Australian of the Year

Cherie Dear is the tenacious and visionary co-founder of Dare to Hope, a national platform for pancreatic cancer awareness and research. 

In July 2022, Cherie lost her husband and co-founder, AFL legend Paul Dear, to pancreatic cancer. Only months later, Cherie’s father died from the same disease. 

Her grief was surpassed only by indignation towards a cancer that takes the lives of nearly 4,000 Australians each year. 

Cherie established the Dare to Hope AFL match, now an annual fixture between Hawthorn and Geelong. The Easter Monday fixture draws more than 80,000 fans and reaches 1.5 million viewers, raising critical funds and awareness. Dare to Hope is the Official Charity Partner of the Hawthorn Football Club. 

Now in its fifth year, the volunteer-led organisation funds three research fellowships, testament to Cherie’s determination, grit, innovation and leadership in creating national momentum for pancreatic cancer research.