12 Nov 2025

Inspiring Educational Events

It's been a truly inspiring year for our State Group Committees, who have brought cancer nurses together across the country through an incredible range of educational events. From melanoma to brain cancer, and colorectal to lung cancer, our 2025 gatherings created meaningful opportunities to learn, connect, and share experiences - all united by a passion for improving patient care.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to every volunteer committee member. Your generosity, teamwork, and dedication have not only enriched professional learning but have also strengthened our community of cancer nurses across Australia.

Highlights from some of our recent events include:

QLD/NT State Group
From Mutation to Management: Multidisciplinary Colorectal Cancer Care

Thursday 16 October
82 attendees (20 in Brisbane, 11 in Bundaberg, 4 in Cairns, 9 in Mackay, 4 in Mt Isa, 20 in Rockhampton & 14 in Townsville)

Our QLD/NT team delivered an exciting multi-site event exploring how tumour somatic mutations -particularly KRAS - shape treatment decisions and patient outcomes.

Highlights included expert presentations from Dr Mark Nalder and Dr Tristan Shaw on multidisciplinary decision-making, a practical look at targeted therapies with pharmacist Neil Lam, and a heartfelt session featuring Bowel Cancer Nurse Sue Alssop and consumer Alexis Coutts, reminding everyone of the power of lived experience in shaping care.

"Mark and Neil were my highlights. Just the right amount of science to explain it to a room of nurses. Explaining the process of mutations from out to in was really useful. The patient voice session was great - she was engaging to listen to."  Event Attendee Testimonial

Sydney State Group
Managing Late-State Disease and Associated Complexities

Thursday 23 October | Sydney
27 Attendees

This intimate and engaging session focused on the art and science of managing late-stage disease, balancing targeted and combination therapies with quality of life.

Our speakers—Dr Tristan Barnes, Stephanie Smith, and Lisa Potter—shared thoughtful insights into adapting care as disease progresses, addressing comorbidities, and supporting patients through symptom complexity. The evening reinforced how compassionate, evidence-based care can truly transform the advanced cancer experience.

"Hearing more about what the role of palliative care actually looks like in clinical practice was very helpful. Currently I work as an oncology trial coordinator with many late-stage patients, and there is still a lot of stigma when pall care is mentioned (lots of hospice connotations). I feel more educated when navigating patient questions in this area now." Event Attendee Testimonial

Hunter State Group
Shine the Light On Lung Cancer: A Lung Cancer update including the National Screening Program

Wednesday 5 November | Newcastle
44 Attendees

The Hunter State Group team brought the community together for a powerful update on lung cancer care, beginning with a “Shine a Light” Lung Foundation walk along the Newcastle foreshore.

The educational session featured Dr David Arnold, Dr Girish Mallesara, Dr Jane Ludbrook, and Amy Tipping, who unpacked the National Lung Cancer Screening Program and its potential to change the landscape of early detection and management. A truly inspiring evening dedicated to awareness, innovation, and hope

"The case study/panel at the end was extremely interesting and I learnt a lot listening to the consultants discussing the patient." Event Attendee Testimonial

South Australia State Group
New Treatments for Colorectal Cancer

Thursday 6 November
39 Attendees (31 in Adelaide, 3 in Whyalla & 5 in Mt Gambier)

Our South Australian State Group hosted a lively discussion on emerging treatments for colorectal cancer, connecting attendees across three regional hubs.

Dr Eric Young shared insights into new therapies and evolving clinical practice, while Specialist Bowel Cancer Nurse Amanda Connolly highlighted the vital role of nursing expertise in bowel care. A moving presentation from patient advocate Nina Di Santo provided a powerful reminder of the human stories behind every cancer journey.

"Patient perspective was excellent.  The patient insights is always valuable." Event Attendee Testimonial

As we look ahead to 2026, we want to thank everyone who has helped make this year such a success - from our speakers and volunteers to every nurse who joined an event or shared their insights. Your enthusiasm and commitment continue to drive our mission forward.

Watch this space for details on the exciting local events planned for next year! And if you’d like to play a role in shaping these experiences, we’d love to welcome you to one of our State Group Committees. There are currently vacancies in our Sydney, Hunter, Mid North Coast, VIC/TAS, and WA groups — simply complete our Committee Nomination form to get involved.

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