2025 Victorian Honour Roll of Women
The Robert Connor Dawes Foundation is proud to share that our Founder and CEO, Liz Dawes OAM, has been inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women 2025 in the category of Change Agent.
Liz attended the ceremony last night to accept the honour alongside fellow inductees.
Liz established the Foundation in 2013 following the death of her son, Connor, aged 18, from brain cancer. In just over a decade, she has helped catalyse a movement that is changing the research and treatment landscape for children and young adults facing brain cancer, the leading cause of cancer death in this age group.
Professor David Eisenstat, Group Leader of Neuro-Oncology at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and Director of the Children’s Cancer Centre at The Royal Children’s Hospital, praised Liz’s impact:
“Few foundations or individuals have achieved what Liz has in such a short time. She has not only raised awareness but has driven systemic, research-based change that has made Victoria the envy of the global neuro-oncology community.”
Through relentless drive, compassion and innovation, Liz has helped reshape brain cancer research in Victoria and beyond. Her induction recognises an extraordinary contribution to health, research and philanthropy.
This honour also reflects the generosity of the RCD community. Your contributions have fuelled innovative research, life-changing clinical trials and vital family support programs. We acknowledge that none of this progress would be possible without those who have stood beside the Foundation since its earliest days—giving generously, running tirelessly and believing in a future free of childhood brain cancer.
Learn more: https://www.vic.gov.au/liz-dawes-oam