Gabrielle Prest recognised with Life Membership

With a career spanning over four decades, Gabrielle has held leadership roles across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors, as well as in academic and policy settings. She has led and managed cancer nursing services in many of Australia’s most respected healthcare institutions, contributing across clinical, management, and education roles. In each of these settings, she has mentored and inspired the next generation of leaders.

Her contribution extends well beyond the workplace. Gabrielle has served on numerous boards and advisory committees, including Cancer Australia, Cancer Council NSW, the Look Good Feel Better Program, COSA, the Leukaemia Foundation, and the Cancer Institute NSW. These roles reflect her broad influence and her commitment to improving care outcomes and professional standards across the sector.

Gabrielle’s connection to professional cancer nursing organisations began in the late 1980s through the COSA Nurses Group, the precursor to CNSA. In 1996, she was one of a group of visionary leaders who initiated discussions that ultimately led to the formation of an independent cancer nursing organisation. When CNSA was formally established in 1998, Gabrielle was a founding member. She went on to serve as Deputy Chair, and from 2007 to 2010, as President.

She also contributed to the academic foundations of cancer nursing, serving for 13 years on the Editorial Board of the Australian Journal of Cancer Nursing, helping to shape nursing scholarship across the country.

While Gabrielle’s professional accomplishments are significant, it is her character that leaves a lasting impression. She is widely regarded as a tenacious advocate, an ethical leader, and a generous mentor. Her communication is marked by clarity and compassion, and she brings a deep sense of justice to every role she undertakes.

Gabrielle Prest’s career reflects the highest values of cancer nursing—expertise, integrity, and impact. CNSA is proud to welcome her as a Life Member and grateful for her tireless service to the profession.