Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute

07/04/2026

We’re proud to be working alongside Federation University to strengthen research right here in regional Victoria — not just improving outcomes for patients, but creating real pathways for students to be part of something that truly matters.

This is what regional collaboration should look like.
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/duncan-bentley-76375414_regionalhealth-regionalresearch-healthequity-ugcPost-7442055272308645888-pO5F?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAADX5pyMB-1hiJew30C-qqbV7r5vJtUXTWN0

01/04/2026

When people fundraise for or support FECRI, they know they’re contributing to the search for a cure for cancer.

But what does that actually mean?

It means you’re backing this lot.

A team of people at different stages of their careers — some just starting out, others who have spent decades in research. People who’ve come from different places, studied for years, and chosen to be here.

They’ve each taken a different path, but they share the same focus.

Turning up every day to work on problems that don’t have easy answers.
Work that takes time.
Work that often means starting again.

If you could peek inside the lab here, you would see them asking questions. Testing ideas. Keeping at it when things don’t go to plan.

Because cancer is a very big problem — and this is the part they play in trying to solve it.

And when you support FECRI — whether that’s through fundraising, donating, or simply helping spread the word — this is who you’re backing.

29/03/2026

🏁 THEY MADE IT! 🏁

Huge congratulations to Jimmys Licorice Allsorts for crossing the finish line in Port Fairy! 🚴‍♂️💨

After an incredible journey starting in Echuca, the team has completed the 520km Murray2Moyne cycling relay. It’s been a weekend fueled by grit, sore legs, and an inspiring commitment to making a difference.

A Massive Thank You To:

The Riders: For every kilometre pedaled and every hill climbed.

The Support Crew & Drivers: The unsung heroes who kept the team safe, fed, and moving forward.

The Cheer Squad: To everyone who encouraged them along the route and from afar, your energy kept those wheels turning!

Our Donors: Your generosity directly funds world-class cancer research right here at the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute in Ballarat.

It’s Not Too Late to Support!

The ride might be over, but the quest to smash their fundraising goal continues. Your donations help our researchers unlock the puzzles of cancer to create better outcomes for patients.

Show your support here:
👉 https://jimmysallsorts2026.gofundraise.com.au/

Let’s help Jimmy’s Allsorts finish as strong in the books as they did on the road!

It is done!!! Here in Pt Fairy safe and sound, well safe anyway!!!! Massive thanks to everyone who have supported us!!! You are amazing!!! Cancer will never ever win!!!!

28/03/2026

Moving forward. 👊🏼 More kms for cancer research! 🫶🏼 We are grateful for the support today for Jimmys Licorice Allsorts fundraising. Let’s get them to their goal! 💪🏼💜💚

27/03/2026

🚴‍♂️ Pedals up, hearts full! 🚴‍♀️

Tomorrow morning, the absolute legends that are Jimmys Licorice Allsorts are hitting the road for the 2026 Murray2Moyne! They’ll be trekking all the way from Echuca to Port Fairy, trading sleep for sore legs, all to raise vital funds and awareness for cancer research.

Whether they’re cruising like pros or feeling the "allsorts" of aches by the finish line, we couldn’t be prouder of this crew. You guys are true champions! 🏆❤️

📢 How you can support the ride:
•Donate: Every dollar counts! Head over to their Jimmys Licorice Allsorts 2026 to help them smash their goals. https://jimmysallsorts2026.gofundraise.com.au/cms/home
• Follow the Journey: Check out the Jimmys Licorice Allsorts on social media for live updates, dusty faces, and maybe a few "are we there yet?" selfies.
• The Cause: Learn more about the incredible work being done at the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.

To the team: Stay safe, keep those wheels spinning, and have a blast! We’ll be cheering you on every kilometre of the way. 🏁✨

Team lunch - team that eats together stays together!!! Thank you to the hard working team at the Arch View for taking such good care of us!!!

Don’t forget donations:

https://jimmysallsorts2026.gofundraise.com.au/

14/03/2026

🎶 Tonight… tonight… 🎶

Green Trivia is ON tonight at The George Hotel! ☘️

🍽 Dinner from 6pm
🧠 Trivia from 7.30pm
🎟 Tickets at the door

Hosted by the legends at Jimmy’s Allsorts as their centrepiece fundraiser for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.

Expect St Patrick’s mischief, great prizes, a charity auction and questionable trivia knowledge.

Grab your mates and come on down tonight!

12/03/2026

GOING GREEN FOR A GREAT CAUSE!

Ballarat, it’s time to gather your cleverest (or cheekiest!) friends and head to the George Hotel this Saturday for a night of laughs, hijinks and St Patrick’s Day themed trivia.

The legendary Licorice Allsorts is bringing the fun — with prizes galore, Irish mischief, and plenty of brain-teasing questions to keep you on your toes. To be sure, to be sure!

📍 The George Hotel Ballarat
🗓 Saturday 14 March

🍽 Grab a meal from 6:00pm
🧠 Trivia kicks off at 7:30pm

Best of all, the night is raising funds for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, supporting life-saving cancer research right here in Ballarat.

☘️ Wear something green
☘️ Bring your best team name
☘️ Prepare for a night of friendly competition and great fun

Tag your trivia teammates below and come along for a cracking night!

And we have to ask…
What’s your team name going to be?

09/03/2026

🍀 GO GREEN. KNOW THINGS. SAVE LIVES. 🍀

This Saturday night the wonderful crew from are turning The George Hotel Ballarat a festive shade of green for a St Patrick’s Day Trivia Night — all to raise funds for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.

Expect a cracking night of trivia, plenty of laughs, great prizes, and a charity auction, with every dollar helping our scientists continue their search for the answers to cancer.

So round up your smartest (or most confidently wrong) friends and book a table.

🍀 Wear something green
🍀 Bring your trivia A-game
🍀 Help Jimmy’s Allsorts raise funds for cancer research
Saturday 14 March
6pm – 11pm
The George Hotel Ballarat

🎟 Book your table here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-allsorts-going-green-charity-trivia-night-tickets-1983227077576?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Come along for a fun night out — and help turn a few trivia answers into real hope.

24/02/2026

Another incredible year for the Lighthouse Classic.

With a goal of $25,000… this amazing community didn’t just reach it — they smashed it.

$30,835 raised in 2026
More than $230,000 raised over six years

Around 320 walkers took part from across Australia, including two beautiful coastal walks at Aireys Inlet and Point Lonsdale.

Created by Janet Jones OAM in 2021 and now continued in her honour by her family, the Lighthouse Classic is helping fund vital cancer research right here in regional Victoria.

Every step taken is a step toward better treatments and brighter futures.

💛 Thank you to everyone who walked, donated and supported.

We’ll see you in January 2027...
photos in video courtesy of Emily Vines

23/02/2026

We’re incredibly proud to share that Dr Arpita Poddar recently presented our team’s groundbreaking research at the International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in Sydney.

Arpita represented the lab on the international stage, showcasing work focused on tiny, precisely engineered nanoparticles designed to deliver treatment directly into cancer cells — while leaving healthy cells unharmed.

The results are incredibly promising: strong tumour targeting, minimal toxicity, and no harmful immune response across multiple models.

This is the kind of bold, forward-thinking science your support makes possible.

Congratulations to Arpita and the entire research team — and thank you to our community for backing innovation that is helping shape the future of cancer treatment.

23/02/2026

Earlier this month, FECRIs Dr Jason Kelly took to the floor at the Rotary Club at the Ballarat Golf Club — and absolutely delivered.

Speaking on colorectal cancer, Jason unpacked the incredible role of T cells and how our immune system recognises and fights disease. Big science. Big ideas. Explained with clarity, humour and unmistakable passion.

When a scientist can make immunology genuinely exciting, you know you’re onto something.

A huge thank you to Rotary for the warm welcome and for backing the groundbreaking cancer research happening right here in Ballarat.