On the eve of Men's Health Week, three prostate cancer survivors have been awarded a prestigious national award for their community service, dedicated a combined estimated total of nearly 20,000 hours of their time to supporting men and families affected by the disease over many decades.
The award has been presented by Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and is named in honour of the late Max Gardner, who helped establish a support group network that now comprises over 120 local groups around the country.
PCFA Chairman, Adjunct A/Prof Steve Callister, announced the recipients on Wednesday (June 7):
"On behalf of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia's National Board, I am delighted to announce the recipients of this year's prestigious Max Gardner Award for Distinguished Service.
"The award recognises the outstanding contribution these gentlemen have made to our mission and their remarkable dedication to supporting other men and families impacted by prostate cancer.
"Over many years they have each gone above and beyond to champion our work, making a profound contribution to each of the three pillars of our service, these being research, awareness, and support.
"In alphabetical order, but equal esteem, they are: Mr Alan Barlee of our Geelong Prostate Cancer Support Group (VIC), Mr John Daven of our Central Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group (NSW), and Mr Alan White of our Bayside-Kingston Prostate Cancer Support Group (VIC).
"The annual award is named in memory of the late Max Gardner, who was a passionate advocate for prostate cancer control in Australia, helping to establish PCFA's nationwide Prostate Cancer Support Group Network.
"Continuing his legacy, we can think of no finer or more worthy recipients of this year's honour.
"I speak for all those in our community when I convey my abiding gratitude to these gentlemen for the exceptional difference they have made to so many Australians impacted by prostate cancer, improving survivorship outcomes for all."
PCFA CEO, Anne Savage, thanked the three recipients for their leadership.
"Our work is only made possible by the support of outstanding individuals like these, who give of their own time to ensure that men and their partners do not have to walk alone when prostate cancer strikes," Ms Savage said.
"They play a vital role in providing men and their loved ones with information, comfort, and support, calling on their own personal experiences to make a difference in the lives of others.
"We're honoured to be a part of a grassroots network of exceptional Australians impacted by prostate cancer who are dedicated to improving survivorship outcomes for all others."
About the recipients:
Alan Barlee is an active committee member of the Geelong Prostate Cancer Support Group (PCSG) and Advanced Prostate Cancer Phone Forum Support Group. He was diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer 20 years ago, joining the Advanced PCSG in 2012, and the Geelong PCSG in 2014. He has been heavily involved ever since, providing support to men in his community impacted by the disease, actively raising awareness of the disease in the community, attending information stalls and more. In addition, Mr Barlee is a consumer representative on PCFA's Research Advisory Committee and advocates tirelessly for the listing of new medicines and treatments.
John Daven is the President of the Central Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group. He was diagnosed in 2004 with aggressive prostate cancer and in 2012 decided to attend his local support group to see what they had to offer. Two meetings later, he was appointed group leader and hasn't looked back. Mr Daven is passionate about connecting men and partners together to improve their wellbeing and quality of life. He's an active member of the community, attending regular events on behalf of PCFA and encouraging men to get tested. In 2020 he was presented with the Caring for the Coast Award and in 2022 he received a Rotary Community Service Award.
Alan White is the Leader of the Bayside-Kingston Prostate Cancer Support Group, and founder of The Prostate Zone. He was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1996 before remaining on active surveillance until 2011. Following that he underwent a radical prostatectomy. Mr White joined the Bayside-Kingston PCSG in 2008 and in 2013, took over as group leader. Mr White is a published author, having written a book about his experience and regularly speaking in workplaces and at events alongside his wife Fiona to help other couples navigate life after treatment.
