When Jill and Brian Costello learned Brian had prostate cancer, they had trouble finding information and support. Determined to raise more awareness, especially in rural areas, the couple founded ManUp! Australia in 2010.
When they launched the program, Jill and Brian visited 37 communities. Three years later, they were visiting 65 per year.
Brian passed away in 2018. The couple’s daughter, Leah, joined the charity to ensure it could continue. Today, Leah and Jill spend 10 months of the year on the road, visiting more than 80 regional and remote communities to educate people about prostate cancer. Over the past five years, 142 men have been diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer as a result of the program.
Jill also developed the Queensland Directory of Prostate Cancer Services, a free app that helps men navigate the healthcare system. For her contributions to healthcare, Jill was awarded the Order of Australia in 2023.