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In memory of Dorothy Reading OAM

Dorothy Reading OAM

Cancer Council Victoria would like to dedicate this page in honour of Dorothy’s work and leadership in public health.

Dorothy played a major role in establishing successful cancer prevention programs such as Quit, PapScreen Victoria and SunSmart at Cancer Council Victoria – programs which continue to save thousands of lives.

She was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2017 for her outstanding leadership in cancer control over more than three decades in cancer prevention. Mostly working behind the scenes, Dorothy influenced public debate, motivated Victorian legislative and policy reform and stood up to the powerful tobacco industry.

Put simply Victoria would be a very different place today if it wasn’t for her tireless work and dedication. Smoking rates have more than halved - in 1985, 32 per cent of Victorians were regular smokers, compared to less than 13 per cent today. Across Australia, the number of women diagnosed with cervical cancer has halved since the introduction of organised screening in 1991.

At the request of Dorothy’s family, Cancer Council Victoria invite you to share your memories of Dorothy and to help fund two scholarships to continue her lasting legacy in cancer prevention. Donations will be matched by Cancer Council Victoria to help fund the scholarships, which will be offered annually to women at Cancer Council Victoria in their early career who are working in the areas of cancer prevention and cancer research or supportive care.

Leave a message. Make a donation.

You can leave a message, make a donation, or both. When you donate in memory of your loved one, not only are you honouring their life, you’re helping others affected by cancer today and for generations to come.

Every donation $2 and over is tax-deductible.

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