When and why did you join Cancer Council Victoria?
I joined CCV in September 2011. I was looking for the next new
challenge after working for over fifteen years for the Victorian
Government.
Within the Victorian Government I'd worked in management
and policy roles in diverse areas, in mental health, public health, aged
care, environmental and international policy portfolios. CCV appealed
to me as an employer due to the strong character and charter of the
organisation and the breadth of policy and advocacy issues considered by
CCV.
Area of work
I'm the Head of Division, Strategy and Support, Cancer Council Victoria. This encompasses the Victorian Cooperative Oncology Group, the Cancer Information and Support Service and the Research Management Unit. It also involves overarching strategic and advocacy work for CCV.
What do you love about your job?
VCOG members give us a unique perspective into cancer treatment and are a
powerful voice for improving the system for cancer treatment and cancer
care in Victoria. I love engaging with VCOG members on concrete ideas
for improvements and attempting to harness this strength.
In a nutshell, what are the most challenging aspects?
I don't have a background in cancer and I was an appalling science
student at school. It has taken me some time to understand the basic
terminology of cancer and if pressed, my ignorance is very apparent.
How do you spend your Sundays?
Sundays are choc-a-bloc with children's birthday parties and family events. If the stars align, I love to read the newspaper in the sunshine!