Working in events and marketing, I have the opportunity to see some incredible fundraisers and collaborate with people who are genuinely committed to making a difference. One event we host each year stands out as a powerful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose.
For the past two years, I have had the pleasure of organising and promoting O’Brien’s Morning Tea for Life in support of Team Kill Cancer. It is a cause that has not only shaped the way I approach my work, but also changed my understanding of how widespread and impactful cancer really is. Before becoming more closely involved, I was unaware that 1 in 2 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. It is a confronting statistic and one that, more often than not, touches everyone in some way.
Team Kill Cancer was founded in 2013 by Nathan Williams, following the loss of his mum to oesophageal cancer. Together with his wife Cath and close friends Mark and Ky O’Shea, Nathan turned a deeply personal experience into something meaningful for others. The organisation provides practical support to families navigating cancer treatment, including groceries, fuel cards, rental assistance and other everyday essentials that can ease financial pressure during an already difficult time.
What makes this support so impactful is that it is immediate and deeply personal. Team Kill Cancer goes beyond financial assistance, helping families create meaningful moments together. This has included sending families on holidays and, in some cases, enabling loved ones to travel internationally to say goodbye. It is a reminder that support during these times is not just about relief, but about dignity, connection and making the most of the time people have.
At O’Brien Accountants & Advisors, Community is one of our key strategic pillars. Our commitment to making a positive contribution is reflected in the partnerships we build and the initiatives we support. Our involvement with Team Kill Cancer is a natural extension of this, grounded in a shared belief that businesses have a role to play in supporting the communities they operate in.
Through initiatives such as Morning Tea for Life, O’Brien helped raise more than $30,000 in 2025 to support individuals and families impacted by cancer in Melbourne’s north-east. It has been incredibly rewarding to see the impact of this partnership grow over time.
I was also fortunate to attend the Team Kill Cancer Gala Ball last year, which brought together grant recipients, supporters and fundraisers. It was a powerful reminder of the collective effort behind every dollar raised and the very real difference it makes in people’s lives.
If you would like to learn more, please click here to read about how you can get involved.
Stella Kelly – Marketing
