As 2025 draws to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on what has been an extraordinary year for the St George & Sutherland Medical Research Foundation (SSMRF) – made possible by the generosity, commitment and belief of our community. This year we were proud to fund vital medical research that is already shaping better health outcomes, including studies focused on:
- Gestational diabetes, supporting healthier pregnancies and outcomes for mums and babies
- Diet, gut health and childhood inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Improving diagnosis of rare cancers using genetics
- Enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy
These projects represent real progress – supporting clinicians, researchers and patients right here in our local hospitals.
A year of momentum
2025 was also a busy and rewarding year for fundraising and community engagement.
We began the year with our Annual Awards Dinner, where more than 200 guests joined us to hear keynote speaker Professor Gordon Parker AO explore the fascinating links between gut health and bipolar disorder. It was an evening that showcased the power of research to challenge thinking and open new clinical pathways.
Our flagship community event, the 2025 Beachside Dash, was another highlight. With over 1,000 participants, the event raised more than $100,000 for local medical research and proudly introduced the inaugural Corporate Cup Challenge.
In 2026, the Beachside Dash will expand with the launch of our very first half marathon, connecting the St George area to the Sutherland Shire as runners cross the Captain Cook Bridge – a milestone that will help us support even more local medical research.
Innovation beyond donation
This year, we also expanded sustainable ways for our community to support research, including Recycle 4 Research – a program that allows people to contribute through action, not just donation, by collecting eligible 10-cent refundable containers. We welcomed more business partners and launched our first public drop-off point at Nudo Cafe in Cronulla.
Thank you
None of this would be possible without you.
As the year comes to a close, there is still time to make a tax-deductible donation. Every contribution helps sustain vital research and improve healthcare outcomes for our community.
Warm regards,
Pam Brown and the SSMRF team
