The Australian Government today announced $1 million to fund projects that build stronger networks between cancer services in outer metropolitan, regional, rural, and remote communities, and larger metropolitan centres.
The Australian Comprehensive Cancer Network (ACCN) Networking for Cancer Equity Grant Program will strengthen connections between cancer services and improve access to quality care for people living in outer-metropolitan, regional, rural and remote communities, including priority populations such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This initiative will bring comprehensive cancer care closer to home for Australians living outside major cities. By connecting smaller services with larger services, multidisciplinary teams can collaborate, share expertise, and deliver optimal care to people closer to home. These networks will improve coordination across the system and support sustainable models of care.
Each project will involve partnerships between smaller cancer services and larger cancer services, building capacity and sharing expertise across the system.
Successful grant recipients are expected to run their activities from April 2026 to June 2027.
The program supports the activation of the ACCN – a national virtual network launched in May 2024, connecting cancer services across Australia with over 1200 members and growing.
The ACCN enables knowledge sharing, collaboration, and system-wide innovation to deliver more equitable access to high quality cancer care and improve outcomes for all Australians.
For more information about the ACCN and to apply to the Networking for Cancer Equity Grant Program, click here.
QUOTE ATTRIBUTABLE TO MINISTER BUTLER:
“We’re strengthening our investment to help tackle cancer care inequity and ensure every Australian has access to life-saving treatment and support, no matter where they live.
“A total of $1 million is expected to fund between four and ten pilot projects, each focussed on promoting sustainable, community-led improvements that test new and innovative models of cancer care and bring multidisciplinary, comprehensive cancer care closer to home.”
QUOTE ATTRIBUTABLE TO PROF DOROTHY KEEFE, CEO OF CANCER AUSTRALIA:
“Delivered by Cancer Australia, this initiative is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to reforming cancer care and reducing inequities under the Australian Cancer Plan.
“The Networking for Cancer Equity Grant Program will support partnerships and networks that make equitable cancer care possible. By connecting services and sharing expertise, we can improve access to comprehensive care for all Australians and help to build a fairer and more connected cancer care system.”
