Jennifer Doubell OAM named 2025 Distinguished Fellow of Peter Mac
09 July 2025
Former Executive Director of the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation Jennifer Doubell OAM has been named a Distinguished Fellow of Peter Mac – the organisation’s highest honour.
The award recognises Jennifer’s extraordinary contributions, and her enduring impact on cancer care and research. It was presented by Peter Mac Board Chair, Professor Rosemary McKenzie, at a special ceremony attended by colleagues, friends, and family.
Jennifer is the first philanthropist and fundraiser to be inducted as a Distinguished Fellow. She joins an illustrious group of people who have shaped Peter Mac over its 76-year history – in nursing, research, oncology and now, philanthropy.
Under her leadership from 2008 to 2021, the Foundation rapidly increased its income and tripled its donor base, enabling major investments in immunotherapy, diagnostics and life-changing research.
Her vision in introducing face-to-face fundraising was formative. Through this – as well as through major annual events she pioneered - Peter Mac continues to raise millions of dollars to advance its life-saving work.
A highlight of Jennifer’s tenure was her leadership of the $50 million capital fundraising campaign in support of Peter Mac’s state-of-the-art Parkville facility.
She also helped bring the Da Vinci surgical robot and Gamma Knife technology to Peter Mac, directly improving treatment and outcomes for thousands of people with cancer.
A strong focus on sustainable growth and diverse range fundraising streams ensured Peter Mac remained strong through a time of great uncertainty - the COVID-19 pandemic.
Commending her success and high standing within her field over 30 years, Jennifer has received many awards and honours. In 2020, she received an Order of Australia Medal (OAM), recognising services to the community through charitable organisations.
In inducting Jennifer as a Distinguished Fellow, Professor McKenzie, said, ‘You may have left Peter Mac, but you will always be a close and respected friend of this organisation.’
Executive Director of Cancer Research Professor Ricky Johnstone also spoke, sharing reflections on Jennifer’s foresight, passion, and famously generous approach.
Describing her as a ‘true relationship fundraiser,’ another colleague remarked, ‘we still have donors asking for Jennifer today.’
Peter Mac thanks Jennifer Doubell OAM for her remarkable contribution. Her legacy will continue to inspire, and support Peter Mac’s work, for many years to come.
