12 Nov 2025

Spotlight on recent Member Events

Our State Groups work incredibly hard to deliver meaningful and accessible education. In the past month, we've covered 12 locations across four dinners, with popular hybrid events in SA and QLD delivering for regional and remote areas. From melanoma to brain cancer, and colorectal to lung cancer, these recent events created real opportunities to learn from one another, connect locally, and share experiences.

Thank you to every volunteer who contributed their time and energy. Your efforts have supported meaningful learning and helped keep our community of cancer nurses connected 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
Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Mackay, Mt Isa, Rockhampton & 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."

Sydney State Group
Managing Late-State Disease and Associated Complexities

Thursday 23 October | Sydney

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."

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

Wednesday 5 November | Newcastle

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."

South Australia State Group
New Treatments for Colorectal Cancer

Thursday 6 November
Adelaide, Whyalla & 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. It was very valuable to hear from someone with a lived experience"

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. We'd also like to thank our generous sponsors for their consistent support of nursing education - including GSK, Lilly, AstraZeneca, BD, Nutricia, MSD, Daiichi Sankyo, ICU Medical, Medison and B Braun.

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.