2024: A Year of Impact, Hope, and Milestones
As we wrap up an extraordinary year, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you - our supporters, donors, sponsors, and everyone who contributed, no matter how big or small. Your generosity has powered everything we’ve achieved this year, and we couldn’t have done it without you.
2024 has been a packed and unforgettable year - from hosting our first Gala Night with special guests Birds of Tokyo, to launching our first book... to taking our Skin Check Truck to towns across states - rural and coastal - we’ve provided over 8,000 free skin checks to Australians in need. Every event, every initiative, and every step has brought us closer to our mission of creating a melanoma-free future.
Thank you for standing with us, believing in us, and walking alongside us every step of the way. Here’s a bit of that journey…
The Skin Check Truck - Journey Across States
The Skin Check Truck has been on the road, delivering life-saving free skin checks to communities across Australia. From bustling NRL games to quiet rural towns, we’ve travelled through Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales, visiting regional hubs, coastal communities, and everything in between.
Along the way, we’ve provided over 8,000 free skin checks, offering access to early detection for those who need it most. Whether it’s at major events, small community gatherings, or local health days, the truck has been a beacon of education, hope, and action, helping thousands of Australians take charge of their skin health.
We’re just getting started, and we can’t wait to see where the road takes us next.
The BIG NIGHT OUT - The start of a big year!
This year, we hosted our inaugural Big Night Out Gala in Sydney, a night to remember filled with purpose, inspiration, and generosity. The evening saw the launch of our “Melanoma 28” book, the start of fundraising for Australia’s second Skin Check Truck, and heartfelt stories shared by our ambassadors and supporters.
From MC Deborah Knight, cricket legend Michael Clarke, to Leigh Campbell and Deborah Hutton, the event brought together those who share our mission to fight melanoma. A huge thank you to our partners, sponsors, and all who attended—you’ve made a life-changing impact!
We Raised $200k - Jay’s Mission Melanoma Walk
$204,394 Raised and Counting!
What an incredible journey! After 11 days, 333km, and countless stories shared along the way, Jay’s Mission Melanoma Walk has raised a phenomenal $204,394!
From emotional tribute walks to breathtaking moments including the amazing country towns we went through and reaching Bondi Beach, this mission has been about so much more than walking. It’s been about honoring loved ones, raising awareness, and taking steps toward a melanoma-free future.
A heartfelt thank you to our walkers, support crew, sponsors, and everyone who joined, donated, or cheered us on. This effort has been nothing short of extraordinary, and it’s a testament to what we can achieve together.
Finding Melanomas - We won’t stop!
During an educational session at The Scots College Bellevue Hill, led by our national ambassador Michael Clarke AO, a powerful message was shared about sun safety and the importance of skin checks. Students were invited to step into the Skin Check Truck, and it was there that a Year 7, a 12-year-old student, was identified with a suspicious mole on his his ear.
Following a biopsy, the results confirmed early-stage melanoma in situ - a life potentially saved through early detection. The same day, the school’s gardener also had a melanoma identified. Watch this amazing story on A Current Affair thanks to Deb Knight for shining the spotlight on the life-saving impact of our Skin Check Truck and why access to early detection is critical. Watch this special story here.
We LOVE our Sponsors - Couldn’t do it without you!
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible partners who stood by us in 2024:
Toyota Australia, HOKA, RSM Australia, MoleMap, Ricky Richards, Project Dry Hire, The Studio Creative, Street Impact, Elka Merchandise, NCIS and TNS Groundworks, not to forget the many businesses that have helped in anyway through our events and initiatives - we know you don’t just do this for recognition - you do it because you believe in what we stand for: a future free from melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Without your unwavering support, none of this happens.
Some familiar faces visited the truck in 2024…
The Skin Check Truck has been fortunate to welcome some familiar faces on its journey, highlighting just how vital early detection can be. One powerful story came from NRL legend Laurie Spina, who had a stage-one melanoma found in time, potentially saving his life.
(Read Laurie's story here)
It’s not just the big names that make a difference, though - every Instagram post, shout-out, and shared story from those with a platform amplifies our message. These moments remind us that skin cancer doesn’t discriminate, and every voice helps us reach more people with the importance of getting a skin check.
High Tea for Hope
Melbourne and Gold Coast
We had 2 incredible High Tea for Hope events in both Melbourne and the Gold Coast.
From heartfelt moments to dancing and laughter, these events showcased the power of community. These events are more than just afternoons of connection—they fueled our mission to get our second Skin Check Truck on the road and to ensure every Australian has access to free, life-saving skin checks.
A Final Thank you…
It’s been a year of growth, impact, and community. Together, we’ve raised awareness, provided over 8,000 free skin checks, honored those we’ve lost, and brought real hope to thousands of Australians. Your unwavering support has helped us take the next step toward launching our second Skin Check Truck - an exciting milestone that will allow us to reach even more communities in need across Australia.
A heartfelt thank you to all the incredible committees and team leaders who have worked tirelessly to make each of our events a success. To everyone who donated, attended, or supported us in any way—we simply couldn’t do this without you. Your dedication and generosity make all the difference.
Christmas can also be a tough time for those of you affected by skin cancer, please never forget we are always here for support. Simply send us an email to info@ausskincancer.org or click here and we will do our best to support you.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and all of our volunteers at Australian Skin Cancer Foundation, I wish you and your family a safe and enjoyable holiday season, a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Jay Allen OAM
CEO, Australian Skin Cancer Foundation
