Member Stories
From early-career nurses to seasoned specialists, our members are committed to providing holistic, patient-centred care across a variety of roles, covering the full spectrum of cancer care. Get to know some of the dedicated individuals who are shaping the future of oncology nursing in Australia, their journeys, and their contributions to advancing cancer care.
Click on each member’s profile to learn more about their role and the impact they make in the lives of patients and the profession.
Gillian Kruss
love the variety my two jobs provide and the opportunities to continually learn and evolve. As an NP, I work collaboratively with an amazing team of BCNs and medical colleagues at Monash Health. I enjoy having the extra scope of clinical practice as an NP to conduct advanced assessments of my patients, prescribe medications, order diagnostic tests and make referrals, as well as the opportunities to engage in research, education and leadership activities in both of my jobs. I love to teach and empower other nurses.
Working in a teaching healthcare service, I am supported at Monash Health to educate many of the McGrath Foundation’s BCNs nationwide in new MBC nursing roles. I have learnt that you can achieve so much and make a difference for cancer patients when you team up and work with such a dynamic group of people from organisations such as these to improve cancer care.
Diane Davey
Diane started her nursing career at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre after leaving a successful business career to pursue her vision to make a difference in the lives of people affected by cancer. At Peter Mac, she held positions in day therapy, radiotherapy, radiology and as a nurse researcher before moving to the Border Cancer Hospital Day Oncology Unit in Albury / Wodonga.
Di has been combining her passion for patient-centered cancer care with her business and clinical expertise at Albury Wodonga Health since October 2022 in her role as Operations Manager Cancer Services. Di's unique corporate background and MBA qualification, combined with her nursing, clinical experience and previous CNSA involvement, has her well placed to offer insight and guidance to the Board of Directors. She is passionate about providing her experience and knowledge to empower cancer nurses.
Angela Luppino
Angela has been a cancer nurse for over 20 years, with her main area of expertise being Radiation Oncology. She has worked in both inpatient and outpatient departments, in a variety of roles including Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse, Associate Nurse Unit Manager and Nurse Unit Manager. Her current role is Acting Nurse Unit Manager in Radiation Oncology.
Angela is passionate about cancer nursing, and about promoting cancer nursing education and knowledge sharing at every opportunity. She loves having influencing the cancer nursing space, promoting cancer education, knowledge sharing, networking, bringing nurses together to promote the profession. She is a committee member of our South Australian State Group and has completed a Graduate Diploma in Oncology Nursing Science.
Bronwyn Jennings
Bronwyn Jennings is the Gynaecology Oncology Clinical Nurse consultant at the Mater Hospital Brisbane, Australia and is Chair of our Gynae Oncology Specialist Practice Network.
Her main research interests include patient reported outcome measures, post-treatment (survivorship) care, and nurse-led models of care. Her primary focus is to develop individualised innovative streamlined models of care for women across metropolitan, regional, and remote areas.
Katie Cao
Katie is a McGrath metastatic breast care nurse with over 15 years of experience and sits on our Victoria and Tasmania State Group Committee. Katie is a big believer in the importance of education and continually furthers herself through postgraduate studies, holding a certificate in breast cancer nursing and a diploma in cancer and palliative care. If that’s not impressive enough, she’s also completing a Master in Advanced Nursing Practice to become a Nurse Practitioner and is continually seeking methods to improve patient outcomes in oncology.
Katie loves her involvement in CNSA's State Group because it allows her to collaborate closely with other cancer care professionals who share her passion for enhancing patient care. Her passion for education and professional development is clear, and she finds delivering educational and networking events to our members so rewarding, and essential in the constantly evolving cancer space
Justin Hargeaves
Born and raised in Bendigo, Justin completed his Bachelor of Nursing at Latrobe University Bendigo in 2003 and went on to complete his graduate nursing year at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in 2004 working in Haematology and Lung cancer. Justin has been employed at Bendigo Health in the chemotherapy unit since 2005 working as a clinical nurse specialist and administering chemotherapy. He’s also Chair of CNSA’s Cancer Nurse Practitioner Specialist Practice Network.
Justin completed his Master of Advanced Nursing Practice at the University of Melbourne in 2009 and has been working as an endorsed nurse practitioner since 2010 at the Bendigo Cancer Centre working full time. Justin’s main role a nurse practitioner is in patient assessment and chemotherapy toxicity management with interests in breast cancer survivorship, oral chemotherapy, and supportive care, has a keen interest in central venous access device management and is an experienced PICC line inserter.
Tracie Bertram
From her early days as an agency nurse at Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute in 1999 where she was inspired by the incredible professionalism of cancer nurses, to specialising in oncology and embracing lifelong learning in this area, Tracie’s dedication to Cancer Nursing is inspiring.
She now plays a crucial role in facilitating the use of electronic medical records across Northern and North-Western Tasmania, and, as Co-Chair of our VIC/TAS state group, she organises local education and professional development events across Victoria and Tasmania.
Eva Gauci
Eva is a passionate Registered Nurse working in the chemotherapy and treatment day unit at the Peter Copulos Cancer and Wellness Centre at GV Health in Shepparton, who also spends time supporting the medical oncology outpatient clinic. Eva completed her Graduate Certificate in Cancer Nursing through ACN in 2023 and feels she has truly found her calling in the oncology and haematology field.
"I love the complexity of cancer nursing, with new innovations and best practice constantly evolving. Developing relationships with my patients and their families is the highlight of my role as an oncology nurse. I feel honoured to be part of their cancer journey and love working as part of our excellent multidisciplinary team."
Carla Thamm
Carla is a Senior Research Fellow and Clinical Lead of the Cancer Survivorship Program at the Caring Futures Institute at Flinders University in Adelaide (although she actually works from the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane). With over 20 years of experience as a cancer nurse, Carla has held various advanced practice roles across cancer settings in both Australia and England. She also currently chairs CNSA’s Education Standing Committee and is passionate about advancing the nursing profession through mentoring and clinical research. She believes in the power of nurses to be inquisitive, driven, and influential leaders in healthcare delivery and policy.
Outside of her work commitments, Carla is also a proud Mum to Olivia. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to improving cancer care, Carla!
Alison Denovan
Alison works at the day oncology clinic at Wimmera Cancer Centre in Horsham and has loved every moment of her nearly three years there. She’s also nearing the completion of her postgraduate certificate in cancer nursing, and has just joined CNSA as an Early Career Cancer Nurse Member.
"The thing I enjoy the most about working in cancer care is the rapport I get to build with my patients. One of the most rewarding aspects of this work is the opportunity to form meaningful connections with patients and their families during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Being able to support patients through treatment, witness their resilience, and sometimes help them achieve remission can be incredibly fulfilling. Even in difficult times, providing comfort and care can make a profound difference in someone’s journey, which makes the work feel purposeful and impactful.
I joined CNSA for the vast variety of education opportunities they provide. I have been lucky enough to complete my USPIVC course through the support of CNSA. I have a particular interest in vascular access and CNSA have fantastic resources in this area especially."
Kirsten Oatway
Kirsten is a Nurse Unit Manager of Austin Health Radiation Oncology at the ONJ Cancer Centre, and new Chair of our Radiation Oncology Specialist Practice network.
Kirsten's nursing journey began in Progressive Neurology, leading her to dedicate many years to Palliative Care. This passion for patient-centred care naturally evolved into roles in Medical Oncology and Cancer Wellness, before settling into her current role of four years. As a passionate advocate for the nursing profession, she constantly promotes the incredible work nurses do every day, empowering them to have a voice and feel heard in their roles.
As the new chair of our RONSPN, Kirsten is excited about the future of Radiation Oncology Nursing, with opportunities like tertiary education and upcoming eviQ resources. She’s proud to be part of this innovative field and continues to champion ongoing projects and research that advance cancer care.
