Blog

Jan 8, 2025, 10:30

Vicki Durston: A monumental step forward for cancer care in Australia

Vicki Durston shared on LinkedIn:

“Thankyou to Holly Masters, Glenn McGrath, Tracy Bevan, and the entire McGrath Foundation team for including BCNA in yesterday’s very special Pink Test high tea.

The day was dedicated to raising funds for cancer care nurses, now extending their invaluable support beyond breast cancer, with a government commitment to back this crucial initiative. This represents a monumental step forward for cancer care in Australia.

Attending the event as a representative of BCNA held personal significance for me, especially as a registered nurse. I know many others shared the same feelings yesterday, appreciating the recognition and expansion of support for all cancers.
Advocating for cancer nurses beyond breast cancer has been a passion of mine since the early 2000s, and seeing this acknowledgment was a long-time vision realised for many of us who have worked across health care.

It was an honour to catch up with esteemed leaders, including Governor-General Sam Mostyn, Health Minister Mark Butler, Minister Anika Wells, Shadow Health Minister Anne Ruston, Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton, and CEO of Cancer Australia Dorothy Keefe.

Additionally, it was wonderful to connect with Mark Nevin, CEO of Cancer Council Australia, and CEO of CNSA Jemma Still . It was great to see all the nurses recognised as their program extend beyond breast cancer to all cancers.

Thank you again for this memorable experience and for the continued collaboration in advancing cancer care.
Congratulations to McGrath Foundation.”

Vicki Durston: A monumental step forward for cancer care in Australia

Vicki Durston serves as Strategic Board Advisor at Specialist Direct Pty Ltd and is the President of the General Assembly and Board Member of ABC Global Alliance. She is also a Board Director for the Victorian Amateur Football Association and Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Support Services at Breast Cancer Network Australia.