News
12 Jun 2025

Catherine Johnson AM Honoured for Outstanding Contribution to Cancer Nursing and Research

We are proud to celebrate Ms Catherine Louise Johnson, who has been awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2025 King’s Birthday Honours for her significant service to oncology nursing and research. Cath’s remarkable career spans over three decades, marked by a deep commitment to advancing cancer care, research, and nursing leadership across Australia and internationally. Since 1997, she has served as a Clinical Research Nurse in the Medical Oncology Department at Calvary Mater Newcastle, following earlier roles as a Clinical Nurse Specialist and Registered Nurse across leading cancer services in NSW. As a founding member of the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA), Cath played a key role in shaping the organisation from the ground up as a member of the founding streeing committee of the CNSA in Australia across 1998 and 1999.

Her leadership since our incorporation has included positions such as:

  • Deputy Chairperson (2006–2009)
  • National Executive Treasurer (2008–2009)
  • Member of the Constitution Review Steering Committee (2016)
  • Representative on multiple foundational and strategic committees since the late 1990s

Her contributions extend globally through her long-standing involvement with the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC). Cath currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer, and over the past 15 years has contributed to nearly every facet of the organisation—including finance, governance, communications, knowledge dissemination, and membership development. Her commitment to fostering international collaboration has been instrumental in the joint CNSA–ISNCC Conference taking place in Adelaide this June, a true milestone for cancer nursing in Australia.

Cath has also provided strategic input across a broad range professional positions and groups, including:

  • The Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA), where she helped shape national positions on cancer care coordination and nutrition
  • The Cancer Institute NSW, where she contributed to statewide initiatives in patient-reported measures and implementation science
  • The Hunter New England Local Health District, where she has served as Gastrointestinal Cancer Care Nurse Coordinator since 2010 and as a member of multiple leadership and research governance committees

Beyond her clinical and leadership roles, Cath has shared her expertise through education and publishing, including as an Editorial Board Member of the Australian Journal of Cancer Nursing and External Tutor for Chemotherapy Nursing Practice with the NSW College of Nursing.

Cath’s award is a testament not only to her tireless advocacy and care for patients, but also to her legacy of building professional networks and elevating the role of nurses in cancer care.

On behalf of CNSA and the broader oncology nursing community, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Catherine Johnson AM on this much-deserved recognition.

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