In 2012, Richard and Kate Vines, founded Rare Cancers Australia (RCA) to ensure no one receiving a cancera disease where abnormal cells split without control and spread to other nearby body tissue and/or organs diagnosisthe process of identifying a disease based on signs and symptoms, patient history and medical test results would feel isolated, left behind, or without any options. Today, thirteen years on, RCA wishes to announce that Richard will be stepping down from his position as inaugural Chair, effective 30 June 2025, to remain as a Director on the RCA Board.
RCA CEO, Christine Cockburn, has worked closely with Richard for several years and has witnessed with great admiration his relentless advocacy for the rare community.
“Richard is well known as a staunch advocate, taking the experience of rare cancer patients and their families to policy makers in the highest levels of Government, putting rare on the agenda and bringing about significant change across the cancer sector,” Ms Cockburn said.
“His vision and commitment to achieve lasting impact and improved outcomes for the rare cancer community will continue through our dedicated RCA team and his ongoing guidance as a Board member.”
Stepping in to the role is current RCA Board Director and respected industry leader, Bruce Goodwin. With more than 35 years of experience holding senior executive and leadership roles within the Global Biopharmaceutical industry, Bruce has a strong track record in advocating for policies that support timely and affordable access to innovative medicines. He also holds Director positions on other Boards including Omico, and previously as an independent Director on the Medicines Australia Board.
“For nearly five years as a Director of RCA I’ve seen firsthand how the organisation offers practical support and more importantly, hope, to the patients around Australia living with rare cancers, and their families,” Mr Goodwin stated.
“RCA stays true to the vision of the founders Kate and Richard Vines, and I would like to personally thank Richard who has successfully guided the growth of this unique organisation from infancy in his role as the outgoing Chair and of course in his role as the previous CEO. Importantly, Richard and Kate continue to be involved as Board members and ambassadors for RCA.
“I feel both honoured and privileged to take on the role of Chair for RCA, and to working closely with Christine and her wonderful team in continuing the organisation’s growth and expansion in important new directions,” he said.
Mr Goodwin will officially step into the role of Chair on 1 July 2025.
RCA Board Directors include Bruce Goodwin (Chair), Richard Vines, Kate Vines, Steve Baker, Kate McQuestin, Ben Taylor and Christine Cockburn.
Media contact
Alicia Ballesty
0499 880 742 | [email protected]