Reflections from the CEO – Cancer Nurses Day 2025
Yesterday was a day I will remember for a long time.
Jemma Still, CEO, with the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Rebecca White MP.
I began the morning at the Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre, meeting with cancer nurses and the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Rebecca White MP. Our discussion was rich and purposeful – exploring the critical role of cancer nurses in the health care system, the barriers to entering and staying in the profession, how we can address compassion fatigue, and what supports are needed to combat burnout. We also talked about the power of nurse-led models of care – their ability to improve treatment outcomes, manage toxicities, and deliver the specialised, patient-centred care that only a nurse can provide.
From there, I was lucky enough to join the Alfred nursing team for morning tea in their open office – with Melbourne’s sunshine making a rare and welcome appearance! It was a moment to pause and connect before heading to Peter Mac, where I presented to their nursing team about CNSA, our current projects, and the education we’ll be delivering over the next 18 months.
The day continued with the privilege of hosting a live Q&A with the our three HESTA Nurses of the Year in Ty Simpson, Sue Hegarty and Shannon Philp. Their reflections on leading from the front, advocating for patients, and addressing unmet needs were both powerful and inspiring. If you missed it, I encourage you to watch the recording online – it’s a masterclass in leadership and passion for nursing.
In the afternoon, I met the Pancare Foundation’s specialist support services team, now funded through the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program, before visiting the ONJ Centre at Austin Health. There, I joined their revolving afternoon tea – complete with lucky door prizes, nurse goodie bags, and nearly 100 nurses stopping by for snacks, conversations, and connection.
Jemma with the Pancare Foundation's Specialist Support Services team
To everyone I met today – thank you for your warmth, generosity, and energy. Thank you also to my Uber drivers, who kept me moving across Melbourne with good music and a few precious moments of quiet to recharge between visits.
A delayed flight at the airport gave me time to reflect and scroll through the #CancerNursesDay posts on social media and I felt the wave of pride, gratitude, and admiration all over again. You deserve this day. I hope you felt celebrated, seen, and valued – because you are.
PS Don't forget to 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.
