Chair 

Amanda Piper
Head of Cancer Strategy, Cancer Council Victoria

Amanda is motivated by a vision for the best possible health care for Victorians. In support of this vision, she leads initiatives that engage and partner with people affected by cancer to identify gaps and drive change through targeted advocacy and education.

Amanda has served on numerous advisory groups across hospitals, government, and non-government organizations and is actively involved in addressing health equity issues for people affected by cancer, including financial toxicity and access to mental health support. Additionally, she contributes to the Cancer Council Victoria Reconciliation Action Plan Group.

Amanda holds qualifications in science, a Master’s in Public Health, a Master’s in Health Administration, and is an Adjunct Professor at Deakin University. She also alumna of the Williamson Community Leadership program.

Speakers

Ms Sarah McHutchison
Legal Policy Advisor, McCabe Centre for Law and Cancer

Sarah’s work for the McCabe Centre focuses on the interplay between law and cancer care issues with a focus on improving access to cancer care and information, universal health coverage, and the human rights of people affected by cancer. She is a lawyer with has a background in disability advocacy and more than a decade of experience in legal research and senior policy and project roles in disability and mental health law across government, non-government and university sectors.

Ms Beth Scholes
Policy Manager, Strategy & Support Division, Cancer Council Victoria

Beth Scholes brings over 10 years of experience in policy, advocacy, and strategic leadership across the health and non-government sectors. With a professional background that spans multiple leading health organisations, including the Heart Foundation and Beyond Blue, Beth has made a significant impact on public health policy, particularly in the areas of chronic disease prevention, mental health, and cancer care. Beth's career journey began as a Dietitian, where she honed her clinical health skills in both hospital settings and private practice. Her passion for improving health outcomes led her to transition into public health policy.

Beth’s role at Cancer Council Victoria involves leading state-based advocacy for policy and system reform to improve the experience of navigating cancer and ensuring optimal care. Beth’s work often bridges the gap between scientific evidence and practical policy solutions, striving to create equitable access to care for all people affected by cancer.

Ms Tracey Bilson
Lived experience of caring for someone affected by cancer

Ms Lorraine Harrison
Lived experience of caring for someone affected by cancer