HMAS Cerberus recently hosted Tackling Leukaemia during the annual Navy versus Victoria Police rugby match to raise awareness about combating leukaemia and the importance of stem cell donation from First Nations and Pasifika donors.
The event, named Navy Tackles Leukaemia, provided Tackling Leukaemia with an opportunity to promote Stem Cell Donors Australia and highlight the need for donors from particular demographic groups.
These groups often face difficulties finding compatible matches due to unique DNA blood types.
Tackling Leukaemia focuses on increasing the number of stem cell donors, particularly from Pasifika and First Nations populations.
"With over 50 individuals swabbed and many more requesting swab kits, the day was a resounding success," Mr Maloney said.
"The mix of ages, genders and ethnicities illustrates the inclusivity of the Australian Defence Force and helps increase the chances of compatibility for patients."
Commander Jason Grivas of HMAS Cerberus praised the event's outcome, thanking the base's team for their support and highlighting the Navy's commitment to community initiatives, including the Defence Blood Drive.
Mr Maloney emphasised the long-term impact of the event.
"HMAS Cerberus' contribution to boosting potential volunteers on the registry may contribute to the saving of many lives – and that is a fact," he said.
The tightly contested rugby match concluded with the Navy securing victory, while Tackling Leukaemia successfully added 53 potential donors to the registry.
The diversity of participants reflected the multicultural fabric of Australia, addressing the urgent need for better representation on the registry.
Tackling Leukaemia recently marked another milestone after being named a full partner of the Australian Cancer Plan.
It is the only purely voluntary organisation among the plan's 13 implementation partners.
The partnership was acknowledged by Cancer Australia CEO, Professor Dorothy Keefe, who highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving the plan's goals.
"These partnerships are crucial for enhancing collaboration and progressing towards the Plan's ambitious goals, and the expertise they bring to the table is invaluable," she said.
Through initiatives such as Operation Indigenous Assist and Operation Pasifika Engage, Tackling Leukaemia aims to redress the imbalance in donor representation and encourage individuals from Indigenous, Māori, and Pasifika communities, as well as the wider Australian population, to join the Stem Cell Donors Australia Registry.
Mr Maloney reiterated the importance of these efforts.
"Our mission is to influence and persuade these underrepresented groups to register as donors and ensure they're ready to donate stem cells when needed," he said.
Tackling Leukaemia's vision remains clear: to close the gap in donor representation and improve outcomes for those affected by leukaemia.
