RAWCS Project 14-2022-23, Rotary Tasmania Gynaecological Cancer Project (RABS) – PDG Bob Calvert
In 2022 Rotary Tasmania’s then District Governor Bob Calvert initiated the Rotary Tasmania Gynaecological Cancer Project to increase awareness around gynaecological cancers and support Tasmanian women living with one of these cancers. He realised there was a very real need to increase community awareness and conversations around these cancers to highlight the difficulties with diagnosis and treatments to help improve survival rates.
As well as increasing awareness, the project raises funds to support Tasmanian patients in need of financial assistance to access vital treatments. They are working in partnership with the Royal Hobart Hospital who liaise with colleagues around the state to identify those in need.
Conversations around these cancers are often awkward, and patients travel their tough journey in a relative silence. Hence they are often referred to as the ‘silent killers’. This only highlights the critical need to increase awareness to improve community knowledge and support.
The project continues to be promoted and funds continually are received through RAWCS. The latest being the 2026 International Women’s Day Luncheon hosted by the Governor of Tasmanian, the Honourable Babara Baker AC. where all proceeds were directed to the cause.
Since the commencement of the project some $70,00 has been raised with funds being distributed via a confidential process managed by Royal Hobart Hospital Gynaecological Oncology Unit and Rotary Tasmania Community Care (RTCC). This committee within District 9830 facilitates the delivery of special projects identified by clubs and District Governors, specific to local needs.