The VCCC Alliance is delighted to announce Melissa Le Mesurier as the new Chair of the VCCC Alliance Cancer Consumer Advisory Committee (CCAC).
The Chair, CCAC plays a critical role within the VCCC Alliance, leading the strategic direction for the CCAC and the consumer engagement strategy it governs, as well as advising the VCCC Alliance Board on the strategic implementation of consumer engagement across the alliance.
Melissa’s long-held passion for medical research began back in 1996 when her four-week-old son was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. She was the founding Chair of the Royal Children’s Hospital Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust (1999-2009), which has raised more than $3m for research and funded about 20 clinical fellows.
In 2017, Melissa received an unexpected diagnosis of bladder cancer, and following successful treatment (thanks to early detection and participation in a clinical trial), her commitment to make a difference for other patients only grew. She became involved with the Australian and New Zealand Urological and Prostate Cancer Trials Group (ANZUP) and still serves on their Consumer Advisory Panel.
Melissa is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and currently also serves as a Director of the Lung Foundation Australia. Her passion for consumer engagement and her professional expertise has made her an invaluable member of various committees and organisations.
Professionally, Melissa has over 25 years’ experience as a senior corporate affairs executive working with some of Australia’s most well-known brands, and she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in strategic planning, communications, reputation management and cultural change.
Melissa is driven by a desire to make a difference and ensure that the voices of patients affected by cancer and their families are heard at every level.
“One of the things that excited me most about the opportunity was the power of the VCCC Alliance – each member is a leader in its own right, so when you join them together the potential is huge.”
“Time is limited on this earth, and I want to make sure I’m focussing my time on things that make a difference. When you see research translated into clinical practice, and consumers having a real say in all aspects of their treatment, it’s very powerful.”
One of Melissa's key goals is to encourage a greater diversity of views within the consumer cohort.
“Getting consumers who are representative of the population is really hard, partly because many people get involved in advocacy work when they're retired or not working full-time. Given the Victoria-wide remit of the VCCC Alliance, I also want to think of innovative ways to bring in people from all backgrounds, regardless of their location, life-stage, or circumstances. It's crucial to have diverse perspectives and voices in decision-making processes.”
Dr Joanne Britto, Manager, Consumer Involvement, said Melissa’s experience across the healthcare system would prove a real asset for the strategic direction of the VCCC Alliance.
“Melissa brings a breadth of consumer and professional expertise to the role of Chair. Her proven commitment to advocacy and diversity means she is well positioned to continue integrating the patient into everything we do.”
Melissa will take the reins from Ms Sophy Athan, the founding Chair of CCAC, whose tenure officially finishes on 30 June 2023.
Find out more about Consumer Involvement at the VCCC Alliance.
