Celebrating women in the community while raising funds for A Bloody Great Cause—supporting the Haematology Clinical Research Unit at Concord Hospital—was the focus of last Friday’s event at Aqua Luna.

The seventh International Women’s Day breakfast brought together members of the local community, supporters and public officials.

With the support and patronage of the Sydney Local Health District, the foundation was established in 2019 to continue the work of the Bloody Great Committee, which since 2013 has raised funds for clinical trials on blood cancers conducted at the Concord Cancer Centre.

According to figures published on the organisation’s website, $1,890,000 has been raised so far (updated December 31, 2025) to support research and clinical trials.

Among those attending were representatives from the Haematology Research Unit at Concord Hospital—the largest clinical research unit for blood cancers in New South Wales—including department head Dr Emma Verner, Haematology Research Unit director Dr Nicole Wong Doo and Professor Judith Trotman, all central to the research supported by the foundation.

Members of the foundation committee were also present, along with local officials including NSW member for Drummoyne Stephanie Di Pasqua, Burwood Police Superintendent Christine MacDonald, Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Deb Willcox and Concord Hospital General Manager Anthony Dombkins.

The event was hosted by foundation president Marie Piccin, who recalled the first edition, held years ago at Cabarita Park.

“Thanks to the continued support of Canada Bay Club, we are pleased to announce the launch of this year’s Bloody Great Lottery and yes, the prize will be a car,” she announced.

“With the support of Canada Bay Club and Brookvale Mazda, we are pleased to officially launch this initiative.”

This year’s guest speaker was Kath Koschel, author of Kindness: What Surviving on the Kindness of Strangers Taught Me About Perspective, Connection and Happiness.

Koschel has faced major challenges in her life. In her early twenties she broke her back, lost her partner to suicide and, after being hit while cycling, had to learn to walk again.

From those experiences came the Kindness Factory, an initiative promoting small acts of kindness that have spread worldwide.

In 2016, she tested her trust in others by travelling across Australia without food or money, relying entirely on the kindness of strangers while sharing her message.

The experience also led to her book, which reflects on how the generosity of others changed her perspective on life, relationships and happiness.

Speaking to an audience of 240 people, Koschel shared key moments from her life—difficult experiences that inspired the audience and encouraged reflection on one central idea: kindness is not only a moral value, but a social tool that can genuinely improve wellbeing, relationships and community life.

During the morning, a further $200,000 cheque was presented to Concord Hospital’s haematology department.

The event formed part of International Women’s Day celebrations, which this year adopt the theme Give To Gain. The message highlights reciprocity; when individuals, organisations and communities share time, knowledge and resources, opportunities for women grow.

It’s a philosophy that encourages mutual support and reminds us that when women thrive, the whole society benefits.

Friday’s breakfast was the first of the foundation’s two main annual events. The lottery launched during the event will raise funds for Concord Hospital’s clinical trials, with the winner to be announced at the organisation’s second annual event, A Bloody Great Night Out, on October 23.

For information or to take part in the lottery, visit the A Bloody Great Cause website.