Irene Hendel OAM
Director, Patron of Think Pink Foundation and Founder of The Living Centre
Born in England, Irene Hendel began her professional career in the fashion industry, working for many years with French Connection in both London and Australia. She later successfully ran her own interior design and giftware business, Private Lives Interiors, for over 25 years before retiring in 2015.
A breast cancer survivor, Irene was first diagnosed in 1997 and re-diagnosed in 2003. In 2000, she joined the Think Pink Committee and has been a dedicated fundraiser and advocate for the cause ever since.
In 2006, Irene co-founded The Think Pink Foundation, an independent, fully accredited charity, and served as its Chair for a decade. She played a pivotal role in organizing the Foundation’s Masquerade Ball, which ran for 15 years (2000–2015) and raised several million dollars.
Irene’s vision of establishing a sanctuary for individuals affected by breast cancer became a reality in 2010 with the opening of The Living Centre—a unique, non-clinical space offering support to patients, their families, and carers. Today, The Living Centre continues to be a vital resource for those facing a breast cancer diagnosis.
In recognition of her dedication to Think Pink and her impact on thousands of breast cancer patients, Irene was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (O.A.M.) in the 2015 Australia Day Honours List.
As a committed Director and Founder of Think Pink, Irene remains actively involved in fundraising and advocacy, ensuring the Foundation continues to provide essential support to those in need.
David Hendel
Director of Operations
David Hendel is a Founding Director of The Think Pink Foundation and has dedicated over 25 years of pro bono service to supporting individuals affected by breast cancer.
Bringing extensive commercial experience, David has successfully operated businesses across various industries, including textile production, real estate development, veterinary pharmaceutical distribution, and audio-visual hire.
He played a key role in organizing the Foundation’s Masquerade Ball for 15 years (2000–2015) and was instrumental in establishing The Living Centre, a sanctuary for individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis.
David continues to manage the Foundation’s high-level administration and day-to-day operations at The Living Centre, as well as overseeing major fundraising initiatives such as the Putt In For Pink Golf Day and the Think Pink Coffee Lid Campaign. His work remains entirely voluntary.
As the husband and devoted partner of Irene Hendel, David has supported her through every stage of her breast cancer journey. His firsthand experience as a carer provides invaluable insight and perspective to the Foundation’s Board.
Beyond Think Pink, David is a committed and enthusiastic member of the Freemason community. He has served as Worshipful Master of The Middle Park Lodge and continues his charitable endeavours through the lodges where he remains a prominent figure.
Robert Whalley
Finance Director
Rob is a Chartered Accountant and Licenced Real Estate Professional who has actively led the finance, accounting and compliance function for Think Pink Foundation since 2015, both as a Director and Financial Controller.
Commencing his career with EY in 1996 within assurance & advisory, he developed and operated his own major franchise business and has also held roles in aged care, tourism & hospitality, property development, technology and other sectors. Rob is currently Group CFO for a substantial volume residential construction group which has built homes for over 14,000 Victorian households.
Having had a close personal experience with the impact and trauma which a significant health diagnosis can have on a partner, together with the multi-layered impacts it can have on both the patient and home front, he is a passionate advocate of the Foundation’s mission.
Rob and his family are based in Melbourne’s inner-city Bayside area, and enjoy regular travel adventures both locally and abroad.
Doreen Akkerman AM
Patron
Doreen Akkerman, AM retired in 2010 from the position of Director at the Cancer Information and Support Service at the Cancer Council Victoria, a position she held for twenty years.
At the Cancer Council Doreen was responsible for numerous cancer support programs for people experiencing cancer and their carers. She was also responsible for two innovative health professional education programs that were a first in Australia and both are a huge success: The Breast Care Nurse Distance Education Program, a tertiary level education program for Breast Care Nurses, and the Victorian Cancer Clinicians Communication Program, a unique communication program for oncologists.
Doreen also established the first ‘Sexuality and Cancer’ seminars and workshops for health professionals, patients and their partners.
Doreen was the inaugural President and current serving Board Member of the International Cancer Information Services Group and has published many articles and presented workshops and seminars by invitation in Australia, Europe, United Kingdom and the USA.
Doreen was awarded as a Member of the Order of Australia in 2007 and was inducted into the Women’s Victorian Women’s Honour Roll in 2010.
