Legendary Australian netballer Liz Ellis, AO, was the guest speaker at the annual CMRI Hills Fundraising Committee Mothers’ Luncheon which was attended by more than 400 people at The Hilton in Sydney.

As well as Ms Ellis, the packed house heard from Children's Medical Research Institute’s cancer researcher Dr Rebecca Poulos and mother Adriana Sharpe.

Ms Ellis played for our national team from 1992 to 2007 and was captain for four years. Now as Chair of Netball Australia Ms Ellis said she waited for the day when there was true equality in Australian sport.

“I hope we stop talking about ‘women’s sport’ and just start talking about sport because there are so many options for girls now.’’

Dr Poulos thanked those in attendance for their support of CMRI research while Mrs Sharpe – whose daughter Alessia is a face of Jeans for Genes – talked about the impact of research on their family. Alessia was the first person in Australia to receive gene therapy for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

“Funds raised by incredible people like yourselves have made research possible,’’ Mrs Sharpe said. “Gene therapy brought hope when there was none for us.’’

The Mothers’ Luncheon was the first time the Committee has held a major event since their founding president Patti Payne, OAM, had stepped down from her long-held position as president. Mrs Payne attended with her daughter Alex, who is also on the Committee and granddaughters.

Newly elected president Lesley Cady paid tribute to the extraordinary legacy established by Ms Payne.

“Under Patti’s leadership this Committee has raised more than $1.5m so she’s really a star and I feel like I have very big shoes to fill.’’