SIP Week 2026 has officially wrapped up as a remarkable success, bringing 128 passionate sippers, dedicated prize donors, and community supporters to make an extraordinary impact. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the community, this year’s event raised over $118,500, with every dollar directly funding world-class research toward finding a cure for paralysis.
The week started off on a high note at Gold Coast University Hospital (GCUH), with a Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Week (SCIAW) showcase in the hospital forecourt. Partnering with the Spinal Cord Injury Liaison Service (SCILS) team led by Matthew Malt, the event provided the backdrop for Perry Cross to officially launch SIP Week 2026. Attendees also heard inspiring updates from Prof. James St John on Griffith University’s groundbreaking clinical trials, alongside interactive adaptive sports displays and mobility technology showcases. Thanks to our Cure Crusader Ambassadors for their support on the day.
Generous Matching Day Sponsors provided a pivotal boost to this year’s campaign, multiplying the impact of every donation. Thank you to Admiralty Capital Group, Hickey Lawyers, CareMatch Australia and Molmike Medical for supporting the event. Molmike Medical also treated supporters to another outstanding cake creation at their annual SIP Week morning tea held early in the week at Dovers Drop.
A huge congratulations goes to all the individual fundraisers, teams, and prize draw winners who went above and beyond throughout the campaign.
Grand Prize Draw Winners
Draw 1: Spinal Life Healthy Living Centre Cairns ~ winner was Ryan Boyd
Draw 2: Mantra on Salt Beach Kingscliff ~ winner was Brianna Barry
Top 5 Individual Fundraisers
Each won 2 x Silver Premium tickets to the Everything Is Possible Gala Dinner on 13th March 2027. Congratulations to Jacquie Dougherty, Ryan Boyd, Andrew Rayfield, Maddie O’Leary and Toni Anstiss.
Top SIP Team – winning a VIP table at the Everything Is Possible Gala Dinner on 13th March 2027 ~ winner was Jacquie Dougherty
Random Prize Draw for SIPpers who raised over $250 – winning a stay at Sargood On Collaroy ~ winner was Jayden McKenzie
Daily SIP Prize Winners
Sippers were rewarded throughout the 7-day challenge for their creativity, fundraising milestones, and social media engagement:
Day 1 Best SIP Selfie: Eco By Sonya Hamper – winner was Kaisha Hinchcliffe
Day 1 Best SIP Selfie: Drinking Buddy – winner was Hollie Moore
Day 2 Random Donation Draw: Homebodii Hamper – winner was Sarah Nobbs
Day 2 Best SIP Selfie: Em Carey Merch Pack – winner was Jacquie Dougherty
Day 3 Highest Fundraiser: 5 x Making Strides Physio Sessions – winner was Tony Pinto
Day 4 Best SIP Selfie: Enjoy Your Legs Merch Pack by Johnny Konings – winner was Daniel Hilyer
Day 5 $500+ Fundraiser Draw: RESOURCED from The Wholeness Hub (Online Program) – winner was Jacquie Dougherty
Day 5 Best SIP Selfie: $100 McDonald’s Voucher – winner was Maddie O’Leary
Day 6 Best SIP Selfie: Enjoy Your Legs Merch Pack by Johnny Konings – winner was Hollie Moore
Day 7 Highest Individual Fundraiser: Story Bridge Adventure Climb – winner was Jacinta Northam
To every individual who sipped, donated, shared photos, or rallied their community, thank you for bringing your energy and passion to SIP Week 2026. While the sipping has concluded, the impact of your efforts continues to push medical research forward.
