Community
9 May, 2025
All welcome at 'Survive to Thrive'
WHEN it comes to inspirational stories of endurance, strength and resilience the upcoming ‘Survive to Thrive’ gala evening will have them in abundance.
Organised by the Gillin Boys Foundation as part of their ‘Fight for a Cure’ campaign, the event will feature an incredible MC and two exceptional guest speakers whose stories of resilience and purpose reflect the heart of the event’s message – surviving life’s toughest challenges and thriving beyond them.
The community is invited to attend the evening, which will be held at the Warrnambool Golf Club on Friday, June 27.
Along with presentations from guest speakers, the evening will also include an update from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.
The guest speakers will include Daniel Harford, Dr Jodie Fleming and Tim Van Ginneken.
A familiar name in the AFL world, Daniel Harford is a former Hawthorn (153 games) and Carlton (nine games) player who transitioned into a respected coach and broadcaster.
Harford served as the Carlton AFLW senior coach from 2019 to 2023 and is currently a radio presenter on RSN Breakfast with Harf.
A co-founder of Recovery Lab, Harford continues to advocate for physical and mental recovery in elite sport and everyday life.
Dr Jodie Fleming is a cancer survivor, psychologist and acclaimed author of ‘A Hole In My Genes.’
Dr Fleming will bring a unique and deeply personal perspective to the evening.
As both a clinician and caregiver, Dr Fleming understands cancer from every angle.
Her work in psycho-oncology and commitment to helping others live meaningful and connected lives makes her message both powerful and uplifting.
Tim Van Ginneken is a passionate advocate for Muscular Dystrophy awareness.
Tim is a cancer survivor, a successful business owner and championship-winning Speedway driver.
As the first driver to wear green laces and carry Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Warrnambool stickers on his Sprintcar, Tim sparked the campaign’s momentum in the speedway world.
His achievements both on and off the track are a testament to his resilience and drive.
Dr Peter Houweling (researcher) and Dr Chantal Coles (senior researcher) will represent the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.
They will provide guests with an exclusive update on how muscle research is progressing at the institute.
Their work is critical in the pursuit of treatments, and ultimately a cure, for muscular dystrophy.
Attendees at the ‘Survive to Thrive’ evening will also gain firsthand insight into the science, challenges and breakthroughs happening now.
All funds raised on the night will go directly to supporting the Gillin Boys Foundation and its mission to find a cure.
The event, on June 27, will start at 6.30pm.
