21 May 2025
Three inspirational volunteers have been awarded Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s (PCFA) prestigious annual Max Gardner Award for their Distinguished Service.
The three recipients have contributed over 50 years of combined voluntary work, showing tireless dedication to helping help men, and their families impacted by prostate cancer.
The annual award is named in memory of the late Max Gardner, a passionate advocate for prostate cancer control in Australia who helped to establish PCFA’s nationwide Prostate Cancer Support Group Network.
PCFA Chairman, Adjunct A/Prof Steve Callister AM, said the Award recognised individuals for their outstanding contribution to PCFA’s mission.
“On behalf of PCFA’s National Board, I am extremely delighted to announce the recipients of this year’s prestigious Max Gardner Award for Distinguished Service,” Adjunct A/Prof Callister said.
“The 2024 Max Gardner Award winners are; the late Mr Bruce Ellen of the Latrobe Valley Prostate Cancer Support Group (VIC), Mr John Robertson of the Southsiders Prostate Cancer Support Group (WA), and Mr Robert Peters of the Essendon Prostate Cancer Support Group (VIC).
“For years, these men have championed our work, making a profound contribution to our mission to significantly improve outcomes for all those affected by the disease.
“These are men of action, and they are continuing Max Gardner’s legacy. We can think of no finer or more worthy recipients for this year’s honour. Thank you for your service.”
For more information about prostate cancer or a support group, visit www.prostate.org.au or phone 1800 22 00 99 to speak with a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse.
About the recipients:
Mr Bruce Ellen: As a prostate cancer survivor, Bruce dedicated over 15 years of his life to raising awareness of prostate cancer across regional Victoria. Together with the late Chris McPherson, Bruce helped to establish Biggest Ever Blokes’ BBQs in regional Victoria, raising significant funds for world-leading research, life-changing Specialist Nurses, and locally attuned awareness. He dedicated countless hours to PCFA’s mission, determined to ensure that high quality prostate cancer care was accessible to men and families in the Latrobe Valley and surrounding regions. His advocacy saw the establishment of a Prostate Cancer Nurse position at the Latrobe Regional Hospital, changing many lives. Bruce also leveraged his professional expertise and connections within the media industry to further amplify prostate cancer awareness, volunteering his time and resources to supply large advertising campaigns in local newspapers he managed, ensuring widespread coverage for these events. Bruce was also a much-loved member of the Latrobe Prostate Cancer Support Group. Bruce passed away in March 2024. His legacy lives on.
Mr John Robertson: John Robertson joined the Southsiders Prostate Cancer Support Group (PCSG) in 2008 after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Since then, he’s dedicated countless hours to raising awareness of prostate cancer and supporting men in need. In 2017, John took up the role as Support Group Leader, and volunteers his time for both PCFA’s MatesCONNECT and Life Force Programs. Described by fellow group members as a “quiet achiever”, John spends his spare time at shopping centres and community events raising awareness about support groups and handing out information and resources about prostate cancer.
Mr Robert Peters: Robert Peters joined the Eltham Prostate Cancer Support Group (PCSG) after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008. He took up the role as Chairman of the Eltham PCSG and then established the Essendon PCSG, which he has been Convenor of since 2010. Robert played in instrumental role in the establishment of the Victorian Council of Prostate Cancer Support Groups in 2024 and continues to share his story through the media to inspire more men to get tested to save their life. In addition, Robert leads an initiative through the Essendon PCSG which provides pumps for patients experiencing erectile dysfunction through PCFA’s Prostate Cancer Support Nurse at Western Hospital in Footscray. Robert’s unwavering commitment to PCFA’s mission, and ensuring that every man diagnosed with prostate cancer has access to the right support and care, has been a catalyst for many changed lives.
Image above: From left to right: Mr Bruce Ellen, Mr John Robertson, and Mr Robert Peters
