Australia Day

Marilyn Jetty Swim founder receives Medal of the Order of Australia for cancer fundraising efforts

Sarah Tinney, founder of the Marilyn Jetty Swim, has been honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia for her initiative in raising $1.5 million for cancer research and support through a unique annual event in South Australia.

Sarah Tinney, the founder of the Marilyn Jetty Swim, an annual fundraising event in South Australia, has been awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia. It was announced as part of the Australia Day 2025 Honours List for her significant contributions to cancer research, prevention, and support through her work with this unique event.

This award comes as the Marilyn Jetty Swim is set to have a record-breaking year, with 766 South Australians registered to participate in its 12th iteration on Sunday, 2 February at Brighton Jetty.

Sarah initiated the Marilyn Jetty Swim in 2014 as a tribute to her mother, Esther, who succumbed to uterine cancer in 2006. The event is a highlight of the Channel 7 Brighton Jetty Classic and involves participants swimming or paddling 400 metres around the Brighton Jetty while dressed as the 1950s Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe.

Over the last 12 years, the Marilyn Jetty Swim has successfully raised $1.5 million for the Cancer Council SA. These funds support vital cancer prevention initiatives, research projects, and support services. In 2020, the swim even set a Guinness World Record for the largest gathering of people dressed as Marilyn Monroe in one location.

Discussing the origins of the event, Sarah recalled the initial concept being borne out of a casual conversation with the Brighton Surf Club. “They knew I was passionate about supporting Cancer Council SA and suggested I take part in the annual Brighton Jetty Classic all in the name of fundraising. I’m not athletic but agreed to do a swim out to the jetty with a floaty on two conditions—I’d make it comical by dressing like one of the most iconic women to grace our screens and I’d be joined by lookalike decoys so people couldn’t identify me swimming,” Sarah said. 

“I am so proud that each year the event keeps growing. Our first year, in 2014, we had 50 Marilyns participating and raising over $26,500. Now we have over 750 amazing Marilyns aiming to raise $400,000 in 2025! The event continues to exceed all my own expectations, and we’re always aiming higher every year.”

Sarah said, “With every fundraising event I’ve done, particularly the Marilyn Jetty Swim, my mum is in my heart. After she passed away in 2007, supporting people impacted by cancer became even more important to me.”

She described her work as a powerful way to channel her grief into positive action, underpinned by an incredible support system of participants and supporters. “I know I’m doing something to help end cancer in her honour and it’s given me incredible empowerment,” she said.

With its combination of community engagement, spirited fun, and serious fundraising, the Marilyn Jetty Swim under Sarah Tinney’s leadership has not only contributed financial resources to cancer services but also created a vibrant community of support and remembrance. Sarah’s national recognition underscores the impact of her efforts and the lasting legacy she is building in honour of her mother and all those affected by cancer.

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