Latest news with #AustralianOfTheYear
ABC News
3 days ago
- Sport
- ABC News
Former Australian of the Year and pathologist Richard Scolyer joins 90,000 City2Surf runners
Former Australian of the Year and world-renowned pathologist Richard Scolyer is among the 90,000 runners hitting the pavement in the City2Surf. Speaking ahead of his start time at 8:20am as part of the blue group of runners, he told ABC News he was "really excited" to be taking part in the annual event from the Sydney CBD to Bondi Beach. "I'm very excited to be here with 90,000 people doing the City2Surf, there's nothing better," he said. In March, he announced that after a period of remission his terminal brain cancer, diagnosed in 2023, was back and he had only three months to live. But he told ABC Radio National on Saturday that he was making the most of his time, and it was down to "luck" that he was still here. He achieved another milestone in June when he clocked his 250th ParkRun. The 58-year-old, who was joint Australian of the Year in 2024, is running in the City2Surf with his wife Katie, and is raising funds for the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, where he once worked and now receives treatment. The couple first took part in the event 21 years ago, when their first-born daughter Emily was just months old and in a pram. "I remember one time actually she had a number two, and we had to pull over to change her nappy and that slowed us up," he said on Saturday. "And the back ambulance that follows the people went past us, so we had to run to catch up." At this year's City2Surf, Isaac Heyne was first to cross the finishing line in the men's category, with a time of 40 minutes and 33 seconds. It was an improvement on his time last year when he also took out the top spot. Bronte Oates, who came third last year, was the first female through the winners' tape with a time of 45 minutes and 51 seconds. When Professor Scolyer was asked about whether he was looking to set any records today, he laughed and said "No". "But also to keep pushing on with research — that's how we can change the field and improve outcomes … but in some cancers, including the brain cancer that I've got, the outlook is not too good." Also taking part is Robyn Smith, who believes there is nothing wrong with "living flat", and plans to make the message clear. The 46-year-old has decided to run bare chested, displaying the scars of her double mastectomy to break the stigma around choosing not to get breast reconstruction, and live without breasts. "So about six years ago I had a risk-reducing mastectomy and yeah, now I live flat," she said. Ms Smith said she was inspired by United Kingdom advocate Louise Butcher, who ran the London Marathon twice to bare her mastectomy scars and represent thousands of women globally "living flat" without breasts. She will be among 90,000 runners in this year's sold-out fun run, which will once again go from Sydney's CBD to Bondi Beach — the same route that's been in place for 55 years. The six-time City2Surf runner is raising funds for charity Inherited Cancers Australia, a not-for-profit organisation that provides support for people who have a strong family history of cancer. She realised she could either watch and wait to see if she developed the disease, or have surgery to remove her breasts and drastically reduce her risk. In 2012, after her mother was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she had genetic testing and discovered she carried the gene mutation known as BRCA2, which dramatically increases the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Shortly after, she had her breasts removed. She believes her mother saved her. "I'm able to manage my cancer risk. She's saved my life, and unfortunately she died because she didn't get the knowledge that I am privileged to have," she said. Ms Smith has also had her fallopian tubes and ovaries removed for the same reason. Painted across her scars will be the words "flat out of funding" which she said is about the critical shortage in donations that is impacting services being offered by Inherited Cancers Australia. "You know the demand of genetic testing is just continuing to go through the roof." Both her mother and grandmother have died from the disease. Her uncle lived with prostate cancer, and most recently her 36-year-old cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer. The NSW government has warned the public to prepare for road and transport disruptions. "While it's a fantastic celebration of community, fitness and fun, it does bring major road closures and detours, and we are calling on everyone to plan ahead," Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said. Motorists should expect major delays across the Eastern Suburbs, with all roads sealed off by 7am. From 11am onwards, roads will gradually begin to be opened. The quickest completion time of the fun run is held by Australian runner Steve Moneghetti in 1991, at about 40 minutes and 2 seconds. The final runners expected to reach the finish line by 2pm.
Daily Mail
04-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Former Australian of the Year shares update on his cancer battle
Former Australian of the Year Dr Richard Scolyer has revealed he has recently experienced some 'tough times' in this battle with stage four brain cancer. The globally-renowned pathologist was diagnosed with 'incurable' brain cancer in June 2023 and has been sharing his journey with Australians ever since. Dr Scolyer shared a photo of him undergoing an MRI to Facebook on Friday, writing he had recently experienced some 'tough times' but was recuperating. 'It sure is amazing to be back out there participating and enjoying life,' he said. 'A month or so ago, I had some tough times with recurrent brain tumour and additional challenged. These were associated with swelling of my brain which can cause changes in how I am functioning. 'However, now I am feeling much better and loving spending time with my wonderful family and friends.' The post was quickly flooded with well-wishes from supporters. 'You are such an inspiration to us all and enjoy the time with your beautiful family,' on person commented. 'You're a true fighter and so incredibly honest with your journey. We're all cheering you on Dr, you're an inspiration,' a second wrote. 'Love your outlook on life, whatever it may be, keep family and friends close to your heart,' a third said.
The Advertiser
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
Chills, they're multiplying as Big Freeze fights beast
Shazza and her idol Warnie continued the good fight against the beast as Max Gawn met his Mini Me and everyone's chills were multiplying. The 10 sliders rose to the occasion at the 11th Big Freeze, the fundraiser at the MCG that honours FightMND icon and Australian Of The Year Neale Daniher. As always, amid the fun of 10 celebrities in goofy dress-up sliding into a minus-six degrees ice bath for a good cause, there was pathos and heartache. Daniher is now confined to a wheelchair and can only talk through eye recognition software as he continues his long fight against MND, which is incurable. His daughter Bec now does much of the spruiking for their cause. Big Freeze is held before the King's Birthday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood. As Demons players warmed up, they all went to greet Daniher, the former Melbourne coach, as he completed a lap of the MCG. Collingwood players also helped form a guard of honour for him. The theme this year was Australian icons and national cricket captain Alyssa Healy was Sharon "Shazza" Strezlecki, the netballer from Kath and Kim. Magda Szubanski, who has revealed she is battling an aggressive cancer, made "Shazza" an all-time great Australian TV comedy character. Healy did it justice, complete with neck brace and a suitably stunned expression as she walked out for her slide. Former Australian captain Mark Taylor, the last slider, dressed as Shane Warne - Shazza's crush. The slide, fittingly, was set up in the shadow of the Shane Warne stand. Actor Matt Nable came as Angus Young from AC-DC and remembered his brother Aaron, who died of MND last year. Cadel Evans, the only Australian to win the Tour de France, was a miniature Max Gawn and the Melbourne captain greeted him after his slide. Gawn, who stands at 2.08m, is also an avid cyclist and Evans, all 174cm of him, is one of his idols. "Your worst day on the bike is better than my best day on a footy field," Evans told Gawn. Swimming great Ariarne Titmus was Sandy from Grease, played by Olivia Newton-John, and as the song from the movie goes, chills were multiplying in the ice bath. Former Melbourne star Aaron Davey honoured AFL and Indigenous great Michael Long, while TV presenter and former sprinter Matt Shirvington was Chris Hemsworth's movie character Thor. A $10,000 bet was made that Shirvington would stay in his costume for the flight back to Sydney. Peter Daicos, whose sons Nick and Josh were playing for the Magpies on Monday, always loves the limelight and he came as Heath Ledger's iconic Joker. National netball captain Liz Watson was in all pink as Margot Robbie's Cowgirl Barbie and motor sport great Craig Lowndes was in all black as Mad Max. Shazza and her idol Warnie continued the good fight against the beast as Max Gawn met his Mini Me and everyone's chills were multiplying. The 10 sliders rose to the occasion at the 11th Big Freeze, the fundraiser at the MCG that honours FightMND icon and Australian Of The Year Neale Daniher. As always, amid the fun of 10 celebrities in goofy dress-up sliding into a minus-six degrees ice bath for a good cause, there was pathos and heartache. Daniher is now confined to a wheelchair and can only talk through eye recognition software as he continues his long fight against MND, which is incurable. His daughter Bec now does much of the spruiking for their cause. Big Freeze is held before the King's Birthday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood. As Demons players warmed up, they all went to greet Daniher, the former Melbourne coach, as he completed a lap of the MCG. Collingwood players also helped form a guard of honour for him. The theme this year was Australian icons and national cricket captain Alyssa Healy was Sharon "Shazza" Strezlecki, the netballer from Kath and Kim. Magda Szubanski, who has revealed she is battling an aggressive cancer, made "Shazza" an all-time great Australian TV comedy character. Healy did it justice, complete with neck brace and a suitably stunned expression as she walked out for her slide. Former Australian captain Mark Taylor, the last slider, dressed as Shane Warne - Shazza's crush. The slide, fittingly, was set up in the shadow of the Shane Warne stand. Actor Matt Nable came as Angus Young from AC-DC and remembered his brother Aaron, who died of MND last year. Cadel Evans, the only Australian to win the Tour de France, was a miniature Max Gawn and the Melbourne captain greeted him after his slide. Gawn, who stands at 2.08m, is also an avid cyclist and Evans, all 174cm of him, is one of his idols. "Your worst day on the bike is better than my best day on a footy field," Evans told Gawn. Swimming great Ariarne Titmus was Sandy from Grease, played by Olivia Newton-John, and as the song from the movie goes, chills were multiplying in the ice bath. Former Melbourne star Aaron Davey honoured AFL and Indigenous great Michael Long, while TV presenter and former sprinter Matt Shirvington was Chris Hemsworth's movie character Thor. A $10,000 bet was made that Shirvington would stay in his costume for the flight back to Sydney. Peter Daicos, whose sons Nick and Josh were playing for the Magpies on Monday, always loves the limelight and he came as Heath Ledger's iconic Joker. National netball captain Liz Watson was in all pink as Margot Robbie's Cowgirl Barbie and motor sport great Craig Lowndes was in all black as Mad Max. Shazza and her idol Warnie continued the good fight against the beast as Max Gawn met his Mini Me and everyone's chills were multiplying. The 10 sliders rose to the occasion at the 11th Big Freeze, the fundraiser at the MCG that honours FightMND icon and Australian Of The Year Neale Daniher. As always, amid the fun of 10 celebrities in goofy dress-up sliding into a minus-six degrees ice bath for a good cause, there was pathos and heartache. Daniher is now confined to a wheelchair and can only talk through eye recognition software as he continues his long fight against MND, which is incurable. His daughter Bec now does much of the spruiking for their cause. Big Freeze is held before the King's Birthday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood. As Demons players warmed up, they all went to greet Daniher, the former Melbourne coach, as he completed a lap of the MCG. Collingwood players also helped form a guard of honour for him. The theme this year was Australian icons and national cricket captain Alyssa Healy was Sharon "Shazza" Strezlecki, the netballer from Kath and Kim. Magda Szubanski, who has revealed she is battling an aggressive cancer, made "Shazza" an all-time great Australian TV comedy character. Healy did it justice, complete with neck brace and a suitably stunned expression as she walked out for her slide. Former Australian captain Mark Taylor, the last slider, dressed as Shane Warne - Shazza's crush. The slide, fittingly, was set up in the shadow of the Shane Warne stand. Actor Matt Nable came as Angus Young from AC-DC and remembered his brother Aaron, who died of MND last year. Cadel Evans, the only Australian to win the Tour de France, was a miniature Max Gawn and the Melbourne captain greeted him after his slide. Gawn, who stands at 2.08m, is also an avid cyclist and Evans, all 174cm of him, is one of his idols. "Your worst day on the bike is better than my best day on a footy field," Evans told Gawn. Swimming great Ariarne Titmus was Sandy from Grease, played by Olivia Newton-John, and as the song from the movie goes, chills were multiplying in the ice bath. Former Melbourne star Aaron Davey honoured AFL and Indigenous great Michael Long, while TV presenter and former sprinter Matt Shirvington was Chris Hemsworth's movie character Thor. A $10,000 bet was made that Shirvington would stay in his costume for the flight back to Sydney. Peter Daicos, whose sons Nick and Josh were playing for the Magpies on Monday, always loves the limelight and he came as Heath Ledger's iconic Joker. National netball captain Liz Watson was in all pink as Margot Robbie's Cowgirl Barbie and motor sport great Craig Lowndes was in all black as Mad Max.
West Australian
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Chills, they're multiplying as Big Freeze fights beast
Shazza and her idol Warnie continued the good fight against the beast as Max Gawn met his Mini Me and everyone's chills were multiplying. The 10 sliders rose to the occasion at the 11th Big Freeze, the fundraiser at the MCG that honours FightMND icon and Australian Of The Year Neale Daniher. As always, amid the fun of 10 celebrities in goofy dress-up sliding into a minus-six degrees ice bath for a good cause, there was pathos and heartache. Daniher is now confined to a wheelchair and can only talk through eye recognition software as he continues his long fight against MND, which is incurable. His daughter Bec now does much of the spruiking for their cause. Big Freeze is held before the King's Birthday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood. As Demons players warmed up, they all went to greet Daniher, the former Melbourne coach, as he completed a lap of the MCG. Collingwood players also helped form a guard of honour for him. The theme this year was Australian icons and national cricket captain Alyssa Healy was Sharon "Shazza" Strezlecki, the netballer from Kath and Kim. Magda Szubanski, who has revealed she is battling an aggressive cancer, made "Shazza" an all-time great Australian TV comedy character. Healy did it justice, complete with neck brace and a suitably stunned expression as she walked out for her slide. Former Australian captain Mark Taylor, the last slider, dressed as Shane Warne - Shazza's crush. The slide, fittingly, was set up in the shadow of the Shane Warne stand. Actor Matt Nable came as Angus Young from AC-DC and remembered his brother Aaron, who died of MND last year. Cadel Evans, the only Australian to win the Tour de France, was a miniature Max Gawn and the Melbourne captain greeted him after his slide. Gawn, who stands at 2.08m, is also an avid cyclist and Evans, all 174cm of him, is one of his idols. "Your worst day on the bike is better than my best day on a footy field," Evans told Gawn. Swimming great Ariarne Titmus was Sandy from Grease, played by Olivia Newton-John, and as the song from the movie goes, chills were multiplying in the ice bath. Former Melbourne star Aaron Davey honoured AFL and Indigenous great Michael Long, while TV presenter and former sprinter Matt Shirvington was Chris Hemsworth's movie character Thor. A $10,000 bet was made that Shirvington would stay in his costume for the flight back to Sydney. Peter Daicos, whose sons Nick and Josh were playing for the Magpies on Monday, always loves the limelight and he came as Heath Ledger's iconic Joker. National netball captain Liz Watson was in all pink as Margot Robbie's Cowgirl Barbie and motor sport great Craig Lowndes was in all black as Mad Max.
Perth Now
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Chills, they're multiplying as Big Freeze fights beast
Shazza and her idol Warnie continued the good fight against the beast as Max Gawn met his Mini Me and everyone's chills were multiplying. The 10 sliders rose to the occasion at the 11th Big Freeze, the fundraiser at the MCG that honours FightMND icon and Australian Of The Year Neale Daniher. As always, amid the fun of 10 celebrities in goofy dress-up sliding into a minus-six degrees ice bath for a good cause, there was pathos and heartache. Daniher is now confined to a wheelchair and can only talk through eye recognition software as he continues his long fight against MND, which is incurable. His daughter Bec now does much of the spruiking for their cause. Big Freeze is held before the King's Birthday clash between Melbourne and Collingwood. As Demons players warmed up, they all went to greet Daniher, the former Melbourne coach, as he completed a lap of the MCG. Collingwood players also helped form a guard of honour for him. The theme this year was Australian icons and national cricket captain Alyssa Healy was Sharon "Shazza" Strezlecki, the netballer from Kath and Kim. Magda Szubanski, who has revealed she is battling an aggressive cancer, made "Shazza" an all-time great Australian TV comedy character. Healy did it justice, complete with neck brace and a suitably stunned expression as she walked out for her slide. Former Australian captain Mark Taylor, the last slider, dressed as Shane Warne - Shazza's crush. The slide, fittingly, was set up in the shadow of the Shane Warne stand. Actor Matt Nable came as Angus Young from AC-DC and remembered his brother Aaron, who died of MND last year. Cadel Evans, the only Australian to win the Tour de France, was a miniature Max Gawn and the Melbourne captain greeted him after his slide. Gawn, who stands at 2.08m, is also an avid cyclist and Evans, all 174cm of him, is one of his idols. "Your worst day on the bike is better than my best day on a footy field," Evans told Gawn. Swimming great Ariarne Titmus was Sandy from Grease, played by Olivia Newton-John, and as the song from the movie goes, chills were multiplying in the ice bath. Former Melbourne star Aaron Davey honoured AFL and Indigenous great Michael Long, while TV presenter and former sprinter Matt Shirvington was Chris Hemsworth's movie character Thor. A $10,000 bet was made that Shirvington would stay in his costume for the flight back to Sydney. Peter Daicos, whose sons Nick and Josh were playing for the Magpies on Monday, always loves the limelight and he came as Heath Ledger's iconic Joker. National netball captain Liz Watson was in all pink as Margot Robbie's Cowgirl Barbie and motor sport great Craig Lowndes was in all black as Mad Max.
