Message from the Board of Directors - Cancer Nurses Day
In 2024, we celebrated the inaugural Cancer Nurses Day with over 4,000 cancer nurses across Australia. We are delighted to see Cancer Nurses Day grow in awareness and popularity this year, with our members planning to make this year bigger and better. We've delivered nearly 300 host kits across the country, and can't wait to see the explosion of colour today! Don't forget to share your photos and tag us (Insta: @cancernursesaus or Facebook: @CNSA.ORG) - and include the hashtag #CancerNursesDay to go in the running to win a morning or afternoon tea for your team (valued up to $500).
Cancer Nurses Day is more than just a date on the calendar - it's an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the incredible work being done by the 7,700 Cancer Nurses nationwide and their contributions to improving patient outcomes. Today will see Cancer Nurses come together across Australia to celebrate and reflect on the theme Strong, Skilled, Specialised and the impact they have in cancer care every day.
We encourage members to engage with our full range of activations on the day - including this special message of support from the Hon Rebecca White MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Indigenous Health, and Women for Cancer Nurses Day.
The Assistant Minister will also be visiting the Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre at Alfred Health in Melbourne to attend a special Cancer Nurses Day event with our CEO, Jemma Still. This will be an opportunity to meet with some of the cancer nurses working there who are delivering exceptional care, including CNSA Director Ellen Heywood, and Ty Simpson, 2025 HESTA Nurse of the Year Winner.
Our key messages for today are:
- Celebrate and recognise your team - we have a range of resources available to help with this, including a downloadable certificate
- Encourage your colleagues to join - we have a special introductory offer available to celebrate the day. The more people we have supporting CNSA, the better we can represent you, and provide relevant and tailored professional development and evidence-based resources.
- Complete and share the 2025 Cancer Nursing Workforce Survey. This information is vital to us advocating for system-level change. If you care about the future of your profession, take 15 minutes today - and share widely within your team.
- Enjoy the day. Take photos, think about what being a cancer nurse means, and spend a minute congratulating yourself on the role you play to improve patient outcomes and the healthcare system in Australia.
- Keep advocating for policies and programs that support workforce growth, nurse-led models of care and professional development - let’s harness our momentum to capitalise on today’s recognition
Thank you for your continued passion and dedication — together, we are building a stronger future for cancer nursing.
Kind regards,
Your Board of Directors
Cancer Nurses Society of Australia