Our research and advocacy for action on vaping
Our Generation Vape* research and advocacy efforts contributed to the Australian Government implementing new policies that will directly tackle young people’s easy access to vaping products.
Tackling cancer
takes all of us.
Annual Report 2023-2024
Cancer Council NSW acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work. We pay respect to the Elders and extend that respect to all other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
A message from our CEO and Chair
Professor Sarah Hosking
Cancer Council NSW CEO
Michael Morgan
Cancer Council NSW Chair of the Board
It is a real pleasure for us to look back at the extraordinary progress we have made this past year.
Tackling cancer is no easy feat and we want to start by thanking everyone in the Cancer Council NSW community, including our outstanding supporters, volunteers, and employees.
We would like to especially thank our philanthropic and corporate partners, people who have made the generous decision to leave a gift in their will and our regular givers who continuously contribute to reducing the impact of cancer for all Australians and ultimately, saving lives.
It has been an honour to stand by all of you again this year, as we began work against our new ambitious five-year strategy, that will deliver against our core purpose “to change the path of cancer and make sure no one walks alone”.
In November 2023, the federal government announced $166m funding to establish a new Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program – the ACNNP. As part of the Program, the Cancer Council Federation has been funded ($49.6m) to deliver The National Cancer Navigation Service. In delivering this service, Cancer Council will build on the strength of our existing, highly respected, 13 11 20 service, enhancing and expanding this to offer national, multi-modal information and support, while growing its reach, especially to focus populations.
Together, we have worked consistently to address public health issues facing our communities, such as the uptake of vaping among young people. We started off the year with new measures to tackle vaping introduced from 1 January 2024. Cancer Council NSW and our team leading the Generation Vape research project played a phenomenal role in contributing to these reforms. We look forward to seeing this continue into the future as policy measures are further strengthened and implemented.
We also worked closely with community to address inequities in access to cancer care. This was the case in the Riverina region around Wagga Wagga, where we successfully secured bulk billing for cancer treatment to bring it in line with other regional centres, with our Advocacy Team and CanAct community working to amass over 12,000 petition signatures. Thanks to advances in research, prevention, detection and treatment, more people than ever are surviving cancer. As part of our commitment to improve the lives of cancer survivors, I am absolutely thrilled to share that, this year, we formed a $40m 10-year partnership with UNSW to launch The Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship. We cannot wait to see what we can achieve together.
We would also like to recognise and thank Professor Karen Canfell AC FAHMS for her contributions to Cancer Council NSW and public health more broadly. For the past several years, Karen led our research and, this year, she was deservedly awarded the highest honour of Companion of the Order of Australia for her commitment and service to medicine.
We know that our work is not done yet. Over 1.52 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in NSW over the next 25 years, and it is the people affected by cancer and their families that push us to make every year better than the last.
From all of us at Cancer Council NSW, thank you. Together, we are tackling cancer and leading NSW towards a cancer free future.
Our Strategy 2024-2028
Our purpose:
We change the path of cancer, and make sure no one walks alone.
OUR IMPACT
Reducing cancer risk through prevention and early intervention
Teeing off against skin cancer
In December 2023, we were the Official Charity and Sunscreen Partner at Golf Australia’s ISPS HANDA Australian Open. Over four action-packed days, we helped thousands of people stay sun safe and hydrated. In particular, men over 40, who are 2.5 times more likely to die from melanoma than women of the same age.
86%
of primary schools participated in our SunSmart program
3,000
people accessed Tackling Tobacco resources
214
golf clubs participated in our Improve Your Long Game program
239,349
people visited our Healthy Made Tasty website
OUR IMPACT
Improving cancer survival through world-class research
Our Daffodil Centre research achievements in 2023/24
In April 2024, the Daffodil Centre celebrated three years since its establishment.
Over that period, the centre has published evidence with potential to significantly reduce cancer death rates and further improve five-year survival rates from an all-time high of 70%.
This includes analyses pivotal to:
- The Australian Government’s commitment to introduce a lung cancer screening program, which was announced in the 2023-24 federal budget.
- A first ever roadmap to risk-adjusted breast cancer screening.
- The case to lower bowel cancer screening age eligibility from 50 to 45, which has since been supported by government.
- Evidence reviews to inform improved risk assessment and referral pathways for prostate, pancreatic (both in development) and other cancers.
Additionally, the Australian Government announced a $12.5 million grant in November 2023, to a multi-institution consortium led by the Daffodil Centre to develop cervical screening and HPV vaccination across the Indo-Pacific region. This project will build on work we are doing in Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, thanks to funding from Minderoo Foundation.
In February 2024, the Daffodil Centre also published the most comprehensive projections of all-cause premature mortality in Australia, showing that cancer will be the leading cause of healthy life lost by an increasing margin, providing evidence on how to prioritise our research and partnership opportunities to maximise impact in saving and extending lives.
The Fussell Family Foundation is changing the path of ovarian cancer
"We feel privileged to be able to provide long-term funding that enables Cancer Council’s highly skilled researchers to better understand this devastating disease”, say Louise and Thomas Fussell.
The highest recognition for Daffodil Centre director Professor Karen Canfell AC
In her time at Cancer Council NSW, the brilliant Professor Karen Canfell AC led research that led to significant policy successes and saved hundreds of thousands of lives from cancer. In 2024, Professor Canfell AC was recognised for her achievements with a Companion of the Order of Australia.
Investing in the research breakthroughs of the future
Thanks to the ongoing support of Box Rallies and the Cancer Council NSW community, we awarded $4.85m to 11 ground-breaking new cancer research projects from around Australia in 2024.
$17.6m
our investment into world-class research in 2023/24
In 2023/24, our competitive national extramural grants program supported 51 active projects involving 198 researchers across 21 institutions
OUR IMPACT
Enhancing the quality of life of people affected by cancer
The new Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship
In May 2024, the UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs and our CEO Professor Sarah Hosking announced the Australian Research Centre for Cancer Survivorship (ARCCS), a new $40m partnership between UNSW and Cancer Council NSW.
The ARCCS will co-design, evaluate and implement evidence-based interventions to improve the quality of life of people who have survived cancer.
Helping more people navigate challenges related to cancer
In November 2023, the federal government committed $49.6m to the Cancer Council Federation to deliver The Cancer Navigation Service. This landmark funding will build on the strength of our existing, highly respected, 13 11 20 cancer information and support line.
Hospital Liaison Maryann is on the ground helping people get the support they need
“I get real satisfaction from helping people live their lives as well as they possibly can while they’re going through cancer. It’s about giving them as much support, power and control as possible.”
Erin helps people navigate challenges over the phone
“By giving our time and a listening ear, people have the opportunity to ask all their questions and alleviate some of their concerns and worries. It’s such a great feeling when people tell me they were glad they decided to call.”
Our volunteers are helping families cope with cancer
We are so thankful for volunteers like Margaret Buffrey. As a CCIS volunteer at the Nepean Cancer Centre, Margaret dedicates each Thursday to helping patients and their families navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis. Margaret knows how hard it is to face cancer because she has been through it herself.
How David was inspired by the legacy of his daughter
After his daughter Sheree died of melanoma in 2017, David was determined to use his grief for good. Since then, he’s raised thousands of dollars for others impacted by cancer and volunteered as a driver to help people get to and from treatment.
9,017
times our 13 11 20 information and support team were contacted by people affected by cancer, health professionals, and the general public
201,840
times our Understanding Cancer resources were distributed
47,592
listens to our cancer support and information podcasts
14,386
trips by our Transport to Treatment service
OUR IMPACT
Improving equity in cancer outcomes
Advocacy in action: Securing equitable cancer care in the Riverina
When we heard that people in the Riverina had to pay an additional charge for cancer treatment, that people in other regional towns were not asked to pay, we knew we had to act.
We successfully secured bulk billing for cancer treatment in the Riverina region with our Advocacy Team and CanAct community working to amass over 12,000 petition signatures. This change will save Riverina cancer patients hundreds of dollars in out-of-pocket medical costs, enabling more individuals to receive timely and affordable cancer treatment closer to home and improving their quality of life.
Making sure everyone benefits from cancer screening
This year, we partnered with local organisations to lift awareness and participation in cancer screening rates in NSW, reaching 18,000 people overall. This included workshops with members of Vietnamese, Arabic, Mandarin and Cantonese-speaking communities, which data shows are underscreened or have never screened.
Supporting people to handle the costs of cancer
In 2023/24, over $2.5 million of legal, financial and workplace advice was provided by our partner pro bono professionals nationally, and almost $350,000 of debts waived as a result of the work undertaken by our Financial Counsellors in NSW.
Celebrating our champions in cancer support
We are incredibly grateful to call on the support of volunteers like Emma, Sinilia, Dr. Adams, Caroline and Jess. From advocating for First Nations communities to bridging language barriers and driving equitable palliative care, they are making a huge difference for people affected by cancer all across NSW.
1,116
people who sought legal, financial and workplace advice across NSW through our Pro Bono Program
$1,198,659
worth of financial assistance payments to people affected by cancer
90%
of the 481 psychological counselling clients this year reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the service
98%
of the 497 cancer patients who accessed our Home Help services this year reported being satisfied
OUR THANKS
Thank you to our remarkable fundraising community for your generous support
Thank you to our Daffodil Circle
We would like to recognise the 107 exceptional individuals, who left a gift in their will to Cancer Council NSW in 2023/24. Together, they donated $26,733,000 this year. There is no greater legacy than a gift towards a cancer free future for generations to come. We are incredibly grateful for this support.
People just like Audrey Jean Davies, known to everyone as ‘Jean’, who passed away two weeks short of her 99th birthday. In her will, Jean left a contribution to Cancer Council, as she wanted to contribute towards research into new ways to treat and prevent cancer.
Good Morning Bangladesh: How Ruby honours her dad’s legacy one cuppa at a time
In 2001, Blacktown local Dr Abdul Haq started a movement for the local Bangladeshi community by holding an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea that he dubbed Good Morning Bangladesh. 23 years later, Dr Haq’s daughter Ruby, her husband Tanveer and the local Bangladeshi community now lead the morning tea. Together, they have raised over $400,000 and counting.
Thank you to our Regular Givers
We’d like to thank our 47,132 outstanding Regular Givers who raised an impressive $14,426,755. Whether you’re a new donor or have been contributing for years, your donations provide us with the reliable and stable income that is crucial for our future planning and sustainability.
Our POSH Gala Ball has now raised almost $23m over 25 years
Welcoming friends new and old, we held our 25th POSH Gala Ball in May 2024 – a night of celebration, inspiration and glamour. Thanks to our corporate partners, sponsors and guests, we raised an incredible $1.1m on the night. We’d like to say a huge thank you to MC Vince Sorrenti and many of our POSH Committee members, for 25 continuous years of support. See you next year!
Mel’s experience shows the power of the Relay for Life community
“They’re like family”, says Mel. “We call it our family.”
OUR THANKS
Thank you to our partners for standing by our side.
We would also like to thank our amazing philanthropic and corporate partners for their incredible support this year, helping us maximise the impact of our researchers, prevention and support programs and advocacy efforts.
Learn more about our partners
Standing up to cancer (while sitting down)
Did you know that people with cancer are the largest users of blood donations in Australia? In February 2024, we joined forces with Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to raise awareness of the link between cancer and blood donations. Thank you to everyone who took part by donating blood.
We have partnered with Publicis Groupe Australia’s Working with Cancer Initiative
“Cancer Council and Publicis Groupe both share a commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. We hope that through this partnership, we can reduce its impact on individuals and the community whilst offering the support people need” – Publicis Groupe Australia CEO Michael Rebelo
How Southern Cross Austereo is helping us reach the people who need us
This year, Cancer Council were announced as an official Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) Embrace Partner. At the end of FY24, the partnership had already delivered over $8.5m in value across Australia, through advertising, strategic support, and consumer insights across their national radio, digital and television channels.
FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT
Download the full financial reportDownload the highlights from this page
Where the money comes from
$0$20m$40m$60m$80m$100m$120m
2020
$53.9m
$5.8m
$6.9m
2021
$63.5m
$7.1m
$10.6m
2022
$59.0m
$12.1m
$6.8m
2023
$72.8m
$10.5m
$6.6m
2024
$86.4m
$14.4m
$5.4m
Grants
Investments & other
From the community
(fundraising & retail)
(fundraising & retail)
How we put the money to work
$0$20m$40m$60m$80m$100m
2020
$50.1m
$23.4m
$2.7m
2021
$44.5m
$21.7m
$2.4m
2022
$49.5m
$23.1m
$2.1m
2023
$52.8m
$1.9m
$27.7m
$2.9m
2024
$52.9m
$3.9m
$31.1m
$2.6m
Administration
Fundraising
Mission-enabling donations, in-kind and other expenses
Total mission expenditure