Sony Foundation Australia

Sony Foundation Australia The charitable arm of the Sony companies operating in Australia.

In loving memory of You Can Champion Kirsty Bourke (née Lester) 💛 We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Kirsty on...
12/06/2026

In loving memory of You Can Champion Kirsty Bourke (née Lester) 💛

We are heartbroken to hear of the passing of Kirsty on Monday 8 June, a much-loved member of Sony Foundation’s community.

In 2023, Kirsty took to the stage at Brissy4Ward and courageously shared her experience to drive greater awareness and action for youth cancer.

Diagnosed with Metastatic Ewing Sarcoma at just 16 years old, Kirsty spoke openly about the challenges of leaving her regional hometown for treatment, the impact cancer had on her life particularly at such a young age, and the importance of ensuring no young person faces cancer alone.

Despite her own ongoing cancer journey, Kirsty used her voice to raise awareness, advocate for better age-appropriate support for young cancer patients, and give hope to others facing similar challenges. Even after her cancer returned last year, she continued to champion the cause she cared so deeply about, right up until her final weeks, demonstrating extraordinary courage, resilience, and strength.

Last year, we had the privilege of welcoming Kirsty back to Brissy4Ward as a guest, where she once again showed her unwavering support for Sony Foundation’s community and the young people it serves.

We are incredibly grateful for the courage, generosity and inspiration Kirsty shared with us all. Her advocacy and determination to help others will inspire Sony Foundation and our community for years to come.

Our deepest condolences are with Kirsty’s family, her husband Cayden, and all her friends and loved ones.

11/06/2026

The people behind River4Ward 2026💫

From our incredible artists Paul Kelly, Jess Hitchcock and Kalani Artis, to our wonderful hosts Nine's Alicia Loxley & Tom Steinfort, Nova's Jase Hawkins, Lauren Phillips & Clint Stanaway, Seven's Campbell Brown, Sky News' Candice Wyatt, and SCA's Brendan 'Fev' Fevola alongside Damian O'Sullivan, as well as our inspiring panellists 'Swag on the Beat' and Joost Bakker — every person who gave their time, voice and support helped make River4Ward 2026 a truly special day.

We asked some of the individuals who brought this year's event to life why they chose to get involved, and their answers are a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together for a shared cause.🤝

A special mention to our incredible You Can speaker, Remy, whose courage and story continues to highlight just how important this support is for young Australians facing cancer. 💛

Thank you to everyone who stands alongside Sony Foundation, helping ensure young Australians with cancer can access the support they need, when they need it most.

🎥 Topbunk

In honour of renowned Australian pathologist and 2024 Australian of the Year, Professor Richard Scolyer AO, who sadly pa...
09/06/2026

In honour of renowned Australian pathologist and 2024 Australian of the Year, Professor Richard Scolyer AO, who sadly passed away on Sunday, 7 June 2026.

A world-leading cancer researcher and advocate, Richard dedicated his life to improving outcomes for people affected by cancer. Following his own diagnosis with glioblastoma, he courageously used his personal experience to help advance research and raise awareness for future cancer patients.

“I am extremely proud of my impact — from my lifelong career as a world leading melanoma pathologist and cancer researcher, to being the first patient to receive experimental brain cancer treatment based on melanoma science I helped develop, followed by participation in development of a brain cancer clinical trial and advocacy for greater investment in brain cancer research.

“I sincerely hope the scientific data and awareness I have generated will provide a platform for others to build upon to ultimately make a difference for future cancer patients.” – Professor Scolyer AO.

Richard’s extraordinary contribution to medicine, research and the cancer community will leave a lasting legacy.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and all those whose lives he touched. Thank you, Richard, for your courage and commitment to changing the future of cancer care.

In Loving Memory of You Can Champion, Nikhil Autar.💙 Sony Foundation is deeply saddened by the passing of Nikhil Autar o...
05/06/2026

In Loving Memory of You Can Champion, Nikhil Autar.💙

Sony Foundation is deeply saddened by the passing of Nikhil Autar on 18 May, at just 32 years-old.

Diagnosed with leukaemia at just 17, Nikhil turned his own difficult cancer journey into a source of hope and support for countless other young people facing cancer. Through his long-standing involvement with Sony Foundation, he became a passionate advocate for our ‘You Can’ program and a much-loved member of our community.

As a You Can Connect Ambassador, Nikhil generously shared his time, empathy and lived experience to support other young people affected by cancer, helping to create meaningful connections and a sense of belonging for so many.

Over the years, we were privileged to have Nikhil involved in numerous Sony Foundation events and initiatives, including Wharf4Ward, Gaming4Life, City2Surf, the opening of our You Can Centres in Sydney, and our 20 Years of Sony Foundation celebrations. He was also a proud supporter of our 'Sixers Can, You Can' initiative, combining his love of cricket with his commitment to helping others.

Beyond Sony Foundation, Nikhil made an extraordinary impact through his advocacy for medical accessibility and was recognised as NSW Young Australian of the Year in 2024. He also served as a dedicated patient ambassador for the Leukaemia Foundation.

Nikhil's courage, kindness, generosity and unwavering determination inspired everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will continue to live on through the countless lives he touched and the positive change he helped create.

Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Nikhil's family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

Forever a You Can Champion. Forever in our hearts.

28/05/2026

RIVER4WARD 2026 RAISES RECORD-BREAKING $863,000 FOR YOUTH CANCER 💛

What an unforgettable day of impact, raising vital funds to ensure young Australians with cancer can access life-saving treatment with their loved ones by their side.

A huge thank you to our extraordinary media, corporate and event partners, philanthropic supporters, celebrity hosts and performing artists, including legendary Sony Music Group artist Paul Kelly, joined by Jess Hitchcock, as well as rising star Kalani Artis, for helping make this incredible event possible. 💫

Now in its 10th year, River4Ward continues to drive meaningful change for young Australians facing cancer, with funds raised supporting Sony Foundation’s youth cancer initiative, including the You Can Stay program.

Delivered in partnership with Apartment Hotels, You Can Stay provides free, uncapped accommodation for young cancer patients and their families who must travel far from home to access life-saving treatment.

A heartfelt thank you to our inspiring You Can speaker Remy Grogan for bravely sharing her journey, and to fireside chat panellists Jack Say & Isaac Gibbons from ‘Swag on the Beat’ and Joost Bakker for sharing their insights on using their platforms to create meaningful impact.🤝

Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of young Aussies with cancer. 🎗️



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A wonderful afternoon ahead of community, connection and generosity at River4Ward Melbourne 2026 💛Guests have arrived an...
28/05/2026

A wonderful afternoon ahead of community, connection and generosity at River4Ward Melbourne 2026 💛

Guests have arrived and took to the media wall ahead ahead of the event. River4Ward is dedicated to making a real impact, raising funds for Sony Foundation’s You Can Stay program supporting young Australians facing cancer.

Here’s a first look at the event ✨

River4Ward Live Auction PRE-BIDDING IS NOW OPEN!As part of Sony Foundation’s 10th annual River4Ward event, this is your ...
22/05/2026

River4Ward Live Auction PRE-BIDDING IS NOW OPEN!

As part of Sony Foundation’s 10th annual River4Ward event, this is your chance to secure once-in-a-lifetime experiences while supporting young Australians impacted by cancer 💛

There are three premium Live Auction prizes on offer:
✈️ Luxury Noosa Getaway
🎤 VIP Harry Styles Tickets
🏆 Exclusive Australian Open 2027 Final Experience

All proceeds go towards Sony Foundation’s youth cancer initiative, including You Can Stay, providing free, uncapped accommodation for young regional cancer patients, and their families, needing to relocate for life-saving treatment.

🔗 Head to the link in our bio to start bidding now!
⏰ Prizes go under the hammer on Thursday, 28 May at 3PM

Pre-bidding is open to all Sony Foundation partners and supporters across Australia - so spread the word and get involved!

Don’t miss your chance to secure one of these incredible prizes!

River4Ward Silent Auction is NOW LIVE!Whether you’ll be joining us in person or following along from afar, you can still...
22/05/2026

River4Ward Silent Auction is NOW LIVE!

Whether you’ll be joining us in person or following along from afar, you can still be part of the action 💛

Silent Auction highlights include:
🎤 Exclusive entertainment experiences
✈️ Luxury holidays & travel packages
🏆 Signed memorabilia from leading Australian athletes & film stars
🍽️ Premium dining & hospitality experiences

🔗 Head to the link in our bio to start bidding now!
⏰ Silent Auction closes: Thursday, 28 May at 3:30PM

All proceeds go towards Sony Foundation’s youth cancer initiative, including You Can Stay, providing free, uncapped accommodation for young regional cancer patients, and their families, needing to relocate for life-saving treatment.

This auction is open to all Sony Foundation partners and supporters across Australia - so spread the word and get involved!

Today May 21st is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).This is a day to talk, think and learn about accessibility a...
20/05/2026

Today May 21st is Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD).

This is a day to talk, think and learn about accessibility and the people who need it.

At Sony Foundation, we are committed to creating inclusive experiences for young Australians with disability. Through our Holiday Camp Program, we partner with schools and universities across the country to deliver free, fully supported camps that provide children with disability the opportunity to build independence, connection and confidence, while giving their families a much-needed break.

In June, Sony Foundation will hold its first Holiday Camps of the year in Darwin and Mackay. These camps will see high school students from Whitsunday Anglican School in Mackay and Haileybury Rendall School in Darwin step up as full-time carers for children with disability, giving them the holiday of a lifetime and the chance to experience opportunities many have never had before - but that every child deserves.

Harnessing the Sony Group of Companies ongoing commitment to accessibility and innovation, we are continuing to explore new opportunities that enables everyone to connect, participate and thrive.

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