Honouring Rebekah Bainbridge
By Zoe Waters, Barwon Health Foundation, Executive Director
In my role at the Barwon Health Foundation, I am fortunate to meet many incredible people. I am privileged to hear their stories and to understand why they choose to support us. Often, these are people who decide to share their journey while navigating some of the most difficult times of their lives.
Rebekah ‘Bek’ Bainbridge was one such incredible person.
A doting mum to two young boys. A proud daughter and sister. The fun aunty who loved to dance. A friend, confident and colleague to so, so many.
Bek and her sister Joanna connected with the Barwon Health Foundation following her diagnosis with brain cancer in 2023. From the very beginning, she was steadfast in her goal to ensure that her story, her experience will help others.
After taking time to come to terms with her diagnosis, Bek came on board as a Foundation Ambassador, and she was a force of generosity and care - even while navigating her own cancer journey - and she found ways to support cancer care and treatment here in our local Geelong community.
By sharing her story, she inspired others, sparked important conversations, and created real impact for patients and families who will benefit from her advocacy for years to come.
Bek passed away on 10 January 2026, aged 44. Her memorial service was held at Pirra Homestead in Lara, and it was a gathering filled with nature, love, remembrance and gratitude. It was a truly beautiful reflection of the life she lived and the many, many lives she touched.
On behalf of the Barwon Health Foundation, we send our deepest condolences to Bek’s beloved parents and partner, her two young sons, her siblings and all who loved her.
Through Bek’s journey, her sister Joanna has become a true friend and champion of our Foundation. Time and time again, she has rallied the community in Bek’s honour – through the Ceres Life Love Tee campaign, Dry July, Catwalk4Cancer, and our Cancer Appeals. She has channelled her love for her sister into tangible, life-changing action.
I will never forget last year’s Catwalk4Cancer event, where Joanna bravely shared her experience as Bek’s sister on stage. After such a heartfelt and vulnerable speech, Joanna - a model herself - stepped onto the runway. The entire room erupted in applause, tears rolling down her face, it was as if every single person in that room was wrapping her in one enormous, heartfelt hug.
Joanna has often said that fundraising was her way of supporting Bek during treatment, in a time which she felt helpless. In doing so, she has not only honoured her sister’s life but also inspired and united our community.
Legacy isn’t measured by the years of life we will. It is measured by the impact we leave on the people around us, while we are here. Bek’s impact on those she loved is clear, and the generosity she sparked, the awareness she raised, and the care she championed will continue to touch lives well into the future.
We are so grateful to have known Rebekah Bainbridge.
Bek’s memorial service concluded by the celebrant reciting Bek’s own words. Words she penned alongside her dear friend Cat in a quiet moment and that were shared to inspire others to live a fulfilling life, filled with kindness, regardless how long that life may be.
With the blessing of her family, I leave you Bek’s words. A doting mum to two young boys. A proud daughter and sister. The fun aunty who loved to dance. A friend, confident and colleague to so, so many. And a person that has left an imprint on the Barwon Health Foundation, forever.
“Someday is just a thought.
It never gets any closer. I encourage you to do the things you want to do and leave your mark on the world now. And whenever you become complacent, remember Bek. Remember the precious gift you have been given to be here in this moment and cherish it.”
