Graham and Catherine Lancaster at the IWIB Awards. Photo: Kellie O’Brien.
Beloved Illawarra lawyer and community champion Graham Lancaster was recognised with a rare and prestigious honour at the Illawarra Women in Business (IWIB) Awards on Friday, celebrating his decades of tireless support for the region’s business community.
Graham is only the third person in 17 years to be presented with an Outstanding Commitment to the Business Community award.
Along with being principal at Lancaster Law & Meditation and recognisable at his beloved Illawarra Hawks basketball games with his signature black-and-red horned helmet, Graham has been involved in many charities to raise awareness for campaigns; attends, sponsors and chairs business networking groups; and is a mentor.
Last year he revealed his diagnosis of the fatal motor neurone disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
In presenting the award, IWIB director Glenda Papac said Graham had been a long-time supporter of the business community throughout the region.
“What pops into your mind when you hear the words ‘Graham Lancaster’ is community supporter,” Glenda said.
“That guy, cheering on the causes in our community, supporting the community and an all-round good guy and mentor who gets things done.
“Graham wasn’t awarded an OAM in 2022 for nothing. That speaks tenfold about Graham.”
While Graham joked that “I’m going to get into trouble again. I’m not a woman”, he went on to acknowledge the woman behind all that he was able to achieve – his wife, Catherine.
“I couldn’t do what I do without her doing what she does,” he said.
“That support is sometimes almost taken for granted, but it’s good to know that it’s there.”
He said as he faced the challenges of ALS, the award highlighted the importance of purpose in life.
“If ALS is going to take me, then I’ve got less time to get more things done, so I better get cracking,” he said.
“One of the solutions to ALS is to have a purpose in life.
“So, committing to the community and helping others while I can is the way to do it.
“If anyone learns anything from what I’ve done, or will do, then so much the better – whether that be physically or even mentally.”
Graham said one of the things he believed was important in life was having the right mental outlook.
“In the groups that I’m involved in, I try – in a respectful manner – to make sure that people can see the best of their situation, whatever it is,” he said.
Medical experts have told Graham the average life expectancy is three to five years after diagnosis, but he’s encouraged by the likes of Stephen Hawking, who had it from age 21 until his death at age 76.
