Ambassadors & Champions

Bill is a well-known Melbourne businessman and active supporter of charitable causes in the community. The APC was Bill’s brainchild and it was through his fundraising efforts that the idea for a prostate cancer clinic for all men could be realised. Bill is Chairman/Director of Guest Group and has held many senior corporate roles and also served as Director of the Melbourne Football Club and Chairman of FightMND. Bill is Chair of RULE Prostate Cancer and also Patron of the Australian Prostate Centre.

Tiffany is an Australian sports broadcaster, best known as the AFL’s first female boundary rider on Fox Footy. She co-hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics and presented the 2010 Commonwealth Games, as well as the 2012 Olympics in London. Tiffany is also a qualified Physiotherapist and accomplished national hurdler. Next to her professional achievements Tiffany has dedicated herself to numerous charitable causes and joined the Australian Prostate Centre in 2015 to lend her voice to the promotion of our work as Ambassador.

Melbourne born and bred, Brett McLeod is a household name in Australia, coming into television after a radio career in the late ‘90’s. Brett currently presents the News on Channel 9. On supporting the Australian Prostate Centre, Brett says “Like most men, I knew virtually nothing about prostate cancer until it touched my family. First my brother was diagnosed, and shortly afterwards so was I. I am fortunate to have a great level of support from my family and medical professionals. Not everyone is so lucky. I want to do my part to ensure every man has access to proper diagnosis and care. No man need ever die from prostate cancer. “

Best known for presenting Nights with Steve Price on 2GB and regular appearances on The Project, Steve Price is a popular household name across thousands of homes in Australia. With a career that has spanned almost 40 years, Steve has covered all the major news stories since the seventies and been a multi-award winning national Program Director of the year, as well as Australia’s current affairs Commentator & Talk Presenter of the year on numerous occasions. Steve lives between Melbourne and Sydney with his two daughters, Lucy and Kate. He joined the APC as an Ambassador in 2014.

Fred Schepisi began his career in advertising before his foray into feature films. His body of work includes The Devil’s Playground and The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith to international features including Plenty, The Russia House, Roxanne, Six Degrees of Separation, Last Orders, and most recently, Words and Pictures. In 2004, Fred was awarded the Order of Australia. Fred was diagnosed with prostate cancer ten years ago, and under the care of surgeon Professor Tony Costello underwent keyhole surgery that saved his life. It is from his personal experience that Fred understands the importance of medical research and the advancements that can be made in the treatment and care of the many men this disease affects.

Born and raised in New York City, Mary graduated from Boston University School of Fine Art and subsequently worked as a booker for the Ford Model Agency and The Wilhelmina Model Agency. In 1984, Mary married Fred Schepisi taking on six step-children to whom she is very close. They have one child together and share two grandchildren. Mary paints and exhibits both in Melbourne and New York. Together with Fred, Mary has been a key supporter of the Australian Prostate Centre. Mary champions, organises and hosts a biannual art auction of works donated by leading Australian Artists to raise funds for the APC. The auctions are a pivotal source of fundraising for APC

Ross Stevenson came into broadcasting literally by accident. As a practicing lawyer he teamed up with a fellow lawyer and produced a show called Lawyers Guns and Money for a community radio station. The show was a big hit. Ross has spent the past 26 years at 3AW, where he currently hosting Breakfast with Ross and John which is Melbourne’s top rating radio program. Ross is the mastermind and host of the popular ‘Love Letter to Football’ event, which raises funds and awareness for the APC.

Prostate cancer survivor Malcolm McGinn and 11 of his mates rode postie bikes full throttle from his home town of Tasmania to Cairns to raise greater awareness about the importance of regular health checks.

“After experiencing symptoms and a feeling that something wasn’t quite right I consulted an Urologist for review. After repeated PSA tests and perseverance it was confirmed that I had prostate cancer. After many hours and long conversations with my doctor and family, I decided to undergo surgery. The days and weeks that following surgery were very traumatic, but I was encouraged by visits and messages from my mates. This led to the thought to use my experience to encourage men to take charge of their health, whether physical or mental, and seek help and to also stand alongside their mates in times of need. Wanting to do this in a way to attract some attention, myself and friend, Dave thought it would be great idea to ride from Hobart to Cairns on postie bikes!”

The father-in-law to North Melbourne Football Coach Brad Scott has been treated for prostate cancer and is keen to deliver his message to other men. John shared his story in the lead up to the first prostate clash in 2016.

“I’d recorded a higher PSA reading and was referred to an urologist for further assessment. Things didn’t seem urgent, although it was three times higher than the previous tests, so the referral sat in my glovebox for at least 6 months. I didn’t think of myself as fitting the typically male characteristic of putting off health related matters until later, but now realise I am one of those who make up that large population of male procrastinators of medical things. Tomorrow was more than 6 months away for myself. I was normal (so I’m now told), very stupid and fortunately very, very lucky. I’ve become a little involved in prostate awareness because they’ve told me I’m the norm. But I was very slack and probably irresponsible to my family, let alone myself. My message is fairly simple to all us blokes who tell our partners…Yes, I will, in the next day or two. DO IT NOW…DON’T DO IT LATER.”

Tamas is a 44 year old father of two and the Group Executive of Pepperstone. Tamas was diagnosed with prostate cancer after a heightened PSA level was discovered during a routine health check organised by his employer.

“It was pretty upsetting to receive the diagnosis but after talking with my surgeon I was told that there was treatment that I could undertake and my chances were good given an early diagnosis. It also upsetting for my wife but we both received great support from friends and family. I had a radical prostatectomy – which is the removal of the prostate – through robotic surgery. Fortunately, my treatment period mainly consisted of rest after my operation, I did not need to undergo any more complex treatments. Take care of yourself particularly as you age and don’t be scared of asking questions and seeing your GP – don’t take pride in never having any issue or not having to go to the doctor as I did – things can happen without you being aware. Also if you have any issues, best to see an expert do not rely on Dr Google. It may well not happen but don’t make the assumption that it won’t – the consequences aren’t great if you don’t catch any issues early. Its perfectly treatable and there are some great surgeons and doctors around, your safe in their hands don’t go alone.”

Prostate patient Ian Robins and his wife Christine travelled 16,000 kilometres around Australia raising awareness and funds for prostate cancer. Ian drove the support vehicle while Christine made the long journey on foot.

“Seven years ago my brother in law was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, he asked if I had been checked. Why should I get checked – I felt well, I had nothing wrong with me. Too my surprise, my PSA was 21… my journey had started. Within a month my prostate was removed, 12 months later my PSA had started to rise again, I had seven weeks of Radiation from which my PSA settled again for the next two years. Then the cancer raised its ugly head again, so for the last three years I have been on Female Hormone Implants which stabled the cancer. Just recently my PSA has risen again so now I am on further cancer treatment. So all men PLEASE get your PSA checked even if you feel well.”