privileged to award two scholarships funded through the Stamas Family Scholarships I had the pleasure of presenting these to two outstanding nurses from Epworth Eastern, Bianca Chambers and Renee Chrysicos.

Bianca will use her scholarship to undertake a Graduate Certificate in Intensive Care Nursing, equipping her with advanced skills to care for critically ill patients in ICU and high dependency units. Renee will complete a Graduate Certificate in Perioperative Nursing, strengthening her already exceptional ability to care for patients before, during, and after surgery.

Both Bianca and Renee exemplify what makes Epworth’s nursing community so special: dedication, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Supporting them is not just a privilege, but a responsibility we proudly embrace.

L-R: George Stamas, AM; Bianca Chambers; Jaqui Maree Stamas; Professor Andrew Stripp (Epworth HealthCare CEO)

L-R: George Stamas, AM; ReneeChrysicos; Jaqui Maree Stamas; Professor Andrew Stripp (Epworth HealthCare CEO)

Embracing diversity, building inclusion

Harmony Week kicks off today and runs all week. This week—and every week—is a time to reflect on and celebrate the incredible diversity that makes Australia such a vibrant and dynamic country. It’s about inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging: values that are not only at the heart of our national identity but also the foundation of strong communities and businesses.

As a member of a proud migrant family, inclusiveness has always meant more to me than just a concept—it’s a guiding principle in both my personal and professional life. As someone who has built a business that thrives on diversity, I’ve seen firsthand how different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences create stronger, more innovative teams. At GJK Facility Services, we are proud to employ people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, and we’ve always believed that an inclusive workplace leads to better outcomes for everyone.

Harmony Week is also closely tied to the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (IDERD) on 21 March. This day serves as an important reminder that embracing diversity is not just about celebration—it’s about taking action to eliminate barriers, challenge discrimination, and ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute and succeed.

The theme of Harmony Week—"Everyone Belongs"—resonates deeply with me. Whether in business or broader society, creating environments where people feel valued and heard is critical. That’s why we actively support employment initiatives for Indigenous Australians, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and those who have faced barriers to opportunity.

I encourage everyone to take part in Harmony Week—whether by wearing orange, attending an event, or simply taking the time to learn about different cultures. Because when we embrace diversity, we don’t just strengthen our communities—we build a better future for all.

Happy Harmony Week!

Celebrating the women of GJK

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women who make a difference at GJK Facility Services within our operational teams right through to our senior leaders.

We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace empowers everyone to thrive. The women of GJK bring unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that strengthen our team and drive our success. They continue to inspire us with their enthusiasm, dedication, and passion for equality, ensuring that we move forward as a team united in our values.

To the women of GJK and women everywhere—thank you for your leadership, your dedication, and your unwavering pursuit of equality.

Insights from the TEFMA Leaders Forum

At GJK Facility Services, we’re passionate about supporting the tertiary education sector with innovative solutions and industry leadership. As a proud sponsor of the TEFMA Leaders Forum, we had the privilege of attending this year’s event in Sydney, where senior leaders and professionals from across the sector came together to collaborate, share insights, and explore the future of education.

The Forum provided a fantastic opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and connect with industry peers who share our commitment to excellence. It was inspiring to see thought leaders and decision-makers working together to tackle the challenges and opportunities facing tertiary institutions today.

With years of experience partnering with Australia’s leading universities and colleges, we understand the complexities of maintaining world-class educational facilities. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional service that supports our clients in creating outstanding learning environments.

Being part of this event reinforced our commitment to shaping the future of tertiary education through innovation, collaboration, and industry best practices. We’re excited about the road ahead and look forward to continuing our support for the sector, ensuring that students and educators thrive in well-maintained, efficient, and inspiring spaces.

The Mackenzie legacy

The late Roy and Joan Mackenzie were two of the most impactful, dedicated and important philanthropists in the more-than 100-year history of Epworth HealthCare. I was greatly honoured to be asked to give the closing remarks at the Mackenzie Dinner at Epworth last month, and I shared a little more about that in an earlier post.

However, I wanted to take a moment today to share a little more about this extraordinary couple, who worked so hard in their lives, to give so much to others for generations to come. Their philanthropic example is inspiration to us all.

Roy and Joan Mackenzie believed deeply in the pursuit of knowledge. They believed in the people of Epworth Hospital, and the legacy they created across our hospitals is a true reflection of this.

“One of the things I first noticed when I came into Epworth was how staff were to one another - they were so nice to each other! I realised that there was a friendship here. They really did care,” Joan once shared.

And it is this fondness for Epworth that led Roy and Joan to establish the Mackenzie Endowment Fund, which was initially used to fund the renovation of the Roy and Joan Mackenzie Library at Epworth Richmond, including the ongoing funding of digital and print resources for the library.

Roy and Joan knew that if you have the best people in a hospital, you're going to be able to give the best care. This led to the establishment of the Roy and Joan Mackenzie Staff Scholarships which are awarded each and every year in their honour.

Through their bequest, Roy and Joan expanded this important endowment to help fund the Brookes Academy, where nurses and midwives will be supported to grow their clinical, leadership, education, and research skills.

Epworth named the Mackenzie Dinner in Roy and Joan’s honour as they believed it represented Roy’s and Joan’s dedication to the education and development of our staff, and their passion for ensuring the community receives the very best care.

Furthermore, with thanks to Roy and Joan’s generosity, the funding for the Mackenzie Dinner was perpetually endowed. This was because Roy and Joan believed in the power and importance of celebrating philanthropy and the difference that it makes.

This legacy of searching for new and better ways to care continues today. These competitive funding grants for innovative projects will transform the way that care and services are provided at Epworth HealthCare.

Watch a lovely video sharing more of Roy’s and Joan’s life and legacy here.

Protecting Aussie retirement investments

As Australia’s population ages, and the cost-of-living squeeze puts ever-increasing pressure on household budgets, the performance of superannuation savings can have a profound impact on the quality of life that each of us is able to enjoy for decades into retirement.

To maintain this high performance for its members, AustralianSuper invests heavily in “real assets,” that is, physical, tangible assets, such as real estate, natural resources, commodities, and natural resources.

However, when the value and performance of an investment relies on the value and upkeep of a physical asset, it becomes absolutely imperative that that asset is maintained and even improved to the highest standard.

I believe the facilities management industry plays a crucial role in enhancing and preserving the value of real assets.

This is why I was so pleased to represent AustralianSuper at the recent 2024 Facilities Management Industry Awards gala dinner in the Grand Hyatt, Melbourne, taking the opportunity to honour the hard work and dedication of the individuals, teams and companies who maintain these assets.

This important work is helping to protect the retirement income of millions of hard-working Australians. After all, AustralianSuper has 3.4 million members, and their superannuation investments contribute capital for significant development and maintenance of assets, ultimately bolstering the Australian economy.

The growth in the value of property assets not only benefits the community but also serves the interests of property managers and investors. Over the previous 12 months to 30th June, 2024 AustralianSuper delivered a return of 8.46 percent in the balanced investment option.

Insights for AustralianSuper 2025

During the FM Industry Awards, I also had the opportunity to share some insights into AustralianSuper’s investment focus for FY25. This includes:

• Strengthening our team’s International Equities and Cash Portfolio Management to manage more assets-internally

• Building our private equity team to manage investment resources more effectively, and achieve higher returns

• Continuing to grow our internal mid risk teams in New York and London to support international and investments

• Sustainability will remain a top priority as it enhances efficiency and aligns with regulatory, community, and member expectations

AustralianSuper is proud to collaborate with the Facilities Management Association in supporting events and activities that bring value to its members.

We are privileged to collaborate with the FMA’s CEO Nic Burt and other Employer Groups and Unions on the Vulnerable Members Advisory Council. This initiative aims to identify, develop, and inform AustralianSuper management on initiatives and considerations for vulnerable members, ensuring better member outcomes.

The Advisory Council provides feedback and guidance on the Fund's approach to unpaid superannuation, and facilitates education and engagement opportunities for AustralianSuper in relevant industries or cohorts.

I am also proud to share that AustralianSuper is committed to removing the barriers of financial inclusion that face some of its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members, to better understand and access their super.

We offer a range of support services, including a dedicated phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members who can speak to a specialist colleague with cultural training, and an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander interpreter service. Members can book an appointment with the fund and an interpreter in one of many First nations languages a six part radio series called Australian Super Made Easy, in English and Western Arrernte which is available to download

Moreover, during the previous 12 months AustralianSuper has insourced its management-of-death claims through a new dedicated Bereavement Centre, so members beneficiaries receive the support, empathy and compassion they expect and deserve at these difficult times.

Donors fund $1.7m "innovation grants" at Epworth

I have been connected with Epworth HealthCare, a private, not-for-profit hospital group, for many years. Over that time, I continue to be amazed by the talent of the staff and doctors within all Epworth hospitals.

The desire of the staff to develop, learn and grow is exceptional, and as a Director of the Epworth Medical Foundation, I am proud that we can provide many hundreds of opportunities for dedicated and outstanding staff at Epworth to excel in their chosen fields.

Earlier this week, the Epworth Medical Foundation hosted a dinner for more than 550 members of the Epworth Community. Named in honour of two generous donors to Epworth, the late Roy and Joan Mackenzie, the dinner also marked the presentation of 75 individual grants - valued at more than $1.7 million - to support research, innovation and medical education at Epworth.

These grants are funded in their entirety by donations, which is a powerful testament to the foresight and generosity of the people of Melbourne, to invest in the future of medical excellence.

I was privileged to speak at this event, and it was made even more special because so many of the donors and supporters within our community were with us on the night to see their awards being presented, and to meet the worthy recipients who will use them to make a powerful difference to their patients.

The generosity and commitment of these donors to Epworth staff means those recipients will undertake experiences and opportunities that simply would not have been possible without these grants.

Epworth is special place and is made up of an incredibly diverse range of roles and employees. To see such a diverse pool of recipients, roles and projects receiving these grants demonstrates all of the incredible people that care for our patients every single day.

I know that each recipient of these grants will embrace the experiences ahead of them. Their individual vocations play an incredibly important role to ensure that Epworth patients consistently receive a quality level of care and compassion.

A pathway to positive change

Following is an excerpt from a story recently published in the RMIT news.

A $100,000 gift to RMIT from soft facility services company GJK Facility Services will help disadvantaged students overcome the barriers they face to higher education.

The generous gift will fund the GJK Facility Services Scholarship, worth up to $10,000 a year for three years. 

The scholarship is aimed at students who face challenges in accessing higher education, particularly those identifying as women, from rural or financially disadvantaged backgrounds, or pursuing science, technology, engineering or mathematics disciplines. “The hope is that the funding will help recipients achieve their educational and career aspirations and, ultimately, bring about positive change in the community. 

Continue reading on the RMIT website >>

Defeating cancer in real time

My humble thanks to Epworth Medical Foundation for sharing the following words.

George Stamas AM and Jaqui Maree Stamas continue to demonstrate extraordinary support of patients at Epworth.

As major sponsors of the Epworth Race Day, via GJK Facility Services, George and Jaqui Maree were instrumental in the funding of a Trident Imaging System, a portable x‐ray machine that is used during breast cancer surgery to help determine whether all the tumour cells have been removed.

As Dr Chantel Thornton reflected:

“During surgery, I want to make sure I’ve got all the cancer. But to do that, I need to take an image of the sample because you can’t necessarily feel or see the cancer cell. They can be absolutely microscopic, and something only the very best imaging can capture.

“With the Trident, I’d have an image of the specimen right there on the screen in front of me, in real time. If I’ve removed all the cancer, I could complete the surgery straight away, and if there was a rogue cell at the margin that indicated I’d need to take a further sample, I could see it immediately.”

As a centre of excellence in breast cancer care, Epworth attracts patients from across Australia to seek treatment from our world-class breast cancer surgeons. As a result, this is the second Trident Imaging System that George and Jaqui Maree have funded, enabling the very best care of patients.

Ask RUOK?

In recognition of R U OK? Day this month, GJK Facility Services arranged afternoon tea for our teams across the country, which also featured actor and comedian Danyal Diallo as the guest speaker of one of our client sites to offer support, advice and inspiration to our teams.

Danyal Diallo is a 21 year old TEDx speaker, actor, and comedian based in Melbourne. He stands for social reform and youth excellence and has been demonstrating that through the way he steps out into the world to inspire his audience.

We believe that R U OK? Day is more than just a day: it’s a movement that empowers us to identify the signs that someone might not be OK, and offers guidance on how to both listen and help.

A cleaning revolution

Most people, when they think about the cleaning industry, imagine traditional cleaning methods and procedures. For years - centuries! - we have relied on traditional techniques to keep our spaces clean and sanitary.

There is a certain beauty in this, in the history of our humble industry, where women and men keep our families and colleagues safe through their hard work and dedication.

However, the landscape in our industry is changing, and we now benefit from incorporating cutting-edge technologies, environmentally friendly methods and a data-driven approach to cleaning. This has the capacity to revolutionise the results we are able to achieve. And in a post-pandemic world, sanitation has never been more important, or valued.

The company I founded, GJK Facility Services, is a leader in introducing automated cleaning technologies to its range of services. These smart machines, such as floor scrubbers with superior navigation and obstacle-avoidance technology, provide a consistent, immaculate clean across huge floor areas. The machines do the repetitive and time-consuming tasks, while allowing our dedicated team of human cleaners to concentrate on more complex areas and quality control.

Our company leverages the power of digitally-enabled equipment to monitor cleaning performance in real time. Sensors built into our cleaning equipment provide useful information on cleaning solution levels, brush wear, and battery life. This information is then examined to improve cleaning operations, forecast maintenance requirements, and maintain consistent cleaning quality across all service sites.

By using this knowledge and data-driven insights, GJK is able to create a tailored cleaning strategy that includes frequency, scope of services, and appropriate technology implementation.

Samantha's story

This year our family was proud to see the Stamas Family Scholarship awarded to Samantha Doherty, an ICU nurse at Epworth Richmond.  We recently heard Samantha’s story, and it really emphasised why as a family we are so thrilled to support the Brookes Academy at Epworth.

By funding scholarships like this one, we are able to enable Samantha and her colleagues to build upon their expertise and knowledge within the critical-care space.

Our family is deeply passionate about education, and we have felt firsthand the genuine kindness and support of nurses at Epworth. These scholarships provide really meaningful opportunities, and we’re proud to play our part.

Samantha shared the story of her journey to nursing in a recent edition of the Epworth Medical Foundation Philanthropy Report - the article is here. In the meantime, I am thrilled to share Samantha’s story below.

My story is quite a personal one.

I didn’t initially start out doing nursing. My mum became very ill with cancer when I was in my early 20s. She had a long journey, but what really stood out to us during this incredibly difficult time for our family was the nursing care she received. It brought a smile to her face every day.

Every day you saw her light up because of the care the nurses provided and how genuinely kind they were to her. I thought – I want to be that person who brightens up someone’s day when they’re having a really, really difficult time.

I started my career at Epworth within interventional cardiology. Most commonly we would support

patients who had a heart attack. They would need a stent in the cath labs and all being well they

would be home in a few days to rest and recover.

Today, I work in the ICU. It’s completely different work. We often have patients with us for weeks,

even months – it’s challenging but incredibly rewarding. We do care for the sickest of the sick, and we get to make a difference every single day.

One patient who sticks in my mind is an Irish man who was with us for about four weeks. He came in very unwell, and we got the opportunity to not only get to know him throughout his time with us, but his family as well.

And that’s the beauty of Epworth and the role that we play as nurses. We get to really make this connection with our patients and their families. We found out that he had migrated over from Ireland when he was in his twenties, we learnt about his career in Australia and we got to meet his children and grandchildren.

It’s an amazing opportunity that you would never get in any other job or any other career. Unfortunately, he did pass with us, but it was so special that we got to be there with him and his family during such a vulnerable time. It really reminded me that we are part of that experience with them. That’s something that will stick with me forever.

The race to recovery

What a pleasure it was to take part in the annual Epworth Medical Foundation Race Day this month.

GJK Facility Services was the major event sponsor once again and this year, the assembled guests raised important funds to purchase a Trident Imaging System to be used by surgeons at Epworth HealthCare to treat patients with breast cancer.

The Trident allows surgeons to take images of tumours while still in the operating theatre, in real time. This in turn enables them to determine whether a the cancerous tumours have been fully removed from the healthy tissue. By reducing the patients’ time in the operating theatre and under anaesthesia, this technology improves outcomes, wellbeing and recovery times for patients.

A representative from Epworth Medical Foundation, Chloe Rowarth, shared a little more about the Trident Imaging System with me after the event.

“This high-tech equipment will be used every day by our breast cancer surgeons in our operating theatres,” she said. “By taking an outer specimen of the tumour and testing it in the Trident Imaging System in theatre, our surgeons can immediately and accurately determine if enough margin has been taken. This means the best result can be achieved for our breast cancer patients within the shortest period of time.”

I was thrilled to be part of this event, and of the outstanding efforts that my wife Jaqui Maree and her colleagues on the Epworth Special Events Committee put into making it such a success.

To quote Chloe one again, “This is going to make the world of difference for our breast cancer patients and the surgeons who care for them, as specimens are tested there and then in the theatre, hastening the length of time in surgery and enabling a faster recovery.”

Helping vulnerable Aussies

Earlier this month I was honoured to accept an appointment as the chair of the Vulnerable Members Advisory Council at AustralianSuper.

I am proud to be part of this initiative of AustralianSuper, which identifies AustralianSuper members who are vulnerable, and offers them additional assistance.

The nature of the assistance these members require depends on the types of vulnerability they experience. For example, vulnerability may come from physical ill-health, lack of literacy, age, domestic violence, or Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status. Our committee oversees the care we are able to provide to these members, whether that may be interpreting services, more flexibility around documentation, identity verification, or cultural training for staff-members when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members.

Assessors and claims managers receive cultural awareness and emotional intelligence training to help identify and support people at risk.

Throughout my career - from my earliest days working as a part-time cleaner, to now standing at the helm of a 4000-person strong company, community care and compassion for those who are vulnerable has always been a priority. I am thrilled to accept this position on the Vulnerable Members Advisory Council to play my part in creating a positive impact on society.

A gift for pregnant women

Today, on International Women's Day, the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) hosted a special event to honor the remarkable women contributing to eye research. This event served as a platform to celebrate the advancements and contributions of talented researchers and doctors in the field of ophthalmology.

CERA, a not-for-profit Medical Research Institute located at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital and closely affiliated with the University of Melbourne, stands as a beacon of excellence in eye health research. Renowned for its innovative approach, CERA is ranked #4 in the World University Rankings for Ophthalmology and serves as Australia's only WHO Collaborating Centre for the prevention of blindness.

Among the fantastic researchers and doctors at CERA are Dr. Jennifer Fan Gaskin, Principal Investigator in Ocular Fibrosis, and Professor Robyn Guymer AM, CERA's Deputy Director and Head of Macular Research. Their dedication and expertise have significantly contributed to the advancements in eye health research.

My wife Jacqui Maree and I were proud to make a donation to CERA, in the knowledge that it will be used to support new research aimed at helping women with diabetes safeguard their vision during pregnancy. Our donation enabled the purchase of a state-of-the-art AI-assisted portable camera, unveiled at CERA's International Women's Day celebrations.

Led by Professor Lyndell Lim and Associate Professor Andrew Symons, the research aims to provide innovative ways for women with diabetes to monitor their eye health during pregnancy, reducing the risks associated with sight-threatening eye diseases. The study will introduce a streamlined approach to provide eye screenings to pregnant women with pre-existing diabetes, ensuring timely assessments and necessary referrals.

This groundbreaking research will have a profound impact on improving the eye health outcomes for women with diabetes. As we commemorate International Women's Day 2024, let us recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of women in eye research, driving innovative advancements in preserving vision and enhancing eye health for all.