Consistent, high-quality nursing models across regional, rural and remote Australia is vital for the ensuring equitable access to care for regional, rural and remote communities.
This national Regional Cancer Forum will explore how the McGrath Model of Care will impact regional and rural cancer care nurses and communities. Explore how the McGrath Model of Care sits within the current cancer nursing context, and within the broader Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program.
This forum will also provide an overview of the new McGrath Model of Care, and examine how the model supports the regional, rural and remote nursing workforce. Don't miss this opportunity to join the discussion with key experts from McGrath Foundation and Cancer Nurses Society of Australia.
This series has been made possible by the Cancer Patient Support Program, an Australian Government initiative. Supported by grant funding from the Federal Government, the forums aim to address the educational needs of Australia's regional and rural cancer workforce by facilitating reciprocal learning between regional and metropolitan cancer colleagues.
This is an inclusive event that recognises the expertise of the cancer workforce in regional, rural and metropolitan areas. All workers are invited to participate in education and learning that will enable a collective effort to lift cancer outcomes in regional and rural communities. This initiative recognises the imperative that we all must work together towards equitable cancer care. An individual’s postcode shouldn’t influence their outcomes.
With over seven years in senior leadership at the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA), Jemma brings deep experience in partnerships, collaboration, and organisational sustainability. As CEO, she provides strategic oversight of CNSA’s key workforce initiatives and national priorities, ensuring alignment with broader health system reform and future workforce needs. This includes oversight of CNSA’s first-ever Cancer Nursing Workforce Survey and contributing to cancer care being recognised by AHPRA as a nursing specialty.
Jemma plays a central role in enabling and guiding national initiatives such as the Cancer Nursing Capability Framework, working alongside expert collaborators to map capabilities and support clear career progression pathways for cancer nurses. She is a trusted connector within the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program, facilitating collaboration across stakeholders, projects, and research efforts to strengthen the cancer nursing ecosystem.
Jemma provides strategic leadership across CNSA’s contribution to Australian Cancer Plan implementation and partner engagement, and regularly supports national conversations that elevate the voice of cancer nurses.
Kellie is self employed in the Mining and Agriculture sector, Secretary for her two local Business Chambers of Commerce in Nagambie and Seymour and on the board of the Goulburn Regional Partnership. Kellie has completed the Lead from Lived Experience: Enhancing Cancer Care Program and has assisted as a Consumer Advocate for Cancer Council Vic, Cancer Council NSW, VCCC Alliance, RTN Every Voice Can, as well as Melbourne and Monash Universities. She was diagnosed with a Carcinoid Tumour of the Lung in 2024 and after completing surgery is a Lung Cancer survivor with a keen interest in improving regional care, diagnosis communications and survivorship experience.
Bec commenced with the McGrath Foundation in July 2024 as the Head of Nursing Projects. Her role is to lead the key projects which support the Foundation's transition to all cancers. Bec also works with stakeholders from across the Australian Cancer Care Nursing and Navigation Program to develop the cancer nursing program component, ensuring person centred care is achieved through a connected cancer sector. Bec has a background of clinical dietetics, community development and public health guideline development. She has a strong focus on equity in cancer outcomes, particularly among First Nations communities. Bec's most recent role was as Director of the NACCHO Cancer team - a role in which she secured commonwealth funding for a national cancer program for Aboriginal community-controlled organisations.
With over 35 years of nursing experience, Kerry joined the Foundation in 2009, and has dedicated her career to making a difference in the lives of those experiencing breast cancer. With a unique understanding of the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges faced by patients and their families, Kerry emphasises the importance of comprehensive care and support at every stage of the cancer experience. In her role at the McGrath Foundation, Kerry has been instrumental in providing much-needed care and support to people affected by cancer across Australia, regardless of their location.
Carissa graduated from the University of South Australia in 2015 and has since completed a graduate Diploma in Oncology and Haematology through the University of Adelaide as well as a Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care and leadership and management. Throughout her nursing career she has predominately worked in cancer and explored many fields such as Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Haematology and Stem Cell transplant – working over a variety of settings as an RN, CN and ANUM. Carissa also worked as the Acting Youth Cancer Nurse Consultant for SA/NT 2024-2025 and created an educational sexual health brochure for youth undergoing treatment.
