Sunbed campaigner acknowledged as one of most influential Australians
17 December 2014
Congratulations to MIA’s Community Co-ordinator, Jay Allen, for being acknowledged on the honour roll of Australia’s most influential people in the non-profit sector.
As a former sunbed user, Jay was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma in 2008 – a diagnosis that changed his life, turning the former truck driver into a passionate advocate to have sunbeds banned across Australia.
“I started the campaign to ban solariums in Australia in December 2008 because I wasn’t aware of the risks involved when I used them. I didn’t want others to go through what I did by exposing themselves to the harm of these dangerous machines, not knowing the risks associated with them.” Jay says. “With this ban, our future generations will reap the benefits.”
By teaming up with Greens Senator Lee Rhiannon, NSW Greens MP Dr John Kaye, and leading health professor at The University of Sydney Professor Simon Chapman, and together with the support of Melanoma Institute Australia, Jay has ensured the banning of solariums got the attention it deserved.
“I’ve had many meetings with politicians all over Australia sharing my messages about the dangers of solarium use, ran petitions, awareness days, etc.” says Jay. “Persistence has been the key and always speaking from the heart about a real issue that is costing many Australians their life.”
Jay started the campaign that saw sunbeds banned initially in NSW and then throughout Australia. He continues to passionately raise awareness of melanoma and funds for a cure. His campaigning has now moved to New Zealand where he has teamed up with melanoma survivors and key organisations to achieve a ban.
Australasian Melanoma Conference AMC2021
The 2021 Australasian Melanoma Conference (AMC2021) will held in Sydney, Australia.
Amie St Clair 10th Annual Ball
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Amie St Clair Melanoma at the Annual Ball in Wagga Wagga!
Riverina Melanoma Ride
Melanoma survivor Matt Kean is doing a 1000km bike ride around the Riverina this October, to increase awareness of melanoma and raise funds for Amie St Clair Melanoma - MIA. There are many ways you can be part of this life-changing ride!
Queen's Birthday Honour for Professor Richard Scolyer
MIA's Prof Scolyer has been appointed as an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia.
Sharing our research on the global stage at 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting
Research from MIA was once again in the spotlight as findings were shared at the virtual ASCO21.
Australian researchers lead world in successful trial of new cancer treatment.
In a breakthrough which could extend to the treatment of other cancers, a new immune checkpoint inhibitor has proven effective in helping save the lives of advanced melanoma patients.
Thank you doesn't seem enough for our melanoma nurses.
Whilst our research and clinical teams are trialling new treatments to save lives, it is our nurses who are on the front line providing care and support.
Sharing our knowledge of melanoma on the global stage
As leaders in the field of melanoma, clinicians and researchers from MIA shared their knowledge at the virtual 10th World Congress of Melanoma.
Community Fundraising Wrap Up Jan-Mar 2021
The easing of COVID restrictions has meant the return of community events, and we recognise the generous support of our community fundraisers.
Melanoma patients and their families urged to speak up and put national spotlight on melanoma.
Melanoma patients and their carers are being urged to participate in a ground-breaking survey which will shape the future of melanoma treatment, research, support and funding in Australia.
Support for Melanoma March has come from everywhere
We have been buoyed by the wonderful support for our Melanoma March campaign, and our mission to cover Australia in footprints continues into April!
An inspiring WA Melanoma Community Forum
There was a wonderful feeling of community support amongst the melanoma patients, families and friends at the WA Melanoma Community Form.
Family of 8-year-old with melanoma calls on all Australians to step up to help save lives
The Price family has decided to share their story to inspire Australians to support research into new melanoma treatments.
Rethinking skin surveillance for high-risk melanoma patients
New research has provided evidence in favour of a structured skin surveillance program for high-risk melanoma patients.
Australia's oldest melanoma survivor steps up to save lives on his 105th birthday
Melanoma research saved Bert's life at 101 and now he wants to give back.
Predicting disease spread in thin melanoma
A new MIA online risk calculator for clinicians can determine the likelihood of thin melanoma spreading.
Exploring our own clinical questions through MIA's new trials initiative
MIA has recently established a new division of our Clinical Trials Program which co-ordinates and manages investigator-led multi-centre trials.
Young researchers awarded Fellowships to pursue innovative treatments for melanoma
Two young researchers from MIA and The University of Sydney awarded Cancer Institute NSW fellowships.
Young researchers receive boost to develop innovative treatment for melanoma
Two young researchers from MIA and The University of Sydney awarded Cancer Institute NSW fellowships.
Launch of Melanoma March 2021
Aussies urged to leave their footprint on melanoma as efforts step up to save lives from the disease.