The Leukaemia Foundation today unveiled a powerful addition to its team of Ambassadors, the Honourable Anna Bligh AC.
As the former Premier of Queensland and current CEO of the Australian Banking Association, Ms Bligh is a survivor of the blood cancer Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, after being diagnosed in 2013.
Ms Bligh will immediately step into her role as National Ambassador, bringing with her a wealth of experience to passionately advocate for fellow Australians impacted by blood cancer.
Chris Tanti, CEO of the Leukaemia Foundation, said of Ms Bligh's appointment, "Anna Bligh embodies the essence of resilience and compassion."
"Her journey is a testament to leadership and empathy and underscores her unwavering dedication to service. We are both proud and excited to welcome Anna into the Leukaemia Foundation family."
Ms Bligh's appointment arrives as she marks a decade in remission from blood cancer. Her personal experience with the disease stands as an inspiration for countless individuals and families currently impacted around Australia.
On accepting her new role, Ms Bligh said, "To the 140,000 Australians and their families currently living with blood cancer, I want you to know that you are not alone."
"I am humbled to join the Leukaemia Foundation as a National Ambassador and hope I can use my personal experience to support others impacted by this disease as well raise further awareness of blood cancer within the community.
"Together we will strive to achieve our collective goal of zero lives lost to blood cancer by 2035."
Ms Bligh's illustrious career spans leadership roles in both the public and private sectors. As Premier of Queensland from 2007 to 2012, she enacted visionary economic reforms and guided the state through turbulent times, including natural disasters.
Her tenure as CEO of the Australian Banking Association saw her at the forefront of pivotal reforms within the banking sector, earning acclaim for her steadfast commitment to rebuilding trust and nurturing integrity.