Regional Cancer Forum Series
Australian Cancer Plan and its implementation from a regional perspective
27 February 2025.
The Regional Cancer Forums aim to address the educational needs of Australia's regional and rural cancer workforce by facilitating reciprocal learning between metropolitan and regional cancer colleagues.
This initiative recognises the imperative that we all must work together towards equitable cancer care. An individual’s postcode shouldn’t influence their outcomes.
This inaugural session will feature leading experts exploring the impact that the Australian Cancer Plan will have on regional, rural and remote communities. The metro cancer workforce is also encouraged to attend and participate. Topics covered will include:
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Overview of the Australian Cancer Plan through a rural, regional, and remote lens
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Implementing the Plan in rural, regional, and remote Australia
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Initiatives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities affected by cancer
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Consumer advocate perspectives on the initiatives supporting people affected by cancer
This will be followed by a panel session audience Q&A.
Chair
Dr Samuel Harris
Research and Education Lead in Regional and Rural Health, VCCC Alliance
Medical Oncologist, Bendigo Regional Cancer Centre, Bendigo Health
Dr Harris graduated from Adelaide University Medical School and has extensive postgraduate general medical, oncological and palliative care experience. In 2013, he completed medical oncology advanced training at Bendigo Health, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Austin Repatriation Hospital. His final year was a clinical trials fellowship in breast cancer, gastro-intestinal tumours and genitourinary cancers.
Between 2014 and 2016, Dr Harris undertook a fellowship at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, United Kingdom, working initially in the Sarcoma Unit and subsequently with Professor Johann De Bono in the Drug Development Unit (phase 1 trials) and the prostate team.
Dr Harris is currently a medical oncologist at the Bendigo Health Cancer Centre and also has a fortnightly visiting clinic to Kyneton Regional Health. He is the Clinical Lead for the Oncology Trials Unit. His specialty areas are in breast cancer, melanoma, lung cancer and general oncology. He is the Bendigo Health representative and a previous chairperson for the Regional Trials Network – Victoria.
Speakers
David Meredyth
Branch Head, Cancer Control Strategy, Cancer Australia
An experienced senior executive with a background in health policy, cancer control and public administration, David has held leadership roles across the Australian Public Service, including more than 20 years at the Department of Health and Aged Care, working in health workforce education as well as cancer policy and programs.
At Cancer Australia, David is responsible for leading the agency’s cancer control strategy, including the development and implementation of national cancer control policies and programs. He oversees various initiatives, including First Nations Cancer Outcomes measures.
Caroline Nehill
Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Control Section, Cancer Australia
Caroline Nehill has over 20 years' experience in cancer control including across government and not for profit. She is currently the Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Control Section at Cancer Australia.
Deborah Henderson, OAM GAICD
Member Cancer Australia Advisory Council
Deborah Henderson has been a blood cancer patient since 2011 and credits two phase one clinical trials with saving her life. A move overseas to access one of her therapies led to her becoming a passionate campaigner for equity of access to best treatment for patients across Australia no matter who they are or where they live. She was appointed to the Advisory Council of Cancer Australia in 2021 and reappointed in 2024
Course Details
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