Thank you to our Dry July 2026 Fundraisers
"We are incredibly grateful to the Dry July community and our dedicated Eastern Health staff for raising more than $21,800 in our inaugural campaign, exceeding our $20,000 goal. Thanks to this funding, we will be able to replace two treatment chairs in our cancer services with new Quantum Treatment Recliners, providing greater comfort, support and dignity for patients during lengthy treatments. For many people, these chairs become their home for hours at a time. This generosity will make a meaningful difference to the experience of cancer patients, while also supporting their families and carers through a more comfortable and compassionate treatment environment. We look forward to sharing an update when this equipment arrives."
Philip...
Natasha’s Cancer Journey: Why Dry July Means More Than Going Alcohol-Free
In 2022, Natasha’s life changed in an instant. What she thought was lingering symptoms from COVID turned out to be Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML), leading to weeks in hospital and months of intensive treatment at the Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH).
Now living cancer-free, Natasha reflects on her cancer journey, the incredible care she received, and why supporting Dry July continues to make a real difference for patients and families facing cancer.
Looking back, can you tell us about the moment your life changed (being diagnosed)?
Hearing the words "you have cancer" was terrifying. It didn't feel real, and for a long time it was hard to process that this was happening to me. In retrospect it still feels surreal that I was so acutely unwell...
Kristen's 'Why' for Dry July
For Kristen Buik, taking part in Dry July for Flinders Foundation isn't about giving something up – it's about giving back.
Last year, her son Tom was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive sarcoma at just 24 years old, and has been receiving treatment at Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer. Since then, life for the Buik family has been measured in scans, chemotherapy treatments, specialist appointments and anxious waits for results.
"Giving up alcohol for 31 days is a small sacrifice," Kristen says. "If it helps raise funds for services and equipment that make life a little easier for people facing cancer and their families, it is the very least I can do."
While Kristen and her family walk beside Tom through every appointment and...
Here's What We're Working Towards, Together, This Dry July
Every dollar will help improve cancer care, close to home.
Thanks to the incredible support of our Dry July community in 2025, Barwon Health Foundation was able to fund new chemotherapy chairs, wellness programs, specialist equipment and patient support initiatives at Barwon Health’s Andrew Love Cancer Centre and cancer services, that continue to improve the experience of local cancer patients every day.
In 2026, we're aiming high!
Together, we hope to fund:
$45,000 - Wellness programs and patient support services that provide comfort, connection and care beyond treatment.
$56,019 - Seven additional chemotherapy chairs, ensuring more patients can receive treatment comfortably and helping meet growing demand.
$20,000 - Specialised exercise...
Taz's Story
Cancer wasn't something Taz ever expected.
She was busy enjoying life, building her career and looking ahead to the future when she was suddenly faced with a life-changing and life-threatening cancer diagnosis.
The months that followed were incredibly tough. Throughout her treatment, Taz experienced first-hand the exceptional care and compassion of the teams at Barwon Health's Andrew Love Cancer Centre and the dedicated nurses on Baxter 6, who supported her through some of her most difficult days.
Now, Taz is sharing her story to help raise awareness of the incredible work happening every day across Barwon Health's cancer services, and to encourage others to support Dry July so more local patients can benefit from the same care.
"There is...
Dry July has started!
Dry July has officially started!
First up a HUGE thank you to everyone who’s already signed up and started fundraising for Eastern Health You’re incredible.
Now for the real question…
If it’s not wine or beer tonight, what’s in your cup?
Fancy hot chocolate?
Herbal tea?
Iced matcha?
Sparkling water with a slice of lime?
We’re officially declaring July the month of elevated non-alcoholic rituals
Post a picture of your go-to Dry July drink on Instagram and tag us at @easternhealthau. Let’s inspire each other to stay on track AND keep those donations flowing.
You've already made an amazing start so let’s keep going strong
Emma's Story: Supporting Patients Beyond Chemotherapy
When Kangaroo Island local Emma Bell was diagnosed with bowel cancer at just 42, her world changed in an instant.
After months of tests with no clear answers, Emma underwent a colonoscopy expecting another inconclusive result. Instead, she was told she had a tumour that was very likely cancerous and would require surgery and chemotherapy.
"I was in complete shock," Emma recalls. "But my surgeon said, 'Stay positive – we've found it now and we can do something about it.' Those words gave me hope."
Throughout her treatment at Flinders Medical Centre, she and her family experienced the kindness and compassion that helped carry them through one of the most difficult times in their lives.
While Emma is incredibly grateful for the treatment that...
Our Teams Going Dry. Giving Hope. Making a Difference. 💛
This July, our incredible staff have come together with passion and purpose, proudly signing up for Dry July in support of Eastern Health Cancer Services. Your commitment, captured in this collage, represents more than giving something up, it represents standing up for patients, families, and our community.
A huge shoutout to our Cancer Services team, who have already raised an amazing $5,000+, and to the ISS Facility Services teams, contributing an impressive $2,000+. Your dedication is truly inspiring.
To every staff member who has signed up, donated, and supported this cause, we say thank you. Together, we’ve nearly reached $10,000, halfway to our goal, and every dollar brings comfort, care, and support to those who need it most.
Let’s...
Support through Dry July fosters a sense of connection for our cancer patients.
Professor Brian Le, Director of the RMH Palliative Care Unit, says Dry July is about so much more than giving up alcohol – it’s about giving comfort, dignity and support to cancer patients and their families when they need it most:
“Every bit helps. Our patients and families are often doing it a bit harder than we are. Every contribution helps improve dignity, comfort and wellbeing.”
This year, the RMH Foundation is raising funds for patient-focussed projects and equipment to directly help cancer care, including:
Patient Care Packs
Medical equipment - including devices which help clinicians locate veins more easily
Exercise equipment for patients
Whether you sign up for Dry July, donate to a participant, or share the campaign with your...