The Cancer Consumer-led Research Partnership has held the first in a series of co-design workshops to develop a leadership masterclass for those with a lived experience of cancer.
The partnership aims to improve outcomes for all Victorians affected by cancer by fostering collaboration in consumer (someone who has experienced cancer) leadership and consumer-led research across Victoria.
The project has three goals: amplify consumer leaders across Victoria; conduct a consumer-led research project to evaluate consumer influence; and create and deliver an immersive consumer leadership masterclass.
The first of the co-design workshops involved diverse consumers from across the state and representatives from the five partners: Monash Partners Comprehensive Cancer Consortium, Regional Trials Network - Victoria, Cancer Council Victoria, and the University of Melbourne Collaborative Practice Centre.
The co-design work is facilitated by the Health Consumer Centre and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
Lived experience advisor Rochelle Serry said the initiative aims to elevate the expertise of those with a lived experience of cancer to champion change in clinical care, research, and education across Victoria. "Developing a dedicated program ensures consumers have the skills, support, and platform to contribute meaningfully — turning insight into impact,” she said.
Program Manager Pauline Ryan said the workshops were a pivotal step in shaping a pioneering program that truly reflects the needs, experiences, and aspirations of those with lived experience of cancer.
“By bringing together diverse voices and expertise, we are laying the foundation for a lived experience leadership program that will drive meaningful change in the cancer sector. The co-design team will help shape a transformative masterclass that strengthens leadership skills, fosters collaboration, and enhances the impact of lived experience in healthcare decision-making.”
“Lived experience is a powerful driver of change, but without a structured leadership program, those voices risk being unheard or under-utilised. There is a clear unmet need within the health system to ensure that those with lived experience can engage effectively at all levels and drive systemic change," she said.
“This pioneering program will provide a leadership pathway that offers a consistent, clear approach to preparing individuals to engage meaningfully, fostering a more equitable and impactful healthcare system," she said.
This program is supported by the Victorian Government acting through the Department of Health.
The leadership masterclass is due to start in July.
To learn more, visit the Cancer Consumer-Led Research Partnership webpage and subscribe to VCCC Alliance newsletters for updates and events.
