Welcoming new cancer support staff to our region

I grew up on a farm at Natimuk, studied fashion design and worked many years as freelance photographer.

I have so many hobbies sometimes it is hard to find time to come to work.

Just before turning 40 I went back and studied a Bachelor of Nursing.

I see a real art in the field of nursing and am intrigued by people’s stories.  I get great personal satisfaction being able to listen to what people are saying and being able to assist them with positive solutions/ outcomes that assist in their day to day.

Love to think outside the square.

I’ve worked in various nursing roles – radiology, health promotion, ACCHO – Goolum Goolum and with Wimmera Palliative Care.

The Cancer Care Coordinator is a new role at West Wimmera Health Service, I have now been in the role for roughly 6 months.  I support people at any stage of their cancer journey, and those who care for them, close to their regional homes. The towns my role covers includes Natimuk, Goroke, Nhill, Kaniva, Rainbow, Jeparit, Minyip, Murtoa & Rupanyup – it is a huge space to cover.

I believe strongly in equitable health care and make sure l visit each of these towns at least once a month.  In the future l can see improvements in collective patient care, with health organizations improving systems to link clients into the services that are available and closest to their home – saving travel wherever possible and creating feelings of support close to home.

GICS team members have been a great resource to me starting in this new role, by linking me in with other health professionals.

The GICS team have also been able to help me source data and acted as a sounding board to ideas.  Being a sole worker in this space within my organization their support has been immensely important to me.

Anyone keen to buy my coffee, order is cappuccino – almond milk- no sugar.

I know l am on the older side, but l really enjoy a good selfie.

I was born and raised in Stawell, then moved to Horsham in 2001 after a short time in Donald. Married with 4 children aged 32,29,28 and 7 (yes, she was planned).

I have worked within the health sector for approx. 20yrs as a PCA, Aged Care Case manager and NDIS support coordinator as well as a disability support worker.

I enjoy camping, fishing, reading, swimming as well as tenpin bowling, for which I have represented Horsham in numerous competitions over the years. We have a household full of pets, 4 cats, 2 dogs, budgies, 4 chickens and fish.

Nursing has always been my dream and I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the Grampians Health traineeship program in 2023 at the age of 51. I attained my EN qualification in July of this year and took on the roll as interim Cancer Resource Nurse at Wimmera Cancer Centre, covering staff leave and was then fortunate enough to be offered the position as CRN for Grampians Health Stawell Oncology. Next year I begin my Batchelor of nursing and hope to continue further on into Oncology nursing.

My main focus in the CRN role will be to support our patients and their families with sourcing services to assist them both during and following their treatment, as well as supporting our Oncology nurses where I can. It is my hope in the future to have a support group for our patients where they can get together, share experiences and participate in activities. One thing I found from speaking with patients is that they often what to give something back to the people who have supported them and I hope to find some ways they can do this also. There is still a lot of stigmas attached to cancer and I hope to provide quality meaningful supports that will help to breakdown some of the barriers faced for people going through treatment and bring a better understanding for others.

Since meeting Hannah and being involved with GICS team, they have given me great support and encouragement.

I very much look forward to a strong working relationship with them in the future.

I don’t drink a lot of tea/coffee but if I do I have black and no sugar or dishwater as my husband refers to it.  I do love a good cappuccino with 1 sugar though.

My rule for life now is – you’re never too old to chase your dreams.