Grey Matter Gala 2026 Raises an Extraordinary $156,886

Held on Saturday, 10 October 2026, at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, this year's Grey Matter Gala brought together hundreds of guests, researchers, medical professionals, corporate supporters and community members, united by a shared determination to change the future of brain cancer.

The evening was a celebration of the life and legacy of Daniela Dwyer, whose courageous battle with glioblastoma inspired the establishment of the Foundation in 2022. It was also a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when a community comes together to turn personal tragedy into meaningful progress.

DDF Director Taylor Bow addressing guests at the Grey Matter Gala 2026.

A Remarkable Fundraising Achievement

Through the extraordinary generosity of guests, sponsors, donors and auction participants, the Gala raised $156,886, representing a significant milestone for the Foundation and its ongoing commitment to improving outcomes for people affected by brain cancer.

The funds raised will support the Foundation's partnership with Professor Sudha Rao and her research team at QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, alongside several important initiatives designed to accelerate the translation of groundbreaking research into real-world patient care.

These include:

Clinician Education Grants: Supporting Western Australian clinicians and medical specialists to undertake training in emerging diagnostic technologies, with the goal of bringing innovative testing capabilities to patients in WA.

Drug Toxicity Research: Funding research into optimising the dosing and tolerability of promising brain cancer treatments, including Paxalisib, to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Compassionate Access: Helping patients access innovative diagnostic testing and emerging treatment opportunities where financial barriers or clinical trial eligibility might otherwise prevent them from benefiting.

Together, these initiatives reflect the Foundation's growing focus on ensuring that promising scientific discoveries translate into tangible improvements in patient care.

Guests dressed to impress at the 2026 Grey Matter Gala.

Bringing Groundbreaking Research into the Spotlight

One of the evening's highlights was an insightful discussion led by MC Cassie Silver, featuring internationally recognised cancer researcher Professor Sudha Rao and medical oncologist Professor Thiru Prasanna.

The conversation explored the challenges facing brain cancer patients, the urgent need for more effective treatment options, and the remarkable potential of Professor Rao's Digital Liquid Biopsy Platform.

This innovative technology aims to provide clinicians with a non-invasive blood test capable of detecting and monitoring cancer-related cells, potentially offering valuable insights into disease progression and treatment response.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of moving beyond scientific discovery to ensure that emerging technologies become accessible to the patients and clinicians who need them.

Guests heard how the Foundation is working alongside researchers and medical professionals to help bridge this gap, with a particular focus on expanding awareness, clinical education and access to the technology in Western Australia.

A Powerful Reminder of Why This Work Matters

Among the evening's most moving moments was the sharing of brain cancer patient Victoria Warry's personal story.

Although Victoria was unfortunately unable to attend due to illness, her experience was shared with guests by Daniela's mother and Foundation Director, Luisa Dwyer.

Victoria's story provided a deeply personal perspective on the realities of living with brain cancer and the importance of access to innovative diagnostic technologies and emerging treatments.

Supporters and sponsors at the Grey Matter Gala 2026 media wall.

An Evening to Remember

Beyond the important conversations and fundraising achievements, the 2026 Grey Matter Gala was a spectacular celebration of community and generosity.

Guests enjoyed an evening of fine dining, entertainment, live and silent auctions, raffles and unique experiences, all made possible through the contributions of an extraordinary network of sponsors, event partners and supporters.

A special congratulations goes to our two major raffle winners — Chris Scoble, who took home the stunning TAG Heuer Formula 1 timepiece, and Holly Bowdich, who took home the exquisite Rosendorff Jewellers diamond tennis bracelet. We extend our sincere thanks to Gregory Jewellers and Rosendorff Jewellers for their generous support in making these exceptional raffle prizes possible, and to everyone who purchased tickets in support of the Foundation.

MC Cassie Silver brought warmth, energy and professionalism to the evening, while auctioneer Mia Brankov helped inspire generous bidding throughout the live auction. Entertainment from PROOF kept the celebrations going as guests came together to honour Daniela's legacy.

Turning Generosity into Progress

The Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to every sponsor, corporate partner, auction donor, volunteer and member of the organising committee whose contributions made the event possible.

Special thanks also go to the researchers, clinicians and patients who shared their knowledge and experiences, helping guests understand both the urgency of the challenges ahead and the enormous potential of the work being supported.

For the Daniela Dwyer Foundation, the success of the 2026 Grey Matter Gala represents far more than an exceptional fundraising result.

It demonstrates the growing momentum behind a community-driven effort to accelerate brain cancer research, improve access to emerging medical technologies and create meaningful change for patients and their families.

Founded in memory of Daniela, who passed away from glioblastoma at just 33 years of age, the Foundation remains committed to ensuring that her legacy continues to drive progress against this devastating disease.

The extraordinary support received at this year's Gala will help the Foundation continue building on its existing research partnerships, expanding its initiatives and advocating for a future where brain cancer can be diagnosed earlier, monitored more effectively and treated with greater precision.

To everyone who attended, donated, sponsored, volunteered or supported the 2026 Grey Matter Gala — thank you.

Your generosity is helping transform hope into action and bringing us closer to a future where more people diagnosed with brain cancer have access to better treatments, better outcomes and more time with those they love.

Driving Breakthroughs. Changing Lives.

Event Photo Gallery

Relive the highlights from an extraordinary evening. Click any photo to view it full size.