robyn cameron

Robyn has had a two-time diagnosis of breast cancer. The first was when she was 38 raising her two young children aged 5 and 8 and studying for an undergraduate degree. The only risk factor Robyn ticked was that of being a female. Treatment that time involved a lumpectomy and radiotherapy followed. The second came when she was 46, her children now teenagers, working full-time as an academic and undertaking a PhD. This time treatment was a  mastectomy and chemotherapy. This is where her drive began as she wanted to see a better future for other Australian men and women going through a similar concern.

Since she began fundraising for NBCF in 2007, Robyn Cameron has made an undeniable impact on the face and future of breast cancer in Australia.

This year marks her 15^th year fundraising for NBCF, and a huge milestone of raising over 1 million for world-class breast cancer research.

Robyn is the woman behind NBCF’s largest community fundraiser, The Pink Ribbon Cup Race Day, held annually in September at the Gold Coast Turf Club in Queensland, it was quoted as the “most notable charity event of the year”, (Melbourne Cup Magazine & GC Bulletin). The event which attracts 000’s of people aims to deliver a fun and inspirational day that brings the community together to support fundraising for breast cancer research.

Robyn attributes the success of her fundraising to the passionate volunteers that also give many hours  in the  lead-up to the Pink Ribbon Cup Raceday and on the day. “I just couldn’t do it without them” she says, “and the Gold Coast community at large that support the event. This includes businesses and individuals that take up sponsorships and donate prizes and/or their services. We have many loyal business supporters that donate their services that helps maximise the $ raised.  And of course, ‘the people’ that come each year to our fundraising social function on the day, buying tickets to our official NBCF event where we have raffles and auctions- prizes galore for people to win including prizes for Best Dressed Female, Best Dressed Male, and Best Hat.“ . This support is a testament to Robyn’s impact in her community.

Robyn is a NBCF Qld Community Ambassador, where she uses her own experience to help reinforce why we need to continue to fund world-class breast cancer research. She has also been on the speakers’ bureau for NBCF.

Not only is Robyn committed to hosting her own event, but she has been the driving force of mobilising other people in her community to host their own events. Over the years, we have seen other fundraisers come onboard thanks to Robyn’s work in her community to promote NBCF and our work. This includes large events such as ‘Catwalk for a Cure’ back in 2019. She also finds time to support other fundraisers as a guest speaker.

During COVID-19, Robyn continued to show her commitment by hosting events at what was a challenging time. Although these were at a much smaller capacity the $ raised surmounted the prior year/s; this is a testament to her determination to raise funds for NBCF.

Along with being the founder of this signature event, Robyn has also been the driving force behind many other fundraising committees. This includes being a founding member of the Gold Coast Mother’s Day Classic, which is held around the country, on Mother’s Day. This event sees tens of thousands of Australians coming together in a sea of pink, raising awareness, dressing up and showing support. Robyn who has been a key speaker at these events, having used her own story to raise awareness of breast cancer and the research NBCF is funding.

She has also been involved in the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s (NBCF) Gold Coast Global Illumination Campaign. Driven by Robyn and the Griffith University where Robyn works, the Smith St Bridge lights up Pink every October as a visual ally in continuing to raise awareness of the disease.

She is also on the Gold Coast Fundraising & Volunteer Committee, a committee dedicated to raising funds and awareness in the Gold Coast community.

Robyn’s fundraising efforts have been recognised by the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) who presented her a patron’s award.

Her awards extend to winning the Gold Coast Women in Business Award (Community Dedication) in 2016. These prestigious awards recognise and honour exceptional women making a difference across Queensland. In 2021 Robyn received the Griffith Business School Leadership Award; in 2019 Robyn received the SBAA International Women’s Day Awards -Leadership in the Community Service Sector and the  2018  CPA Australia Qld President’s Community Award. Her sustained community dedication extends back to 2007 when she was awarded the CCQ Spirit of Cancer Award in 2007.  Robyn was also given the honour of being a Queens Baton Bearer for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in recognition of her work of  raising awareness of and fundraising for breast cancer research.

We are extremely grateful to Robyn for all her hard work and dedication towards NBCF and breast cancer research.