Australia’s leading cancer fundraiser, Dry July, officially launched its 2025 campaign today with an ambitious goal: to hit a lifetime fundraising total of $100 million. Since its humble beginning in 2008 as a friendly challenge between mates, the initiative has grown into a nationwide movement, supporting more than 1,200 projects across 80 cancer organisations. This year alone, the funds will assist 40 groups, including the Cancer Council, Bowel Cancer Australia, and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

The campaign taps into a sobering reality: one Australian is diagnosed with cancer every three minutes, and over 15,000 are expected to receive a diagnosis this July alone. Dry July encourages people to go alcohol-free for the month, showing solidarity with those affected by cancer and raising money for support services that often go unseen. These include transport and accommodation during treatment, therapy and wellness programs, and dedicated cancer nurses—services that can make a difficult time more bearable.

Brett Macdonald, co-founder of Dry July, reflected on how far the project has come: “We would be incredibly proud to reach the $100 million milestone, but it can only be possible with the support of everyday Australians.” CEO Gillian Odbert echoed this, saying the emotional toll of cancer is often overlooked and that Dry July helps provide “services that can make all the difference.” These community-funded projects rely entirely on public contributions.

In its campaign video, the message is personal and emotional—anchored in real stories of love, loss, and the quiet strength of those navigating cancer. Whether it’s a tribute tattoo, a father-daughter dance, or the memory of a friend surrounded by sunflowers, the message is clear: it’s about more than fundraising. It’s about showing up.

Register as an individual or team at www.dryjuly.com and go dry this July (Australia, July 2025).