Two decades of research into veterans’ health has been marked at an anniversary gala in Brisbane.
More than 400 guests gathered at Brisbane City Hall as Gallipoli Medical Research (GMR) celebrated 20 years of pioneering medical innovation and the community that made it possible.
GMR CEO Miriam Kent said the evening honoured GMR’s history, showcased its impact, and raised vital funds to enable the next 20 years of research at the Greenslopes-based institute.
Ms Kent said all of GMR’s success had been achieved through collaboration with research partners, such as RSL Queensland, government, corporate organisations and donors.
“We are stronger together – and together we have made great strides in understanding the unique impacts of military service, in treating and curing liver and respiratory diseases, and cancer.
“We’ve improved patient outcomes, and that is what drives us each and every day.”
Ms Kent said work would continue in the areas of liver cancer, the fastest growing cancer in the country and fourth most common cause of cancer death worldwide, as well as nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) were cases were expected to triple by 2040.
She said turning the tide on veteran suicide was also a focus.
“Three veterans die by suicide in Australia every fortnight (and) in 2024 it was stated that current and ex-serving members contact emergency services about suicide-related crises every four hours.
“We know that moral injury, an event that violates one’s deeply held moral beliefs or expectations, can leave invisible wounds on the mind and spirit, yet we are only beginning to understand how to truly recognise and heal the moral weight carried by those who have served.
“We know that mild traumatic brain injury, even without loss of consciousness, can quietly change how veterans think, feel, and live, but we still have much to learn.”
The evening featured an inspiring keynote address from Daniel Alan Keighran, VC, who drew on his service in Afghanistan to highlight the enduring importance of GMR’s research in supporting veteran health.
One of the most memorable moments came during the pledge appeal, when guests were invited to make direct contributions to GMR’s future, with almost $250,000 raised on the night.
Visit the Gallipoli Medical Research website to learn how you can donate.
