Chair 

Jemma Still 

CEO, Cancer Nurses Society of Australia 

With over seven years in senior leadership at the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA), Jemma brings deep experience in partnerships, collaboration, and organisational sustainability. As CEO, she provides strategic oversight of CNSA’s key workforce initiatives and national priorities, ensuring alignment with broader health system reform and future workforce needs. This includes oversight of CNSA’s first-ever Cancer Nursing Workforce Survey and contributing to cancer care being recognised by AHPRA as a nursing specialty. Jemma plays a central role in enabling and guiding national initiatives such as the Cancer Nursing Capability Framework, working alongside expert collaborators to map capabilities and support clear career progression pathways for cancer nurses. She is a trusted connector within the Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program, facilitating collaboration across stakeholders, projects, and research efforts to strengthen the cancer nursing ecosystem. Jemma provides strategic leadership across CNSA’s contribution to Australian Cancer Plan implementation and partner engagement, and regularly supports national conversations that elevate the voice of cancer nurses.

Speakers

Rebecca Rees 

Head of Nursing Projects, McGrath Foundations

Bec commenced with the McGrath Foundation in July 2024 as the Head of Nursing Projects. Her role is to lead the key projects which support the Foundation's transition to all cancers. Bec also works with stakeholders from across the Australian Cancer Care Nursing and Navigation Program to develop the cancer nursing program component, ensuring person centred care is achieved through a connected cancer sector. Bec has a background of clinical dietetics, community development and public health guideline development. She has a strong focus on equity in cancer outcomes, particularly among First Nations communities. Bec's most recent role was as Director of the NACCHO Cancer team - a role in which she secured commonwealth funding for a national cancer program for Aboriginal community-controlled organisations.

Kerry Patford 

Chief Nurse, McGrath Foundation 

With over 35 years of nursing experience, Kerry joined the Foundation in 2009, and has dedicated her career to making a difference in the lives of those experiencing breast cancer. With a unique understanding of the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges faced by patients and their families, Kerry emphasises the importance of comprehensive care and support at every stage of the cancer experience. In her role at the McGrath Foundation, Kerry has been instrumental in providing much-needed care and support to people affected by cancer across Australia, regardless of their location.

Carissa Stone

McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, Adelaide Hills - BFHLHN  

Carissa graduated from the University of South Australia in 2015 and has since completed a graduate Diploma in Oncology and Haematology through the University of Adelaide as well as a Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care and leadership and management. Throughout her nursing career she has predominately worked in cancer and explored many fields such as Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Haematology and Stem Cell transplant – working over a variety of settings as an RN, CN and ANUM. Carissa also worked as the Acting Youth Cancer Nurse Consultant for SA/NT 2024-2025 and created an educational sexual health brochure for youth undergoing treatment.

Kellie Giannarelli 

Lived Experience Advocate 

Carissa graduated from the University of South Australia in 2015 and has since completed a graduate Diploma in Oncology and Haematology through the University of Adelaide as well as a Graduate Certificate in Palliative Care and leadership and management. Throughout her nursing career she has predominately worked in cancer and explored many fields such as Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Haematology and Stem Cell transplant – working over a variety of settings as an RN, CN and ANUM. Carissa also worked as the Acting Youth Cancer Nurse Consultant for SA/NT 2024-2025 and created an educational sexual health brochure for youth undergoing treatment.