"Thirty-one years separate the deaths of two remarkable Australians. Yet in that time there have been no major breakthroughs in brain cancer. Together, we can change that."
Robyn Leonard OAM, Founder and Director, Brain Cancer Australia
Andrew Olle Media Lecture shines a light on the urgent need for progress in brain cancer
Andrew Olle's story should not still be the story of brain cancer in 2026.
That was the message shared by Brain Cancer Australia Founder and Director Robyn Leonard OAM during last night’s Andrew Olle Media Lecture at ABC's Studio 22 in Ultimo.
The annual event honours the memory of legendary broadcaster Andrew Olle, explores the future of journalism and raises vital funds for Brain Cancer Australia – the event’s ongoing charity partner.
This year's lecture was delivered by Reuters Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni, and was followed by a panel discussion hosted by Hamish Macdonald featuring senior leaders from the ABC, Nine, News Corp Australasia and SBS.
Speaking on behalf of Brain Cancer Australia, Robyn shared the ongoing tragedy of brain cancer.
"On the 8th December 1995, Andrew Olle collapsed at home and was rushed to Royal North Shore Hospital. Doctors discovered he'd suffered a massive brain haemorrhage caused by an undiagnosed glioblastoma – the most common and most aggressive form of brain cancer. Tragically, he died four days later," Robyn said.
She also paid tribute to Professor Richard Scolyer AO, who attended last year's lecture as Brain Cancer Australia's special guest before losing his own battle with glioblastoma last month.
"Richard fought the disease with extraordinary courage. Throughout his illness he shared his journey publicly, helping Australians to understand the reality of brain cancer and its devastating impact on patients and families," she said.
Robyn highlighted the sobering reality that despite remarkable advances in medicine over the past three decades, outcomes for brain cancer patients have remained largely unchanged.
"Thirty-one years separate the deaths of two remarkable Australians. Yet in that time there have been no major breakthroughs in brain cancer."
"While technology has transformed almost every aspect of our lives, and we've seen extraordinary medical advances in disease after disease, brain cancer research has been left behind."
She reminded guests that brain cancer kills more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer, and that people diagnosed with glioblastoma still face an average survival of just 15 months.
"This is not good enough. But together we can change it."
Robyn spoke about Brain Cancer Australia's work to build Australia's first nationally coordinated brain cancer research infrastructure — including shared clinical data, accessible tissue samples and systems to support more efficient clinical trials.
"In a nationwide, collaborative initiative, Brain Cancer Australia is building the research infrastructure that is key to progress – and that has been missing for far too long."
"In other cancer groups, such as melanoma, this kind of shared national infrastructure has been transformative, and survival rates have improved dramatically. Brain cancer patients deserve the same."
Closing her address, Robyn reflected on the more than 40,000 Australians who have lost their lives to brain cancer since Andrew Olle's death, including her daughter Lucie, who was diagnosed at just 27.
"That drives me every day to push against the status quo — the flatlining survival rates. Because Andrew Olle's story should not still be the story of brain cancer in 2026."
"Richard Scolyer believed we could do better – so did Lucie – and so do I."
If you would like to back Brain Cancer Australia’s efforts to accelerate breakthroughs, you can donate here: https://www.braincanceraustralia.org.au/abc26
Brain Cancer Australia sincerely thanks the ABC, the Olle family, Alessandra Galloni, Hamish Macdonald, the panellists, and every guest who attended and supported the evening.
