Every September, Lisa Mackin and her family host their annual Merino ram sale at their farmin Tammin, Western Australia. It’s a highlight on the agricultural calendar for their Kamballie Rams stud — but also an opportunity to give back.
Each year, they select one special ram, auction it, and donate the proceeds to a cause close to their hearts. In 2023, Lisa chose Dare to Hope, inspired by a deeply personal journey:
“My dad was 79 when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and chose not to have treatment. He died just 12 days after his 80th birthday party — eight months after diagnosis, as predicted. He was so brave. Then, only eight weeks later, a very dear friend — Jan Hocking, Godmother to our middle son — was diagnosed. We were so incredibly touched by your documentary and have nothing but enormous respect for you and your family.”
For Lisa, the auction is about much more than fundraising:
“The object really is awareness. We wanted to support a cause that means something to our family and Dare to Hope felt like the right fit.” In 2024, inspired by the courage of their friend Jan, they once again supported Dare to Hope. “Jan lived with pancreatic cancer longer than expected, facing it with grace and tenacity. Her
compassion for others never wavered, and she remains a treasured friend to the Kamballie community. Nothing loved is ever lost… and she was loved so much.”
The tradition continues in 2025, with the Kamballie Rams sale returning on September 5th. And by all reports — “this ram’s a beauty.”
By turning their rural tradition into a platform for awareness, Lisa and the Kamballie Rams team show how every community — from city streets to country paddocks — can help drive hope forward for those facing pancreatic cancer.
By turning their rural tradition into a platform for awareness, Lisa and the Kamballie Rams team show how every community — from city streets to country paddocks — can help drive hope forward for those facing pancreatic cancer.
