26 January 2024

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s National Chairman, Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Callister, has been named a Member in the Order of Australia.

The distinguished recognition was announced by Australia’s Governor-General as part of the Australia Day 2024 Honours List.

The award recognises Adjunct A/Prof Callister’s service to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and men impacted by prostate cancer, as well as his contribution to business.

A/Prof Callister is Managing Director and Partner of retail wholesale firm Paragold Distributors Pty Ltd, and has been involved in the work of Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia since 2005, following his diagnosis with the disease in 2004.

Beginning as a Support Group convenor, he was appointed Chairman of the charity’s Marketing and Fundraising Committee in 2009, rising to the role of Deputy National Chairman in 2015 before taking on the responsibility of National Chairman in 2018.

A/Prof Callister has also just been appointed the inaugural Chair of PCFA’s Future Fund Committee, which will oversee the organisation’s strategy to significantly boost funding for prostate cancer research between now and 2030.

PCFA National Board Member, Distinguished Emeritus Professor Judith Clements AC, congratulated A/Prof Callister on the award. 

“A/Prof Callister has made a profound contribution to prostate cancer research, awareness and support over the past 20 years, helping to overcome stigma of the disease and raising significant funds for research and specialist nursing care.

“This is a deservedly prestigious recognition of his distinguished service.”

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia has invested around $60 million into Australian-based prostate cancer research since 2008, while growing the organisation’s nursing program from 12 nurses in 2012 to more than 100 today.

A/Prof Callister AM was instrumental in establishing the organisation’s Telenursing Service and Prostate Cancer Counselling Service, as well as the organisation’s Prostate Cancer Future Fund for research.