Lunch by the Yarra: Turning Community Generosity into Progress Against Pancreatic Cancer

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, all funds raised from this event will directly support the work of the Jreissati Pancreatic Cancer Centre. This vital funding enables the team to find new and better ways to care for patients today, while driving the research needed to change outcomes for the future.

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 community support is essential.

“Events like Lunch by the Yarra play a critical role in making this progress possible,” said Scott Bulger, Executive Director of the Epworth Medical Foundation.

Every contribution helps accelerate discovery, supports clinicians and researchers on the front line, and ensures patients benefit from the very latest advances in care.

Since its establishment in 2021, the Jreissati Pancreatic Cancer Centre has brought renewed focus, collaboration and determination to a disease that can no longer be overlooked. With philanthropic backing, the Centre is advancing research, strengthening early detection efforts and leading Australia’s first truly national pancreatic cancer screening study. This work is already reshaping what is possible for patients and their families, offering hope where it has too often been absent.

“Lunch by the Yarra is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when people come together with compassion and purpose,” Scott said.

“The generosity shown by our community is driving real change, supporting today’s patients while giving our researchers the resources they need to pursue earlier detection, better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.”

Lunch by the Yarra Raffle Results

Standard Raffle

1st Prize: A Statement of Sophistication: a Morganite & Diamond Ring from Catanach’s Jewellers
Valued at $9,000
Winner: Laurence Law

2nd Prize: A Kelly & Windsor Bedding Voucher
Valued at $4,000
Winner: Evan Byrne

3rd Prize: Beraldo Coffee Deluxe Home Café Package
Valued at $3,049
Winner: Tamsen Kempster

4th Prize: Veronica George Signature Glass Necklace
Valued at $1,500
Winner: Paul Beraldo

BMW Raffle

Prize: New 2025 BMW 118
Valued at $67,950
Winner: Andrew Sutherland

To learn more about the impact of philanthropy at Epworth, visit News and Stories.