06 May 2026

Three prostate cancer survivors and support group leaders have been recognised with Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s prestigious Max Gardner Award for their outstanding service to men and families impacted by prostate cancer.

Ipswich local Dennis Ellis, Box Hill advocate Bert Alesich, and Geelong support group leader William “Bill” Rebula OAM have each been recognised for their exceptional contribution to prostate cancer awareness, support and advocacy.

The annual award, presented by Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, is named in honour of the late Max Gardner, who helped establish Australia’s Prostate Cancer Support Group network nearly 30 years ago. The network now comprises more than 120 groups nationwide.

William “Bill” Rebula OAM, Geelong (pictured left)

Mr Rebula, convener of the Geelong Prostate Cancer Support Group, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2005 at the age of 50 and credits early detection with saving his life, after the loss of his father to prostate cancer years earlier prompted him to stay vigilant about his own health.

Following his diagnosis, Mr Rebula underwent a radical prostatectomy, but his recovery was not without complications.

“I was out of action for three months with infections, and things weren’t healing properly. It was a real battle, but I got through it,” Mr Rebula says.

Soon after his diagnosis, Mr Rebula joined the Geelong Prostate Cancer Support Group, where he found information, reassurance and connection at a time when he needed it most.

“They answered a lot of my questions,” Mr Rebula says.

“Hearing how other men dealt with their situations prepared me for what might lie ahead.”

As a member of the Geelong Prostate Cancer Support Group, Mr Rebula went on to provide more than a decade of leadership, serving as secretary from 2013 before stepping into the role of convener in 2016.

Under his leadership, the group grew to around 115 members, with up to 50 men and partners attending meetings.

The group meets monthly, produces a regular newsletter, maintains an active website, and ensures men and families across the Geelong region have access to support, information and connection.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he helped ensure the group continued operating online, allowing members to stay connected and supported during a challenging time.

For Mr Rebula, the group’s greatest strength has always been its ability to reassure men and their families.

“The most important thing we do is put men at ease and reassure them that there are options and ways of dealing with their situation,” Mr Rebula says.

Mr Rebula is also a strong believer in patient empowerment and early detection.

“Don’t be afraid to get tested. Understand your test results. Ask questions. Don’t just leave it to the doctor. Make yourself aware of what’s going on,” he says.

In January, Mr Rebula also received the Order of Australia Medal for his outstanding contributions to the community.

Dennis Ellis, Ipswich (pictured centre)

Mr Ellis, Convenor of the Ipswich Prostate Cancer Support Group, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in August 2014 at age 68 after a routine PSA test showed a concerning change.

With no symptoms and no family history, the diagnosis came as a shock.

“When I was diagnosed, I didn’t know where I had to go,” Mr Ellis says.

“I went to the Ipswich support group, and it was the best thing I could have done. After my first meeting, I felt a lot more at ease.”

After treatment, Mr Ellis experienced ongoing incontinence, which shaped his commitment to supporting other men through the physical and emotional challenges of prostate cancer.

Since becoming Convenor in 2018, he has strengthened the Ipswich group, welcomed greater involvement from partners and carers, and led outreach across surrounding communities to help more men feel informed, supported and less alone.

Bert Alesich, Box Hill (pictured right)

Mr Alesich, Group Leader of the Box Hill Prostate Cancer Support Group, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2011 and received brachytherapy and external beam radiation.

While his treatment was successful, he experienced serious long-term side effects, including major bowel complications.

“At first, I hadn’t approached any of the support groups,” Mr Alesich says.

“I probably thought it would be a bunch of old men moaning about prostate cancer and how terrible it is, but nothing could be further from the truth.”

Mr Alesich joined the Box Hill group in 2016 and became Group Leader in 2018.

“The Box Hill Prostate Cancer Support Group is such a great group,” he says.

“They have been the best support group, and I am very fortunate to be with this group.”

Today, the group has around 80 members on its mailing list and regularly welcomes more than 20 people to its monthly meetings.

PCFA congratulates award recipients

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia Chairman, Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Callister AM, congratulated all three recipients on the award and said their contributions reflected the heart of PCFA’s support network.

“Dennis, Bert and Bill are outstanding examples of the difference lived experience, compassion and community leadership can make in the lives of men and families impacted by prostate cancer,” Adjunct A/Prof Callister says.

“Through their work in Ipswich, Box Hill and Geelong, they have helped reduce isolation, connect men with trusted information, support families through uncertainty, and ensure more people feel less alone after a diagnosis.

“Each of them has turned their own experience of prostate cancer into a powerful source of support for others.

“We are tremendously proud to recognise Dennis, Bert and Bill with the Max Gardner Award and thank them for their exceptional contribution to PCFA’s mission.”

For more information about prostate cancer, or to find a support group, visit www.prostate.org.au or phone 1800 22 00 99 to speak with a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse.