Max Gardner Award

The Max Gardner Award is awarded to an individual member of the Network who has made an outstanding and significant contribution to reducing the impact of prostate cancer on Australian men, their partners, and families.

It is PCFA’s most prestigious award and is named in honour of Max Gardner, who worked tirelessly to raise the level of community awareness about prostate cancer, to promote research into this disease and to support men and women dealing with prostate cancer. Max left an incredible legacy, and PCFA is honoured to continue it with this award.

Recipients of the 2025 Max Gardner Award

Bert Alesich, Box Hill PCSG, VIC 

Bert Alesich, leader of the Box Hill Prostate Cancer Support Group in Victoria, has made an outstanding contribution to men and their families impacted by prostate cancer. Diagnosed in 2011, Bert underwent brachytherapy and radiation therapy, resulting in serious long-term side effects. Despite his own health challenges, he has remained dedicated to supporting others.

After joining the Box Hill group in 2016, Bert assumed the Group Leader role in 2018 and has helped increase attendance to an average of 27 people in 2025. His leadership includes supporting individuals outside meetings, organising community awareness events, sourcing guest speakers, liaising with PCFA and local Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurses, and building connections with culturally diverse communities.

Bert also serves as an active lay member of the Melbourne Urological Research Alliance at Monash University and mentors an early-career prostate cancer researcher supported by a PCFA Young Investigator Grant. In 2025, he was elected to the Victorian Council for Prostate Cancer Support Groups.

Bill Rebula OAM, Geelong PCSG, VIC 

Bill Rebula OAM, founding member and long-serving Convenor and Secretary of the Geelong Prostate Support Group in Victoria, has made an exceptional contribution to men and their families impacted by prostate cancer. Diagnosed in 2005, Bill helped establish the group soon after and led it for more than 19 years while running his engineering consulting business.

Under his leadership, the group grew to around 100 members, with up to 50 men and partners attending meetings. Bill created an environment of compassion, information, education and peer support, while formalising the group’s newsletter, supporting its website, and building strong relationships with PCFA, Cancer Council Victoria, Barwon Health and other community health organisations.

During COVID-19, the group continued online, with regular participation from around 30 members. Bill has also led awareness activities across Men’s Health Week, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Movember and regional campaigns. In 2026, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia.

Dennis Ellis, Ipswich PCSG, QLD 

Dennis Ellis, leader of the Ipswich Prostate Cancer Support Group in Queensland, has made an outstanding contribution to men and their families impacted by prostate cancer. Diagnosed in 2014 at age 68, Dennis underwent a successful radical robotic prostatectomy, but his recovery highlighted gaps in support that shaped his future advocacy.

After joining the Ipswich group, Dennis regained confidence through peer connection and stepped into the leadership role in 2018. He has since strengthened governance, secured sponsorship, established committee roles, and systemised the group structure to support its long-term future.

Dennis also began fundraising to provide care packs for newly diagnosed men in partnership with the Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse at Ipswich Hospital. He introduced partners and carers into meetings, creating a more holistic support environment, and expanded outreach through markets, Men’s Sheds, Lions Clubs, Indigenous men’s groups and Bunnings West Ipswich. Beyond PCFA’s mission, Dennis volunteers with Meals on Wheels.

Previous Max Gardner Award Recipients