Stig Family Charity Golf Day representatives attend Children’s Cancer Institute Benefactors award night

REPRESENTATIVES of the Stig Family Charity Golf Day attended the prestigious Children’s Cancer Institute (CCI) Benefactors Awards night on Monday, 1 December at the Art Gallery of NSW in Sydney.

The Nambucca Valley’s Ray Stig and Raelene and Grant Squires joined other longstanding supporters of the CCI at the event, alongside advocates, researchers and sector partners.
Since its inception in 1994, the annual charity golf day they organise has raised $475,500 for the CCI, supporting vital research into safer and more effective treatments for childhood cancers.

The evening in Sydney featured the presentation of five Benefactor Awards, honouring individuals whose long-term commitment and exceptional contributions have significantly advanced CCI’s work.

Among those recognised was Professor Michelle Haber AM, a cornerstone figure in the Institute’s history.

Professor Haber joined the CCI in 1984 as a staff scientist and has since played a transformative role in childhood cancer research in Australia.

She was promoted to Senior Research Fellow in 1992, Principal Research Fellow in 1996, Director in 2000, and Executive Director in 2003.

After decades of leadership, she recently stepped down from her executive role to focus exclusively on leading her research team, continuing her lifelong commitment to finding cures for children with cancer.

“We had the privilege of speaking with Professor Haber during the evening,” Raelene Stig told News Of The Area.

“We shared with her the passion and hard work of the Nambucca community in supporting CCI through the Stig Family Charity Day.”

Professor Haber was genuinely delighted to learn of their regional connection, especially noting that she has holidayed in nearby Valla for the past 25 years, making the conversation feel even more personal and meaningful.

Co-founder of the Stig Family Charity Golf Day, Ray Stig, a recipient of a Benefactor Award in 2007, was honoured by the CCI for his tireless dedication and longstanding commitment to raising funds and awareness for childhood cancer research, an acknowledgement that continues to inspire the community today.

By Andrea FERRARI