Lunch by the Yarra: A Community United to Find a Cure
Epworth Lunch by the Yarra - Fund Fight Cure
Lunch by the Yarra is a powerful example of what happens when a community comes together with shared purpose and generosity: to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.
Through the remarkable support of more than 500 attendees, donors and sponsors, vital funds were raised that will directly support the work of the Jreissati Pancreatic Centre at Epworth. This funding will help the team explore new and better ways to care for patients today, while driving the research needed to change outcomes for the future.
Why This Matters
Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging diseases we face. It is often detected too late, treatment options are limited, and survival rates have changed little over decades. The need for progress is urgent, and continued community support is essential.
Professor Andrew Metz, Centre Director of the Jreissati Pancreatic Cancer Centre, explains why the disease is so confronting.
“Pancreatic cancer is one of the most confronting diseases we face. As doctors, we know why. We don’t yet know enough about it. It hides deep within the body, often without symptoms, and by the time it is detected, it is usually too late. Outcomes have remained unacceptably poor.”
Philanthropic support plays a critical role in changing this reality. Community‑led events such as Lunch by the Yarra help accelerate discovery, support clinicians and researchers on the front line, and ensure patients benefit from the very latest advances in care.
Since its establishment in 2021, the Jreissati Pancreatic Cancer Centre has brought renewed focus, urgency and collaboration to a disease that can no longer be overlooked.
The Centre was established with a clear and determined vision: to find a cure for pancreatic cancer.
“We set out not to accept the status quo, but to challenge it, to bring focus, urgency and collaboration to a disease that had been overlooked for far too long.”
Leading the Way in Early Detection
With philanthropic backing, the Centre is advancing research, strengthening early detection efforts and leading Australia’s first truly national pancreatic cancer screening study, work that is already reshaping what is possible for patients and their families.
Early detection saves lives.
“It gives patients more treatment options and more time with the people they love.”
What has been built at Epworth is now recognised on the world stage.
“What we have built here is of true international standard, a centre that global leaders in pancreatic cancer have described as inspiring,” he said.
“Through our world‑first national screening study, Australia is not just keeping pace internationally, we are leading the way.”
Momentum for the Future
Lunch by the Yarra demonstrates what can be achieved when compassion and purpose drive collective action. The generosity of the community is delivering real and measurable impact, supporting patients today while enabling researchers to pursue earlier detection, better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
Five years on from the Centre’s establishment, momentum continues to build.
What we have achieved together is remarkable.
“Progress has not made us comfortable, it has made us bolder.”
“The belief and support of our community has enabled us to do more, reach more people and accelerate change.
"We have come so far, and that is exactly why we will not stop.”