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Professionals Real Estate has been named a finalist for the 2023 Great Australian Philanthropy Award in recognition of its support in the fight against breast cancer.
The real estate group has donated a total of $4.2 million to breast cancer research over the years, making it a proud Diamond Philanthropic Partner of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).
The philanthropy category of the annual Research Australia Awards celebrates exceptional financial contributions to health and medical research.
Professionals CEO Katherine Gonzalez-Cork said that being named a finalist was a great honour for Professionals and a testament to their long-standing partnership with NBCF.
“Ingrained in the foundations of Professionals is a culture of giving back and that’s why we have been long-term partners with NBCF,” she said.
Ms Gonzalez-Cork explained that “for the past 19 years a portion of every property sale across the country, combined with fundraising initiatives, has supported the research charity’s goal of zero deaths,’’ she said.
“The entire network is absolutely committed to continuing to provide vital funds to fight breast cancer and we are thrilled that our efforts have been recognised in this way,” the CEO added.
The announcement came at a significant time, as it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, during which all Professionals offices across Australia “turn pink” to draw attention to the cause.
Professor Cleola Anderiesz, CEO of the National Breast Cancer Foundation, congratulated Professionals and expressed her gratitude for the network’s commitment to funding cancer research.
She noted that in addition to the significant funds raised over nearly two decades, Professionals has played a crucial role in raising awareness of breast cancer and the importance of philanthropy among their members and customers across Australia.
The funds provided by Professionals have supported world-class breast cancer research, including the first clinical trials to test the safety and effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs for patients with hard-to-treat breast cancers.
The organisation has also contributed to research aimed at detecting early-stage breast cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
One of the instigators behind Professionals’ decision to become a major charity partner of NBCF was Brian Brady, a long-time agency principal and board member. Mr Brady, who helms Professionals Everton Park, revealed that several charities were being considered in 2004, but NBCF stood out. However, the cause became deeply personal for Mr Brady in 2010 when his wife, Mel, was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. This personal experience further fueled Professionals’ commitment to supporting the fight against breast cancer.
Mr Brady shared that Professionals rallied behind his family during this difficult time, as breast cancer touched many within the company and the wider real estate industry. Since his wife’s diagnosis, he has witnessed the impact of breast cancer on numerous individuals, clients and local communities.
Despite facing significant health challenges, Mel has shown remarkable resilience and continues to support others affected by breast cancer. Mr Brady described her progress as nothing short of a miracle, considering the initial bleak prognosis they received 13 years ago.
Research Australia, the peak body for the country’s health and medical research, organises the Research Australia Awards. The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Sydney on Thursday, 2 November.
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