The Albanese Government, with Cancer Australia, is continuing to invest in projects that uphold our commitment to the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, by investing $24.6 million for new cancer research grants for First Nations communities. This funding will go to 20 successful grant recipients under two new dedicated programs that will reduce the burden of disease experienced by First Nations people.
The first program, Partnerships for Culturally Safe Cancer Care, will connect cancer services with First Nations-led organisations to improve access to culturally safe and community-controlled care. This investment will reduce the burden of disease as First Nations people can access appropriate and safe treatment and care on Country. This will contribute towards Outcome 1 of Closing the Gap, ensuring First Nations people enjoy long and health lives.
The second program, Partnerships for Cancer Research, will support First Nations-led research, linking academic institutions and First Nations organisations to grow the capacity of the First Nations cancer research sector. This investment supports Outcome 8 of Closing the Gap ensuring there is strong economic participation and development of First Nations communities and organisations.
The investment in these two programs not only contributes to Outcomes under Closing the Gap but also upholds the Albanese Government’s strong commitment to the National Agreement’s Priority Reforms, acknowledging a strong commitment to changing the way Government works with First Nations people. These programs will increase opportunities for First Nations organisations to work with institutions to accelerate place-based progress on Closing the Gap and access appropriate cancer treatment and care.
Both programs align with priority actions of the Australian Cancer Plan and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cancer Plan, reinforcing the Albanese Government’s commitment to delivering culturally safe care and supporting First Nations leadership and decision-making in cancer care and research.
Quote attributable to The Hon Rebecca White MP, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health and Assistant Minister for Women
"Cancer remains the leading cause of death for First Nations people and we must do more to change that. These grants are a step forward in making sure First Nations communities receive the quality care and support they need, in ways that are led by and respectful of culture.”
“We’re proud to support these initiatives and the communities leading them.”
Quote attributable to Professor Dorothy Keefe PSM, CEO of Cancer Australia:
"The Australian Cancer Plan sets a national direction for transforming cancer care. These new grants directly support its goals – empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities through collaboration, co-design, and stronger research. This is key to making lasting, meaningful progress."
Full list of successful Partnerships for culturally safe cancer care grant recipients
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Cancer Malpa project: A collaboration to improve cancer care for Anangu
Alice Springs Hospital NT, in partnership with Nganampa Health Council.
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Barwon Health and Wathaurong partnership for culturally safe cancer care
Barwon Health VIC, in partnership with Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative.
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Indigenous fast track cancer diagnostic program
Cancer Council of the Northern Territory, in partnership with NT Medical Specialist and Katherine West Health Board Aboriginal Corporation.
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Partnering with First Nations communities in Goulburn Valley to implement culturally safe access and navigation in the cancer system
Goulburn Valley Health VIC, in partnership with Border Medical Oncology Research Unit, Rumbalara Aboriginal Cooperative, Victorian Aboriginal Controlled Health Organisation, Genesis Care Shepparton, Hume Regional Integrated Cancer Service, and Murray Primary Health Network.
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Indigenous nurse navigator and supporting collateral
Icon Group NSW, in partnership with Carbal Medical Services.
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Yorta Itjumatj Yapaneyepuk: Closing the gap with co-designed optimal care pathways for First Nations people with cancer in Rural Northern Victoria
Kyabram District Health Service VIC, in partnership with local Aboriginal community controlled organisations.
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Culturally connected care: Empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cancer care
Mater Misericordiae Hospital QLD, in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Brisbane.
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McGrath Foundation and Waminda partnership
McGrath Foundation NSW, in partnership with Waminda South Coast Women's Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation.
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Optimising cancer care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in South East Queensland: ensuring a smooth patient journey alongside the Lung Cancer Screening Program
Metro North Hospital and Health Service, QLD, in partnership with the Institute of Urban Indigenous Health.
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Northern NSW Local Health District - Partnership for culturally safe cancer care grant
Northern NSW Local Health District NSW, in partnership with Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service, Rekindling the Spirit, and Bulgarr Ngaru Medical Aboriginal Corporation.
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Walking together with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples to enhance culturally safe cancer care
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre VIC, in partnership with Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Western & Central Melbourne Integrated Cancer Service, and St. Vincent's Hospital Melbourne.
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Darwin culturally safe cancer care partnership
Alan Walker Cancer Care Centre and Royal Darwin Hospital NT, in partnership with Danila Dilba Health Service.
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Healing together our way: A regional approach to improving cancer outcome for Aboriginal communities in the South West Victoria
South West Healthcare VIC, in partnership with Western District Health Service, Portland District Health, Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation, Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative, Kirrae Health Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Victorian Aboriginal Controlled Health Organisation.
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Torres & Cape Hospital and Health Service cancer care co-ordination service
Torres & Cape Hospital and Health Service QLD, in partnership with Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan.
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Culturally safe cancer care in Western NSW to improve First Nations Cancer Outcomes
Western NSW Local Health District Cancer Services NSW, in partnership with Orange Aboriginal Medical Service, Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service, and Dubbo Regional Aboriginal Health Service.
Full list of successful Partnerships for Cancer Research grant recipients
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SISTASCREEN – First Nations strength-based approaches to increasing cervical cancer screening in pregnancy and postpartum
Dr Marilyn Clarke at Southern Cross University, in partnership with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.
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Towards an Indigenous Cancer Precision Medicine Platform
Professor Alex Brown at The Australian National University, in partnership with The Sax Institute, Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW, The Kids Research Institute Australia, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, National Health and Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Centre and NSW Health.
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Sestaman: an Indigenous evaluation of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program
Associate Professor Lisa Whop at The Australian National University, in partnership with University of Newcastle, University of Melbourne, University of Otago, Carbal Medical Centre, National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners, Flinders University, Waminda South Coast Women’s Health and Welfare Aboriginal Corporation and Institute for Urban Indigenous Health.
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Empowering Indigenous Communities: Strengthening Agency, Equity, and Connections in Cancer Care and Prevention
Professor Gail Garvey at The University of Queensland, in partnership with Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation Australian e-Health Research Centre, Townsville Aboriginal & Islander Health Service, Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Mackay, Girudala Community Cooperative Society, Djurali Centre and Health Research Institute.
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Improving Bowel Cancer Care in Indigenous Population in Central Queensland: co-design, implementation, and evaluation of new models of care
Associate Professor Kehinde Obamiro at James Cook University, in partnership with Queensland University of Technology and The Prince Charles Hospital
MEDIA CONTACT – Ryan Curran 0479 127 303
