The Jeannie Ferris Cancer Australia Recognition Award was established by Cancer Australia in 2013, to recognise outstanding contribution to improving outcomes for women with gynaecological cancers.
Jeannie Ferris Cancer Australia Recognition Award 2017
Cancer Australia is pleased to announce Ms Paula Benson and Professor Andreas Obermair as the 2017 recipients of the Jeannie Ferris Cancer Australia Recognition Award.
Ms Paula Benson is the successful recipient of the Award for her extensive work in the areas of gynaecological cancer consumer support and research. Paula was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2003, aged 34 years, she joined the Board of Ovarian Cancer Australia in 2007 and was elected Chair in 2010.
Since that time Ovarian Cancer Australia has grown significantly, raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of the disease and providing support to women and their families and friends affected by ovarian cancer. Through her entirely voluntary work with Ovarian Cancer Australia, Paula has made an outstanding contribution to improving outcomes for women in Australia with ovarian cancer.
Professor Andreas Obermair is the successful recipient of the Award for his significant clinical and personal contributions to gynaecological cancer care. Professor Obermair is an innovative and skilled gynaecological oncologist, teacher and advocate for women with gynaecological cancer. Professor Obermair is a staff specialist at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and has held the position of Director of Research at the Queensland Centre for Gynaecological Cancer (QCGC) since 2003.
At QCGC Professor Obermair currently oversees the conduct of eight gynaecological cancer clinical trials involving a large team of clinical researchers and administrators. Professor Obermair has published over 215 original articles in peer reviewed journals. Outside of his professional contributions, Professor Obermair co-founded and serves on the Board of the Cherish Foundation, a consumer-focussed organisation that funds clinical research in better treatments for women with gynaecological cancers.
This Award is named in honour of the late Jeannie Ferris, former Senator for South Australia who was passionately committed to raising awareness about gynaecological cancer in Australia. Senator Ferris was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in October 2005 and passed away in April 2007.