Meet New CNSA Director: Justin Hargreaves
“Once I decided to pursue university and started nursing, I quickly realised cancer care was where I wanted to be.”
More than 20 years later, Justin is a Nurse Practitioner at the Bendigo Cancer Centre in Victoria, where he has dedicated his career to supporting people with cancer and strengthening care in regional communities. Along with his work in Bendigo, he runs outreach clinics in Kerang and Swan Hill, ensuring people can access treatment closer to home.
After completing his Master of Advanced Nursing Practice at the University of Melbourne, Justin was endorsed as a Nurse Practitioner in 2011 - becoming one of the first cancer NPs in Victoria. At the time, the role was still relatively new. Today, nearly 100 cancer Nurse Practitioners are working across Australia, and Justin is proud to have contributed to the growth of the profession.
Justin has also played a significant role within CNSA. For the past five years, he has chaired the Cancer Nurse Practitioner Specialist Practice Network (CNP SPN), focusing on connection, support, and strengthening NP-led practice. He will continue serving on the committee until the end of 2025 as the network continues to evolve.
Reflecting on his involvement, Justin shared, “It has been incredibly rewarding to see the CNP SPN grow and to support others in their practice. I've loved every minute of it, and the people I've met through this opportunity continue to inspire me.”
Outside of work, Justin enjoys staying active and making the most of family time. He loves mountain biking and dirt bike riding with his 12-year-old son, coaches cricket, and competes in masters Olympic weightlifting - interests that give him balance and energy outside his clinical role.
Joining the CNSA Board felt like a natural next step, providing an opportunity to contribute to the profession more broadly.
“Once I stepped down from the NP SPN chair role, I was looking for that next leadership challenge. The Board of Directors for CNSA looked to be a great way to meet that challenge head on. I spent years advocating for NPs operationally and clinically, now I'm keen to use my voice to influence policy and advocate for the profession. CNSA plays an important role in bringing cancer nurses together, and I’m looking forward to supporting its work from the Board.”
Justin brings practical experience, a strong commitment to regional cancer care, and a genuine passion for the cancer nursing profession. We are very pleased to welcome him to the CNSA Board of Directors and look forward to the insight and steady leadership he will bring to the role.