ONE of Australia’s most influential voices in cancer control, Professor Jeff Dunn, has been officially recognised as a Queensland Great, honouring more than four decades of life-changing contributions to healthcare in the state and beyond.
Professor Dunn, who currently serves as Chair of Cancer Survivorship at the University of Southern Queensland and Chief of Mission and Head of Research at the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, received the prestigious award last week.
Reflecting on the recognition, Professor Dunn said he was “deeply humbled” to be named among such esteemed company.
“To be born and raised in Queensland is a great privilege,” he said. “It confers values all Queenslanders share, including respect for the fair go, a fighting chance, and a future that our children can cherish.”
Professor Dunn has dedicated his life to improving cancer survivorship, driving legislative reform and building support services for patients and families.
“While my life’s path has been in cancer control, my motivating passion has always been to contribute where I can to eliminating pain and suffering,” he said.
“For me, the greatest achievement of my career has been the unflinching promotion of patient-centred care, so that no patient walks alone with cancer.”
A bronze plaque bearing his name will be installed at Roma Street Parkland as a lasting tribute.
Among his many accomplishments, Professor Dunn facilitated over $100 million in funding for cancer control, championed the introduction of some of the world’s most progressive tobacco control legislation, and established Queensland’s first dedicated cancer helpline, counselling service, and community-based cancer research centre.
Thanks to initiatives he helped lead, cancer survival rates in Queensland have improved from 45 per cent in 1989 to 66 per cent today.
