Message from the President - October 2025

Over the past Friday and Saturday, the CNSA Board came together for an energising and productive meeting filled with reflection, collaboration and some big thinking about where we are heading as a professional community.

We took stock of how we are tracking against our 2023–2028 Strategic Plan, and it was amazing to pause and reflect on how far we’ve come in just two and a half years. When we created this Strategic Plan in early 2023, we didn’t yet have a Cancer Nurses Day, an Early Career membership category, a new website, an international conference under our belt, a podcast series, a mentoring program, the Cancer Nursing 101 series, a $1 million government grant, or a team of seven driving this work forward. Seeing all of this realised in such a short time is a testament to what’s possible when our members, Board, and team work together with purpose and passion.

We've been focused on strengthening our national advocacy voice, delivering professional development tailored to your needs, continuing to grow membership and increasing recognition across the country – and we’re excited about what’s next.

Focusing on Our Foundations and Future

We heard from our Investment Broker and Accountant about our current financial position and investment portfolio, which remains healthy and strategically managed. The Board reflected on how we’ve grown while continuing to reinvest in initiatives that directly benefit cancer nurses — from education and research to workforce projects and professional development.

We also reviewed the latest cancer nursing workforce data, including the 3,048 nurses under the age of 34 who identify as cancer nurses. This next generation of professionals represent both our future and our opportunity — to nurture, support, and equip them with the skills, confidence, and leadership to sustain the workforce long term.

The Board also reviewed the latest cancer incidence data published by AIHW in October, which shows a continuing increase in both cancer diagnoses and survivorship. This data reinforces what we already know — that cancer nurses are pivotal to ensuring continuity and coordination of care, leading navigation, symptom management, survivorship and late effects care. Nurse-led models of care continue to demonstrate their value in improving access, continuity, and system resilience.

Embracing Innovation and the Director Mindset

We were joined by Julian Moore, who led a thought-provoking session on the power of AI and innovation for small associations like ours. His message was clear - AI isn’t just for the big players. It’s a tool we can use to boost productivity, personalise member experience, and free up time to focus on what really matters: supporting our members and advancing cancer nursing.

We also spent time reflecting on the Director mindset - exploring how we can make the best possible decisions for CNSA by recognising our own biases, asking good questions, and staying focused on long-term outcomes for the profession.

Looking Ahead

As we look ahead, our focus is on building evidence that strengthens capacity, capability, and advocacy across the cancer nursing workforce. Over the next 12 months, we’ll be assessing and scoping several key initiatives, including:

• Workforce mapping to better understand where cancer nurses are working and where gaps exist;
• Developing a member recognition and awards program to celebrate the contributions of our volunteers and members;
• Strengthening our advocacy around nurse-led models of care and continuing to position cancer nursing as a recognised specialty; and
• Partnering in programs that offer practical support, including increased clinical supervision opportunities.

We’ll also be exploring new face-to-face workshops and microcredentials that provide hands-on, evidence-based training and help set up both the workforce — and CNSA — for long-term sustainability and success.

As part of this next phase, we’ll be looking for workforce champions across every state and territory; nurses who are passionate about stepping forward, representing their peers, and helping to shape the future of cancer nursing in Australia.

It was a powerful 1.5 days of sharing ideas, challenging ourselves, and planning for the future. Every discussion reinforced the same message - that CNSA exists because of, and for, cancer nurses. Together, we are continuing to grow a strong, skilled and specialised workforce that delivers the best outcomes and experiences for people affected by cancer.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Your membership, participation, and passion make it all possible.

Kind regards,

Anne Mellon
CNSA President

PS We're stronger together - and that starts with you! Help grow our CNSA community and strengthen the voice of cancer nurses across Australia by spreading the word about our pro rata membership - giving new members full access at a reduced rate for the remainder of the membership year.