The second annual Ladies Long Table Lunch, held at Hillarys Yacht Club as part of the Hillarys Boat Show on Friday 20 March, has raised an outstanding $32,000 in support of the Women and Infants Research Foundation (WIRF).
Building on the success of its inaugural year, the event once again brought together a vibrant group of women for an elegant afternoon dedicated to advancing research that improves the health and wellbeing of women, babies, and families across Western Australia, and globally.
Opening the lunch was event organiser and long-time WIRF supporter, Liz Daly. Mrs Daly shared her personal journey through pregnancy and motherhood, including the heartbreaking loss of her twin sons, Max and Noah, in 2015.
Her identical twins developed twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, a condition where blood flows unevenly between the babies. An emergency procedure was performed at 17 weeks in an attempt to save them, but tragically, the twins passed away 24 hours later.
Despite this devastating loss, Mrs Daly never gave up hope of growing her family. Eighteen months later, she welcomed her “miracle” son, Jack. She and her husband, Todd, later had two more children, Philippa and Tom.
Mrs Daly said her deep connection to WIRF is driven by her lived experience.
“Pregnancy and baby loss has become something I’m deeply passionate about,” she said. “If I can help prevent even one person from going through what I’ve experienced, that’s a better day.”
WIRF Ambassador Amy Hussey also delivered a moving address, touching on her personal experience of preterm birth. Reflecting on the early arrivals of her two youngest children, Amy spoke about the challenges of preterm birth and the lasting impact of those experiences. She also highlighted the critical importance of ongoing research in improving outcomes for families like hers.
“Our preterm birth experiences have been the most traumatic chapters in our lives, but ultimately, ones that have shaped us and made our family stronger. For us, our two preterm babies survived and we feel truly blessed. They are our miracles,” Mrs Hussey said.
“We know there are so many families who have had preterm babies. We know, that heartbreakingly, many do not get to take their babies home. We know we are the lucky ones.
“WIRF’s studies are working towards a future where no baby is born too soon, and families can welcome healthy, full-term babies who can enjoy the best possible start to life.
“For a preterm mother, there is no work more important than this.”
The event’s keynote address was delivered by Dr Mat Epee, a global leader in obstetrics and gynaecology, Head of the Placenta Accreta Service at King Edward Memorial Hospital, and a member of WIRF’s Scientific Committee. Drawing on his frontline experience, Dr Epee spoke powerfully about how research directly influences clinical care and patient outcomes.
“Every advancement we see in the care of women and babies is underpinned by research,” Dr Epee said.
“Through the work supported by WIRF, we are better equipped to make critical decisions, improve outcomes, and ultimately change lives for the families we care for every day.”
Adding a creative element to the event this year was a mini Art Showcase, featuring seven artworks by Western Australian artists, with a percentage of each sale generously donated to WIRF.
The Ladies Long Table Lunch continues to grow as a signature event, uniting community, generosity and purpose.
Funds raised will support vital research initiatives aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of women, babies, and families.
The Ladies Long Table Lunch was initiated by Liz Daly, an extraordinary supporter of the Foundation. WIRF is deeply grateful for Liz’s generosity and commitment to the Foundation’s cause, and to be the beneficiary of this special event.
Sincere thanks also go to everyone who made this exclusive event possible – including the Boating Industry Association of Western Australia (BIAWA) and its CEO, Sheryl Swarbrick, who did a fantastic job as MC, the Hillarys Boat Show, and Linneys, who are a proud advocate for women’s health initiatives and a long-time supporter of WIRF.
If you would like to learn more about how you could support WIRF through community fundraising, visit our Community Fundraising web page.
