We are a Catholic healthcare service inspired by the spirit and vision of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
What we believe
We are a community of care, reaching out with compassion, integrity, courage and respect to all we serve.
What we do
We provide excellence in all of our services and work to identify and meet unmet needs.
Our values are drawn from Mother Cabrini’s life and reflect her heart, her spirit, her conviction and her approach.
Compassion: Our drive to care is not just a professional duty to provide excellent quality care but is born of a heartfelt compassion for those in need, motivated by God’s love for all people.
Integrity: We believe in the power of hope to transform people’s lives and remain faithful to the bold healing mission and legacy of Mother Cabrini.
Courage: We have the strength, determination, vision and conviction to continue the work of Mother Cabrini and the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Respect: We believe every person is worthy of the utmost respect and the best possible healthcare. We know that our resources are entrusted to us to use for the benefit of others.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY
We acknowledge the Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Peoples of the Kulin Nation, who are the traditional custodians of the land and waters where Cabrini Health is situated, and pay our respect to elders – past, present and emerging.
2024-25 HIGHLIGHTS
96,628 EPISODES OF INPATIENT CARE
1938 NUMBER OF BABIES DELIVERED
24,570 EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT PRESENTATIONS
1888 ACCREDITED MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS
62,738 DAY CASES
255 ACTIVE RESEARCH PROJECTS
92 ACTIVE CLINICAL TRIALS
20,328 HOURS OF HOSPITALITY AND COMPANIONSHIP PROVIDED BY 162 VOLUNTEERS
107,589 CONTACTS WITH ALLIED HEALTH SERVICES
16,859 REHABILITATION BED DAYS
53,489 SURGERIES PERFORMED
5282 FREE MEDICATIONS RECEIVED THROUGH PHARMACY WAIVER PROGRAM
143,028 MEDICAL IMAGING PROCEDURES
198,812 PHARMACY SCRIPTS FILLED
32,299 CABRINI AT HOME CONTACTS
538 PALLIATIVE CARE PATIENTS
541 ASYLUM SEEKER CLIENTS ASSISTED
24,205 TREATMENTS IN DAY ONCOLOGY AND INFUSION CENTRES
Year in review
Board Chair’s message
While reflecting on Cabrini Australia’s achievements over the past year, I am particularly proud of the significant strides we made towards the vision set out in our five-year strategic plan.
Across our hospitals, health and community services and research operations, the same spirit that guided Mother Cabrini continues to shape our mission. This year, as part of our strategy to become the preferred private healthcare provider in Melbourne’s south-east, we completed refurbishments to enhance patient comfort and privacy, delivering more modern rooms that reflect the standard of amenity our patients expect. We also expanded access to our growing homecare services and donor-supported mental health care for women. Construction commenced on four new operating theatres and a second cardiac catheter laboratory which will significantly increase surgical capacity and cardiac care to our local community. Our commitment to excellence was reflected in ongoing strong accreditation results and the continued attraction of outstanding specialists and staff to Cabrini.
Our Women’s Mental Health Centre continues to break new ground with its innovative short-stay model – with a growing number of patients referred from overseas. Our centre is at capacity and we are now turning our minds to how we expand this much needed service for women. Our research program continues to grow with the opening of an expanded cancer research institute and the establishment of a joint department of oncology with Alfred Health. We are also proud to be recognised nationally for our advocacy and service to the disadvantaged, a reflection of our unwavering commitment to social justice. Cabrini Outreach, which earned significant acclaim this year, continues to be a vital expression of our Mission, expanding primary care and specialist support for refugees and asylum seekers.
As always, these achievements are only possible due to dedication of our nurses, doctors, staff and volunteers, whose commitment to living our values is at the heart of all that we achieve. I thank Chief Executive, Sue Williams, and her leadership team for guiding Cabrini through another year of growth, innovation and quality, compassionate care.
On behalf of the Board, I extend my gratitude to our donors and supporters, whose generosity enables us to invest in people, technology and infrastructure — the foundations of exceptional care. Together, we are ensuring Cabrini continues to meet the evolving needs of our community, now and into the future. We simply could not achieve our mission without their ongoing support.
Sylvia Falzon, Cabrini Australia Board Chair
Chief Executive’s message
The 2024–25 financial year was a period of significant change for Cabrini Australia — a year in which we continued to advance our strategic goals while strengthening the foundations that underpin our care, our people and our mission.
This year saw work commence on many new projects including:
• The establishment of a specialist orthopaedic precinct
• Expansion of our home care programs
• Relocation of our cancer exercise and wellness centre to larger premises
• Commencement of stage 1 of the Malvern redevelopment
The construction of four additional operating theatres and a third cardiac catheter laboratory will take the total number of theatres and procedure rooms to 30 at our Malvern site.
During the reporting period we prepared the business case to construct a new east building, main entrance, specialist consulting suites, a refurbished emergency department and an additional 160 car parks. The Cabrini Board and Missionary Sisters have since approved this proposal, leaving us poised to undertake our biggest project to-date, transforming the Malvern site and its capability to serve the community.
Cabrini continues to be recognised as a leader in clinical innovation and excellence. This year we became the first private hospital in Victoria to offer Deep Vein Harvesting treatment, and the first in the southern hemisphere to introduce the latest technology for Deep Brain Stimulation. We further expanded our surgical capabilities and strengthened our role in improving clinical standards as the only private hospital participating in the Safer Care Victoria ViCTOR pilot on paediatric monitoring. These achievements are just a handful of examples that demonstrate the depth of expertise and innovation that define Cabrini’s approach to patient care.
As we look ahead, we remain focused on building for the future — through our major redevelopment project, through investment in our people and technology, and through the ongoing pursuit of clinical and research excellence. None of this would be possible without our dedicated staff, visiting medical officers and volunteers, whose commitment continues to bring Mother Cabrini’s mission to life each day.
Cabrini Technology Group continued to strengthen and expand its biomedical engineering business across Australia and New Zealand. During the year, following a comprehensive strategic review, we elected to divest our non-core assets to specialist providers. This decision enables the Group to sharpen its focus on core capabilities, improve operational efficiency and position the business for sustainable long-term growth.
I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our generous donors and supporters. Your contributions directly enable us to invest in new facilities, equipment and services that ensure Cabrini remains a trusted provider of compassionate, world-class care.
Finally, I acknowledge the leadership team, our Board and Chair, Sylvia Falzon, and the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Their guidance and faith continue to inspire our journey as we embark on the next stage of Cabrini’s transformation.
Sue Williams, Chief Executive Cabrini Australia
The Cabrini Australia Group is a private, not-for-profit Catholic healthcare provider, delivering support to communities across Australia and New Zealand.
ABOUT US
Cabrini Australia Group
As part of a global network spanning 17 countries, we continue to uphold the vision and values of our founders and sponsors, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (the Cabrini Sisters). At the core of our mission lies the provision of high-quality, compassionate care to every individual we serve.
Alongside Cabrini Health, our other key pillars Cabrini Research, Cabrini Technology Group (CTG), Cabrini Outreach and the Cabrini Foundation work in synergy to create a holistic healthcare ecosystem.
Our locations
HOSPITALS
CABRINI MALVERN 181-183 Wattletree Road, Malvern
CABRINI BRIGHTON 243 New Street, Brighton
LISA THURIN WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTRE 2-6 Hopetoun Street, Elsternwick
Our commitment to care
Patient-centred care is our primary focus and our distinctive model of care is something that we are incredibly proud of.
SPECIALIST CENTRE
CABRINI ELSTERNWICK— SPECIALIST CENTRE AND AMBULATORY CARE
Level 1, 494 Glen Huntly Road, Elsternwick
RESEARCH, EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY
PATRICIA PECK EDUCATION AND RESEARCH PRECINCT
154 Wattletree Road, Malvern
CABRINI TECHNOLOGY GROUP
Head office – Building 99, 45 Gilby Road, Mount Waverley
HEALTH FACILITIES
CABRINI ASYLUM SEEKER AND REFUGEE HEALTH HUB
140 Westbourne Grove, Northcote
CABRINI EXERCISE AND WELLNESS CENTRE
261 Wattletree Road, Malvern
Our next era
Cabrini made significant headway in its long-term redevelopment strategy for the Malvern campus throughout FY25. Designed to meet the growing needs of our community, the redevelopment will ensure that we continue to attract the best specialists and staff and deliver care in state-of-the-art facilities.
Health Science Planning Consultants (HSPC) has been appointed as architect for the proposed east building—selected for expertise in large-scale clinical environments and vision for a more welcoming, community-integrated healthcare precinct.
Stage 1: the construction of four new operating theatres and a third cardiac catheter lab commenced in June and will be operational by March 2026. Works on the new east building are expected to commence in July 2026.
Our new Specialist Orthopaedic Centre was also opened during the year. This forms part of our new models of care, which streamline the patient journey and support earlier discharge. These initiatives include the use of exercise apps, pre-surgery rehabilitation, and the provision of home-based rehabilitation to improve patient outcomes and help them return home sooner.
Meanwhile, the opening of our new expanded Exercise and Wellness Centre has enhanced patient access to rehabilitation and wellbeing services, providing a calm and restorative space for oncology and cardio-pulmonary patients in their ongoing recovery. This facility supports our holistic model of care and leading-edge research into exercise in cancer.
The Next Era redevelopment at Cabrini Malvern is our response to the changing needs of our community.
By including an additional cardiac catheter laboratory and 32-bed cardiac unit in our works, we’re extending life saving treatment to more people, ensuring the right care is available precisely when its needed.
How 14 minutes saved Kaye’s life
From the moment that Kaye Tomlinson was brought into Cabrini Malvern Emergency Department (ED), triaged, collapsed, shocked back to life, and on her way to one of our cardiac catheter labs for a life-saving procedure, only 14 minutes had passed.
For Kaye to have survived her heart attack and cardiac arrest that followed, the “chain of survival” that led to her emergency angioplasty had to be swift and unbroken, and access to a cath lab was crucial.
“Kaye developed chest pain when she was a passenger in a car close by,” Cabrini Director of Emergency Dr Ian Turner said. “Her husband googled to the nearest ED and drove directly to us. Kaye is very lucky that we were only 11 minutes away.
“They arrived at triage, but Kaye quickly collapsed, so she was taken immediately to our resuscitation area, where she then had a cardiac arrest.”
The assembled ED medical and nursing teams responded instantly.
“They resuscitated Kaye with a single electric shock to the heart, administered life-saving medications, and got her to the cardiac catheter lab all within 14 minutes of arrival,” Dr Turner said.
Once in the cath lab, Dr Mark Freilich swiftly performed the emergency angiogram, identified a blocked artery, which he then opened, and implanted a stent. Kaye was
stabilised and transferred to Cabrini’s specialist cardiac ward a short time later.
For 64-year-old Kaye, mum of former GWS and Melbourne footballer Adam Tomlinson, the heart attack came as a huge shock.
“I’d had no warning signs, my blood pressure has always been good, and I don’t even eat fried food.’
“I feel so lucky that I came to Cabrini. Every step has been amazing.”
Dr Freilich said that Kaye’s situation isn’t unique and that heart attacks can strike anyone, even those who are fit and strong like Kaye.
“Heart attacks are something that can just happen,” Dr Freilich said. “As we get older, we’re at higher risk of having heart disease and it can sometimes be fit people who develop it, too.
“Kaye’s very lucky. The whole of her care team did a phenomenal job, starting down in Emergency where they essentially brought her back to life, stabilised things, and activated the cath lab to get her up there as quickly as they did.
“The quicker we can get our patients up to a cath lab, the quicker we can perform this life-saving procedure to open up their artery and reduce how much damage the patient is going to have down the track.”
As part of the Cabrini redevelopment, construction is underway on an additional cardiac catheterisation lab and four new operating theatres to help us to swiftly care for more people like Kaye every year.
Our Board
Our Board brings a broad range of experience to its governance role. It is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the organisation and ensuring appropriate governance structures are in place.
Sylvia Falzon Appointed March 2010
Simeon Goldenberg
Appointed April 2019
Nicholas Pane KC Appointed November 2021
A/Professor Caroline Brand Appointed May 2020
Lisa Harker Appointed March 2018
Anthony Rice Appointed November 2016
Full details of current board members, including their current roles and previous experience can be found on our website at www.cabrini.com.au/about-cabrini/ board-of-directors/
Rev Tony Kerin Appointed 2025
Holyoake Appointed April 2019
Bob Santamaria Appointed November 2020
Professor Terry O’Brien Appointed May 2024
Lee Appointed May 2020
Flavia Gobbo Appointed March 2025
Paul
Francesca
Board Committees
The Cabrini Board was supported by seven Board Committees during 2024-25. These Committees are appointed by the Board to assist it in fulfilling its governance responsibilities in relation to the areas noted below.
Audit and Risk Management Committee
Chair: Lisa Harker
Financial management of Cabrini, Cabrini’s framework and system of risk management and internal controls, and internal/external audit functions.
Cabrini Foundation Board
Chair: Sylvia Falzon Oversees and guides all fundraising activities.
Cabrini Research Committee
Chair: Professor Terry O’Brien Facilitates research and strategies and oversight responsibilities in relation to clinical research.
Cabrini Technology Group Committee
Chair: Anthony Rice
CTG operates businesses that support the provision of healthcare and also generate a surplus which is redeployed to support Cabrini’s broader purposes.
Major Construction Projects Committee
Chair: Simeon Goldenberg Planning, design and construction of major building projects on behalf of the Cabrini group.
Cabrini Mission, People and Remuneration Committee
Chair: Francesca Lee
Cabrini operates in a manner consistent with and in fulfilment of the mission and values of the Cabrini Sisters. Strategies to attract, develop, retain and optimise Cabrini’s people and remuneration policy.
Patient Experience and Clinical Governance Committee
Chair: Caroline Brand Governance systems in place that maintain and improve the reliability and quality of patient care, as well as improve patient outcomes.
Executive commitee
The Executive Committee supports the Chief Executive in performing her duties, including leadership of our mission and implementation of our corporate and strategic plans. The below shows the Executive Team as at 30 June 2025.
Sue Williams Chief Executive
Louise Alexander Executive Director Malvern
Jason Aquilina Chief Financial Officer
Megan Mills Group Director Nursing and Clinical Education
Margaret Stewart Group Director Mission and Identity
Derek Price Chief Information Officer
Paul Vine Group Director Legal and Corporate Affairs
Prof Gary Richardson OAM, Group Director Cabrini Research
Cathryn Ryan
Group Director
Health Funding, Information and Analytics
A/Prof Vineet Sarode Acting Group Director Medical Services and Clinical Governance
Sharon Sherwood Chief of Mental Health and Cabrini Outreach
Tim Staker Chief of Cabrini Technology
Fiona Chapman Group Director People, Culture and Transformation
Full details of the current executive, including their roles and previous experience can be found on our website at www.cabrini. com.au/about-cabrini/management-team/
Financial overview
Performance
The Cabrini Australia Group reported revenue of more than $650m in 2024-25, showing the most substantial year-on-year growth since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cabrini continues to invest in our facilities and services to ensure the best possible care for patients and families, and to continue our programs for disadvantaged people in our community.
Our investment in property and equipment was $25m in the 2024-25 year, showing efficiency in our expenditure while reaffirming our commitment to continual improvement.
Financial report for 2024-25
Cabrini Health provides a range of high-quality acute, sub-acute, diagnostic and community-based health services across south-east Melbourne. We also offer allied health, chronic disease and rehabilitation services onsite or in a patient’s home.
CABRINI HEALTH
Operational performance
In FY25, Cabrini continued to strengthen its operational performance, supporting a five per cent increase in surgical procedures. Emerging technologies are enabling us to treat more patients on a day-stay basis, with day procedures rising by nine per cent.
Our focus on new models of care enabled growth beyond the hospital walls, with outpatient services growing by nearly 20 per cent. Cabrini at Home also experienced significant expansion, with services across rehabilitation, hospital in the home, palliative care, chemotherapy and neuro-oncology growing by over 40 per cent during the year.
These advances contributed to a reduction in length of stay, signalling more effective delivery of acute care. The rise in At Home activity demonstrates greater patient engagement and access. Together, these outcomes highlight Cabrini’s continued success delivering innovative, compassionate care that is responsive to changes in community need while also maintaining excellence in clinical outcomes and patient experience.
A focus on innovative therapies and models of care have been core to Cabrini’s operational and clinical performance in FY25. Becoming the first hospital in the Southern Hemisphere to offer pin-point accuracy in Deep Brain Stimulation using Stereotactic Ultralight System technology highlights our ongoing commitment to delivering world-class care.
Inpatient care
Across Cabrini’s Malvern, Brighton and Elsternwick hospitals, there were 96,628 inpatient episodes in FY25, representing a five per cent increase from FY24. Total bed days rose to 222,976, supporting a greater number of patients while maintaining strong performance in returning patients home sooner through enhanced rehabilitation and home-based services.
Emergency department visits
The Alan, Ada and Eva Selwyn Emergency Department at Cabrini Malvern continued to serve an important role in the community, treating about 25,000 during the year.
Surgical procedures performed
Surgical teams across Malvern and Brighton undertook 53,489 operations, a five per cent increase on FY24. This reflects the benefits of expanded theatre capacity and increased efficiency through optimised scheduling and workflow improvements.
Babies delivered
In FY24, Cabrini celebrated the safe delivery of more than 1900 babies. This growth highlights the ongoing trust placed in Cabrini’s maternity services, renowned for its commitment to high-quality, patient-centred care.
Day oncology/infusion treatments
Our Day Oncology and Infusion Centres delivered 24,205 treatments, marking a four per cent increase from FY24. This growth underscores Cabrini’s continued ability to meet the complex needs of oncology patients through high-quality, coordinated outpatient care.
Palliative care patients
Cabrini provided specialist palliative care to nearly 550 patients in FY25 and over 7400 visits were conducted by our home palliative care service. With need for these services projected to increase in coming years, a new palliative care environment is a special focus in the delivery of our east building.
New neurosurgery technology gives grandmother her smile back
For the past three years, Parkinson’s disease has stolen Vicki Clowes’ smile and robbed her of the ability to walk, but the 65-yearold became the first person in the Southern Hemisphere to have her smile and mobility restored using new deep brain stimulation (DBS) technology at Cabrini Malvern.
“I’ve got my smile back,” a beaming Vicki said. “For the past three years, I couldn’t smile, and my speech was badly impacted. The use of my legs had deteriorated so much that I could hardly walk.”
But it’s a different story now for the grandmother of six, who took advantage of the new technology that allows for the more accurate delivery of DBS, with fewer complications, shorter surgery time, and the added bonus of being asleep for the surgery.
Cabrini Malvern is the first hospital in the Southern Hemisphere to acquire the new technology, funded by generous Cabrini Foundation donors.
Cabrini neurologist, Associate Professor Wesley Thevathasan, and neurosurgeon, Mr Kristian Bulluss, work in tandem during the complex surgery to deliver the DBS implantation with submillimetre accuracy using the new Stereotactic Ultralight System (SUSy) technology, and an intraoperative Airo CT scanner. The system means best possible outcomes are achievable for patients with movement disorders, which include Parkinson’s disease, dystonia (involuntary muscle contractions) and essential tremors.
“This is a game-changer,” A/Prof Thevathasan said. “With deep brain stimulation, electrode placement is all about location, location, location. We need an incredible degree of accuracy.”
“With this technique, the patient gets an optimal outcome. What we’re expecting for our patients with movement disorders is real transformation, far better function, and improved quality of life.”
Mr Bulluss said the innovative design of this new technology has the additional benefit of allowing patients to be asleep during surgery, minimising the emotional impacts of the treatment.
“Not only are we able to deliver the electrode with sub-millimetre accuracy to brain structures the size of a grain of rice, there’s also less chance of brain trauma, a reduced likelihood that a repeat procedure is required, and shorter operation times, meaning recovery post-surgery is better,” Mr Bulluss said.
For Vicki, the surgery has not only restored the use of her legs and seen her smile return so soon after surgery, she now also has her life back.
“I can’t quite believe the difference it’s made to my life, and my family’s lives,” she said. “I didn’t want to be a grandparent who couldn’t be involved in my grandchildren’s lives. I can go to their footy and netball games, and we can make plans again.
“I’m so grateful and now I can’t take the smile off my face.”
Comprehensive compassionate care at Cabrini
Clinical governance
In 2024-2025, Cabrini Health successfully completed the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards accreditation. For the first time, this assessment included the National Clinical Trials Governance Framework (NCTGF).
Thanks to the commitment of our staff and the delivery of key projects by our Quality and Safety Team, Cabrini was awarded accreditation with no recommendations, reflecting exceptional compliance and delivery of care by the organisation.
Patient experience
Our Patient Experience team and the Committee that supports it provides valuable insights into ways we can improve our care. This year they worked in tandem to deliver consumer informed guidance for the redevelopment, review of key policies, improved patient communication and education.
Our Net Promoter Score of 79 is an excellent indication of patient satisfaction and loyalty of the community in which we serve. 96 per cent of patients said their overall care was very good, the highest possible rating.
Our people and culture
At Cabrini, our people are the heart of everything we do. With a workforce of more than 4500, we are proud to nurture an environment where staff are supported, valued and empowered to grow both personally and professionally. This commitment ensures our people can deliver the highest standards of care while thriving in their own careers.
This culture of respect, collaboration and belonging inspires a strong sense of loyalty and pride across our organisation, making Cabrini not only a place of exceptional care, but also a truly great place to work.
Each year, we acknowledge and celebrate the contribution of our people through service milestone awards. In 2024-25, we proudly recognised 559 team members who achieved significant career milestones with us.
5 years: 225
10 years: 99
15 years: 114
20 years: 60
25 years: 35
30 years: 13
35 years: 8
40 years: 3
45 years: 2
Total: 559
Years of service:
Number of recipients in 2024
Mother Cabrini Awards
The annual Mother Cabrini Awards recognise individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Cabrini throughout the year. These awards honour staff who embody our values of compassion, integrity, courage and respect, and who consistently and humbly walk in the footsteps of Mother Cabrini.
AWARD FOR INDIVIDUAL EXCELLENCE:
Richard Louis | Food Ambassador, 2 North
Richard was recognised for his exceptional connection with patients and his attentiveness to their needs. His quick response in identifying a patient’s deterioration ensured timely medical intervention which saved the patient’s life. Richard’s humility and dedication shine through in his commitment to making patients feel cared for, supported and uplifted.
AWARD FOR TEAM EXCELLENCE:
Reception | Cabrini Women’s Mental Health
The team was recognised for the extraordinary way it creates a calm and supportive environment for patients who are often distressed and vulnerable.
AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE:
Dr James Pollard | Clinical Director, Cabrini Community Care
James was recognised for his positive and approachable leadership, his commitment to recognising colleagues, and his “nothing is too hard” attitude.
AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE:
Jenny Nicholson | Director Support Services
Jenny was awarded for her outstanding leadership of more than 430 staff and 200 volunteers. She has also demonstrated remarkable versatility in stepping into additional responsibilities as Acting Director of Mission.
Our volunteers
Easily identifiable in their vibrant red vests, Cabrini volunteers are a beacon of kindness and comfort to everyone they encounter. Generously offering their time and talents, these dedicated individuals serve across the organisation in a wide array of roles, each one making a meaningful impact.
From offering companionship to inpatients and outpatients, serving refreshments, and making regular phone calls to discharged patients to ease loneliness, to guiding visitors, recording life stories, teaching knitting, fitting wigs, providing pastoral support, and preparing patient admission packs, our volunteers bring warmth and compassion to every corner of Cabrini.
Our Pastoral volunteers play a vital role in nurturing the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of our patients, helping them stay connected to their faith communities. Community engagement is at the core of Cabrini’s Volunteer Service. This commitment was honoured at the City of Stonnington Volunteer Awards (September 2024), where the Cabrini Patient Services Volunteer Team was named Community Group –Winner. Cabrini also proudly participated in the Stonnington Volunteer Expo (March 2025), showcasing the spirit of service provided by our volunteers at Cabrini.
In 2025, Cabrini partnered with Bayley House and its Community Engagement Volunteer Program, an organisation dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. One of the organisation’s volunteers now assembles patient brochure packs for Cabrini Brighton, taking great pride in her valuable contribution to Cabrini.
Volunteer service—ranging from two to 30 years—was honoured in a heartfelt ceremony during National Volunteer Week, recognising and celebrating the joy, purpose, and fulfillment that volunteering brings.
Cabrini Women’s Mental Health Service
The Cabrini Women’s Mental Health Service, located at the Lisa Thurin Women’s Health Centre in Elsternwick, remains Australia’s first women’s-only mental health hospital.
Our pioneering model continues to provide gender-sensitive, trauma-informed care in a safe, nurturing environment, tailored to the unique mental health needs of women.
This year, we proudly reached a milestone of 1659 women treated since our inception in September 2021, with patients coming from across Australia and internationally. Our short-stay inpatient program, complemented by a suite of community day programs, offers a continuum of care that empowers women to reclaim their mental wellbeing.
Through the generosity of our donors, the Access Fund has removed financial barriers for women seeking mental health care. This year, the fund has enabled 12 women, including those from rural areas, culturally diverse backgrounds, and experiencing financial hardship, to access our inpatient and day programs. The initiative reflects our commitment to equitable, compassionate care, and ensures that every woman has the opportunity to begin her recovery journey regardless of financial circumstance.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
• Finalists in the 2025 HESTA Australian Nursing and Midwifery Awards
• Launch of Australia’s first Neurodivergence Assessment Centre for women
• Delivery of services through our Access Fund
Cabrini Foundation
Cabrini Research
The Cabrini Foundation creates ways for patients, their families, and our community to connect and show gratitude, enabling Cabrini to continue providing exceptional care for patients now and into the future.
While the Foundation’s Impact Report provides the detail on the positive impact that donor funding has across all corners of our hospitals, we’re pleased to say that in 2024-25, Cabrini Foundation donors contributed a wonderful $17.2 million towards a wide range of medical equipment, clinical research, and infrastructure projects that are benefiting patients now and for the future.
2024-25 represented a pivotal year, marking the conclusion of a five-year strategy, during which Cabrini Research achieved or made substantial progress towards all of its objectives.
Building upon these foundations, a new strategy was developed that further sharpens our institutional mission: to transform patient lives through clinically impactful research. Structured around four pillars—Clinical Research, Translational Research, Research Capacity, and Research Sustainability—the strategy signals a renewed ambition for research at Cabrini.
Clinical trials remain core to Cabrini’s research priorities, with 92 trials conducted during the year, enabling access to therapies otherwise unavailable to patients.
Cabrini Research also demonstrated national leadership in trial quality, achieving accreditation as an established system, the highest possible maturity rating under the National Clinical Trials Governance Framework.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
• 255 active research projects
• 47 new research projects were approved
• 92 active clinical trials
• 22 new clinical trials were opened
• 146 papers published in journals
Cabrini Research continued to shape national health priorities, serving as the first site to screen a patient under the National Lung Cancer Screening Program, a large-scale initiative to improve early detection and survival outcomes. To further the impact of screening, a research program is being developed that will strengthen our existing lung cancer registry—one of seven active databases and 35 clinical quality registries to which Cabrini contributes.
These achievements were made possible by a team of 42 researchers, the majority of whom maintain clinical responsibilities—ensuring close alignment with our health services.
They were supported by 11 professional staff across a wide range of fields, together with the Consumer and Community Involvement Committee, which provided insights that have tangibly improved research practice at Cabrini.
Cabrini Cancer Institute creates national ovarian tumour library
Helen Goode’s ovarian cancer diagnosis story is not unusual. She, like so many before her, discovered her cancer by accident following scans for an unrelated issue, with her cancer already at an advanced stage when diagnosed.
As a lecturer at the University of Melbourne, surrounded by researchers every day, Helen decided to use her diagnosis to support Cabrini’s research into the disease that is so often discovered too late.
Ovarian cancer symptoms typically only present once the cancer is advanced and spread, which is why Cabrini Cancer Institute researchers have created Australia’s largest and only biologically comprehensive library of ovarian cancer organoids – 3D cancer models – that will help to shape the future of personalised cancer treatment for ovarian cancer patients.
In early 2025, Helen had chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment at Cabrini for her ovarian cancer, and she didn’t have to be asked twice to donate her ovarian cancer tumour cells to our researchers, to help establish this vitally important biobank.
“The symptoms of ovarian cancer can be very similar to so many other things,” Helen said. “That’s the scary thing about this disease. And that’s why I didn’t hesitate to say yes to donating my tissue to this new organoid program.
“It’s an opportunity to help contribute to important ovarian cancer research, which I hope one day will make significant advancements in the same way breast cancer survival rates have improved. I hope my diagnosis can help others.”
The establishment of the new Cabrini biobank of 3D ovarian cancer tumours will make the discovery of targeted and personalised ovarian cancer therapies a possibility, providing hope for patients of the disease that claims the lives of more than 1000 Australians every year.
The Cabrini Cancer Institute, in partnership with Monash University’s Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), is building the library of ovarian cancer organoids
– growing 3D cancer models of patients’ cancer tumours – to develop a process where doctors can use a patient’s own cancer cells to run personalised drug testing trials to ascertain which drugs might work.
Oncologist and Group Director of Cabrini Research, Professor Gary Richardson OAM, said the establishment of this biobank is encouraging news for the 1700-plus Australians diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year.
“We’re hopeful we can intervene earlier, with more targeted therapies that are personalised specifically for the patient,” Prof Richardson said.
“Patients will end up having different drugs and different treatments relating to the characteristics of their cancer and in doing that individually, we’ll have much better outcomes.”
The new organoids program is made possible due to the recent expansion of the Cabrini Cancer Institute. Following a Federal Government grant, the integration of the Institute within Cabrini’s Malvern hospital includes an onsite processing lab that allows researchers and clinicians to better collaborate and bring pioneering cancer research closer to the patients it serves.
Cabrini’s flagship genomic research programs are supported by generous Cabrini Foundation donors, with the aim of developing breakthroughs and delivering better health outcomes for all cancer patients.
Cabrini Technology Group
During the 2024-25 financial year, Cabrini Technology Group delivered strong performance and meaningful progress across its strategic priorities.
This ensured the achievement of solid financial results, supported by growth in core operations and cost savings through the successful implementation of efficiency initiatives.
A key focus this year was simplifying the business to create a leaner, more resilient operating model, focusing on core competencies. This included the divestment of noncore business assets and a restructuring of real estate holdings and operating locations to align with current and future needs. These initiatives will reduce complexity and sharpen our strategic focus, while mitigating a number of identified risks.
We deepened relationships with clients and partners, continued to expand our presence across Australia and New Zealand, and broadened our service offerings. Our people remained central to this success, with workforce capability initiatives driving both engagement and performance.
Cabrini Outreach
Cabrini Outreach’s Asylum Seeker and Refugee Health Hub continues to provide free primary care, specialist mental health care, psychosocial support, and a health waiver program to over 600 people seeking asylum in Melbourne.
Awards
Cabrini Outreach was recognised as a Medicare Champion in the Stronger Medicare Awards in November 2024 for the team category ‘Ensuring all Australians have access to quality healthcare wherever they live’. The award was presented at Parliament House by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Hon. Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing.
Partnerships and support
Our success is built on strong collaborations with:
• Government and healthcare: Victorian Department of Health, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, Australian College of Optometry, Victorian Refugee Health Network.
• Community and NGOs: Whittlesea Community Connections and various asylum seeker support organisations such as the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project, Uniting’s Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre and Baptcare Sanctuary.
Special thanks to Cabrini staff for its fundraising efforts and workplace giving program contributions.
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the pro bono doctors (general practitioners and psychiatrists) who generously donated their time throughout the year.
We thank all our stakeholders for their unwavering support and look forward to another year of impactful service to our community.
Our supporters
Thank you for your generous support of Cabrini and Cabrini Research. Your leadership in philanthropy ensures we continue to provide our community with compassionate care, with the best facilities, and pave the way for research into the future.
Companions
The Alter Family AMP Foundation
Alan and Mary-Louise Archibald Foundation
Mr Don Argus AC and Mrs Pat Argus
Arnold Bloch Leibler
Aventis Pharma Pty Ltd
Bamford Family Foundation
In Memory of Beverley Barlow
Percy Baxter Charitable Trust
The Bertalli Family Foundation
George and Freda Castan and Family
The Collie Foundation
Maureen Coomber
Coryule Foundation
Dorman Family Foundation
Wendy Dowd AM and Carl Dowd AM
O’Connor Duffy Foundation
Marc and Karyn Fookes
The Fox Family Foundation Pty Ltd
Gandel Foundation
Mr John Gandel AC and Mrs Pauline Gandel AC
Mr Ian and Mrs Linda Gandel
Michelle Gandel
Mr Tony and Mrs Helen Gandel
Mr Michael and Mrs Helen Gannon
Mr John Graham
Heartbeat Cabrini
Highland Foundation
The Holckner FamilyIn memory of Lily Holckner
Dr Yumna Holyoake
Holyoake Family
Mr Alan Jackson AO and Mrs Esme Jackson
Lee and Brian Johnstone OAM
Evan Johnstone
The Johnstone Family Foundation
John Knowles OAM and Coral Knowles
Mr John Laidlaw OAM and Mrs Betty Laidlaw
Ji & Li fund
Mr Angus Mackay OAM
Mr David and Mrs Barbra MacDonald
Mr Louis Mangan AO and Cecile Mangan
McGrath Foundation Limited
Peter Meese Cancer Nursing Fund
Dr Bryan Mendelson and Mrs Debra-Sue Mendelson
Merrin Foundation
The Meydan Family Charitable Trust
Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ
Richard and Dorothea Nossbaum
The Orloff Family Foundation
Nigel Peck AM and Patricia Peck
PMF Foundation
Pratt Foundation
Myron and Jennie Rogers
Mr Richard Rogers AM,
Mrs Roslyn Rogers OAM, and Family
The Moniek Sambor Family Memorial Research Fund - The Sambor Family
Perry Sambor
Alan and Ada Selwyn
Eva Selwyn
Mrs Sam Sharman OAM and family
The Simonds Family
Neville and June F.M. Smith
Rodney and Ann Smorgon Family
The Stewardson Charitable Trust
Mr George and Mrs Mira Szalmuk
Szalmuk Family Department Of Medical Oncology
Mrs Anne Wollach-Szalmuk
Mr Geoff Szalmuk
Ms Simone Szalmuk-Singer
Dr David Thurin AM and Mrs Lisa Thurin
Wee Family
Mr Joseph and Mrs Helena Frohlich West
Werner and Gerda Westphal
Joe White Bequest
Windemere Foundation Ltd
Partners
Rita Andre
The Pierce Armstrong Foundation
Associated Retailers Limited
Mr Nick and Miss Angela Baldi
Barr Family Foundation
Mrs May Barry and Mr Anthony Barry AM
Norman and Pauline Bloom
The Michael and Andrew Buxton Foundation
The Andrew and Geraldine Buxton Foundation
Cabrini Medical Staff
The Carlisle Family
Charity Drive Days Inc
Collier Charitable Trust
Lady Patricia Connelly
The Phyllis Connor Memorial Trust
Construction Engineering (Aust) Pty Ltd
Sally and David Curtain
Cybec Foundation
Brian M Davis Charitable Foundation
The de Winter Family
The Alfred and Jean Dickson Foundation
Mr Andrew C Facey
Fellows
Charles Allen Charitable Trust
Arcare Family Foundation
The Bachrach Charitable Trust
Jack and Meg Bowen
In Memory of Jan Bucknall
Carter Family Foundation
The CASS Foundation
Charter Security Group
Reginald and Natalie Corke
The Davidson Family
Deague Family
Mr and Mrs Wal Edgar
Jaan Enden
The Fryer Family
Brian Goddard In Memory of
Margaret Goddard
Grenda Foundation
Peter Heffernan
Sylvia Falzon and Geoff Tomlinson
Brian H. Gillies Palliative Nursing
Travel Scholarship
Bagot Gjergja Foundation
Leon and Judy Goldman
Ken Grenda AM and Margaret Grenda
Geoff and Helen Handbury Foundation
Mr Russell Hutchinson
Harold Johnston OAM and Kay Johnston AM
Jreissati Foundation
The Valda Klaric Foundation
Mrs Dinah Krongold & Family
Gailey Lazarus Foundation
In Memory of Roger Leeming
Peter Lemon
In Memory of Denis Long
Mr David Mandie AM OBE
Peter Marriott
Jill Mathieson and Bruce Lawrence
The Matthey Family
The McMurrick Family
Kylie Minogue OBE
In Loving Memory of Barbara Anne Mountain
Mr and Mrs Mark Newman
Ostomy Association of Melbourne Inc
Paulusz Family Foundation
Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd
Rosemary Norman Foundation
Rotary Club of Brighton
In memory of Elian Rotenberg
Sanofi-Sythelabo Australia Pty Ltd
Dzidka and Alexander Slade
Mr Graham Smorgon AM and Mrs Annette Smorgon
The Lionel and Yvonne Spencer Trust
G and K Stansen
The Brian J Sutton Charitable Trust
Mr Charles Tegner
Michael and Donna Tricarico and Family
Margaret Walkom Trust
Michael Walsh, Netta Duggan and Family
Edward Wilson Trust
In memory of Cheryl Windsor
Philip and Trix Wollen
Paul Henderson
Mr and Mrs Higgins
John Higgins AO and Jodie Maunder
Mrs Kerrie Hunter and Family
Dr Laurence LeWinn Foundation
Lording Family Foundation
Peter and Judy Lowthian Family
Eirene Lucas Foundation
Mayer Page Research Fellow
McArthur Foundation
Christine and Denis McConnell
Alison McElroy
Richard and Susan Mizgala
Mr Hugh Morgan AC and Mrs Elizabeth Morgan
Paul Mullaly QC
Philip Munz AM and Sylvia Munz
Frank O’Shea OAM
The Family of Duncan Powers
In Memory of Marlene Regan
M and J Rockman Foundation
The Sasse Family
In memory of Richard John Savill
Mr and Mrs P Selzer and Family
Signorino Family
Victor Smorgon Charitable Fund
Joe Spano
The Zachary Sum and Charmane Ow Family
David and Chasya Tamir
PF and RA Tomaino
David and Roslyn Turnbull
Max Walters
Sue Williams
Geok Hua Wong Charitable Trust
Zagora Foundation
Benefactors
Mrs Joy Anderson
AON Risk Services Australia
Martin Armstrong
Pat and Sheril Aughterson
David Bain
In memory of Peter Balstrup
P & S Bassat Foundation
Mr Andrew and Mrs Annie Bell
Mr David and Mrs Louisa Best
W and G Bradshaw Trust
Dr Emma Burrell and Mr Karl Baignet
The Calvert-Jones Foundation
Dr Leon and Mrs Marlen Carp
John and Anna Christophersen
Patricia Collett OAM
Commonwealth Bank Of Australia -
Corporate Financial Services Vic and Tas
Mrs Keryn and Mr Keith Connor Corrilee Foundation
Debbie Dadon and family
Evelyn and Tom Danos Family
Pat and Bruce Davis
Pam Darling
The De Luca Family
In memory of Nereo Dizane
In Memory of Barbara Douglas
Downie Family
Mary Drenen
Drummond Foundation
The Duggan Foundation
IM & SK Families Fund
Mr Geoff and Mrs Lesley Freeman
Francis Galbally
Eli and Kerry Goldfinger
Ron Goldschlager and Family
In Memory of Peter Royston Gray
Gringlas Family Charitable Fund
Mr John Grossi
Mr Michael Halprin
P and M Harbig (Holdings) Pty Ltd
Herschel Asset Management Limited
David, Amit and Jed Holckner
Mark Holckner family
John Holding
Dr Nicholas Houseman
Ann and Tony Hyams AM
Des and Cheri Jackson
Patricia Janes
Jack and Sheila Jenner
Dorothee and Jost Kaiser
Dorae Jesberg
Kay and Burton Pty Ltd
Mary and Charles Kerstjens
G & E King Family Foundation
John T King and Lalla C King
King Family Foundation
Damon and Janene Krongold
Helen Landau Family
Mrs Judith Lang and The Gideon Lang Foundation
Joan Lavender Charitable Trust
Annie Rose and Andrew Lazar Foundation
Lynette and Kevin Lee
Dr Norman Lewis
Jeff Loewenstein
Joan Loton
Andy Lyas
Helen Macpherson Smith Trust
Mr Colin and Mrs Jannene Madden
Judith Matear and Family Fund
Mazda Foundation
M McGauran
Medibank
Melbourne Pathology
MIA Victoria
Doris Mohl OAM
In Memory of Mary Minogue
John Allison Monkhouse
R M Morgan AM
Donald Moyes
The Murphy Family
Mr Patrick Nalty
In memory of Mary Nesbitt
Elizabeth Nixon
The Nossbaum Family and Marion & David Slonim
O’Donohue Family in memory of Margot
O’Donohue
Prestige Inhome Care
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
Elinor Rabinov
Lorraine and Eli Raskin
Margaret and Tony Reeves
Lady Susan Renouf
Gary Richardson OAM
Roche Products Pty Ltd
Irvin Rockman CBE
Dr Sue and Phil Ronaldson
Sue Rose
Rotary Club of Malvern
The Russell Foundation
The Sanford Partnership
Dia Ram Sharma and Sumita Sharma
The Brian Smith Endowment
Smith and Nephew Pty Limited
Margery E Snowball
Sotheby’s Australia
Paul and Rose Spano
In memory of Diane Spielvogel
Spooner Family
Ann Sprague
Jean St Leger Educational Scholarship
Bib Stillwell BMW
Mr Bernard Sweeney
In Memory of Charlotte Tait
Eleanor Keamy and George Tate
Tattersall’s, The Estate of The Late George Adams
Peter T Wain and Family
Prof Tony Walker ASM and Ms Robyn Cameron
The Wallis Family
Barbara and Ralph Ward-Ambler AM
Marie and John Warnock
Mr Stewart and Mrs Ingrid Webster
Dr Charles William (Bill) Edgar Wilson
Yarra Valley Travel
In Memory of Julie Young
In Memory of Suzanne Young
Estates
Claire Abrahams
Estate of Gustav G.H. Apituley
Ellen M Balderstone
Nola Evelyn Barnes
Neil Beauglehall
Elaine Louise Benger
Rose and Herbert Birchall
Carmel Mary Blanton
Gweneth Mabel Bowles
Doris Elaine Boyd
Ann Brewer
Rosina Violet Brown
Nance Nevasa Buchanan
Maxwell Chapman
Annie Marjorie May Clarke
Agnes Ferguson Clarke
Roger John Cleary
Gary George Conway
Patrick Corbett
Mary ‘Canny’ Coventry
Joyce Mena Coxall
David Roy Cross
John Lawrence De Yong
Rino Della Bosca
John Robert Edwards
Dr Betty Elliott
Barbara Feil
Emeritus Professor Peter FitzRoy
Peter Francis Fleming
Harold Francis
Ursula May Frawley
John Gaidzkar
Dorothy Cecelia Garbutt
Judith and Ian Gardiner
John Anthony Gill
Rosemary Gleeson
Angela Felicity Glover
Pamela Golding
Derek John Grantham
Dr Patraicia Ann Gray
Peter Greenham
Maxwell Francis Gregory
Yvonne Marie Griffin
Hamling Bequest in memory of
Fiona Hamling
Patricia Murray Hancock
Diana Mary Harcourt
Pamela Mary Harper
Clement Godfrey Harrison
Noel Arthur Hatherly
Mary Kathleen Hauser
Doris Mary Hawkless
Kenneth Swanson Hewitt
Peter Richard Hicks
Rita Mae Hunt
In memory of Ernest Albert Ireland and Jean Linton Ireland
