We are looking for people with disability, their carers and/or family members, health professionals working in oncology, and people working in the disability sector to join a Working Group to guide the development of the Optimal Care Pathway for people with disability. This new Optimal Care Pathway will address unique barriers faced by people with disability, promoting equitable access to high-quality cancer care.
Cancer Council Australia is partnering with the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations and the Melbourne Disability Institute to develop a new Optimal Care Pathway for people with disability. This Cancer Patient Support Program project received grant funding from the Australian Government.
The Optimal Care Pathways are a framework for the delivery of consistent, safe, high-quality, and evidence-based care for people with cancer. People with disability experience disparities in health outcomes ranging from prevention to end-of-life care and are a priority population group recognised in the Australian Cancer Plan.
Membership
Working Group members will ensure that the Optimal Care Pathway aligns with the latest evidence and best practice within the cancer care sector; supporting clinicians and people in making well-informed decisions throughout their cancer experience.
Who are we seeking?
Working Group members will ensure that the Optimal Care Pathway aligns with the latest evidence and best practice within the cancer care sector; supporting clinicians and people in making well-informed decisions throughout their cancer experience.
Who are we seeking?
- People with lived experience of cancer and pre-existing disability prior to cancer diagnosis
- Family members and/or carers of people with cancer and pre-existing disability prior to cancer diagnosis
- Medical professionals
- Allied health and supportive care professionals
- People working in the disability sector as support workers, service providers and advocacy groups
Membership will aim to have diversity and broad geographic representation across Australia. A chair or co-chairs will be appointed who will be supported by the project team
The group will be led by a chairperson from within the working group who will provide oversight and control of final decisions.
What is expected?
- Attend 3 working group meetings throughout 2026, held virtually and lasting up to 2 hours
- Participate in collaborative discussions and provide insight into the experience of cancer and disability
- Provide timely feedback on draft resources in meetings and out of session, if required.
- Adhere to the Terms of Reference and work within the scope of the project
Remuneration
Community members will be remunerated - recognising the important contribution made by community members, who bring knowledge and experience to issues that are relevant to them. Other members of the Expert Working Group providing their expertise outside of their usual employment will be eligible for remuneration.
Community members will be remunerated - recognising the important contribution made by community members, who bring knowledge and experience to issues that are relevant to them. Other members of the Expert Working Group providing their expertise outside of their usual employment will be eligible for remuneration.
Applications close 6 APRIL 2026
The 1st Working group meeting date will be LATE MAY 2026
The 1st Working group meeting date will be LATE MAY 2026
Confidentiality
The information shared within this survey will be treated as confidential. It will be accessed by authorised individuals for its intended purpose only and not disclosed elsewhere.
The information shared within this survey will be treated as confidential. It will be accessed by authorised individuals for its intended purpose only and not disclosed elsewhere.
More information
If you would like support to complete this application, or have questions regarding the Expert Working Group, please email cancercontrolpolicy@cancer.org.au or contact Laura Woods (Project Coordinator) 02 8256 4106
If you would like support to complete this application, or have questions regarding the Expert Working Group, please email cancercontrolpolicy@cancer.org.au or contact Laura Woods (Project Coordinator) 02 8256 4106