GICS are very pleased to be supporting 4 new service improvement projects being undertaken across our region to improve cancer care delivery.

These projects are currently in the planning stage and will be undertaken over the next 18 months. We are looking forward to sharing the great outcomes anticipated from these service improvement activities.

As part of our ongoing committment to improving cancer patient outcomes and experiences, GICS are excited to launch the GICS Grants Program: Professional Development Stream.

This initiative is open to all allied health and nursing professionals working in cancer care at any of our member health services and aims to provide funds to attend conferences or undergo specialised training.

We encourage you to share this opportunity widely within your health service to any professional peers or contacts this may be of interest to and who are eligible to apply.

The funding application guidelines outlining the deadlines, eligibility criteria, along with an editable application form, can be found on our website.

We are pleased to present you with the 2024-25 Annual Report.

The year was simultaneously one of reflection – representing the 20 year anniversary of GICS – and of renewal, with the release of the latest versions of both the Australian and Victorian Cancer Plans.

We have found new ways to support and engage with our partners with the ultimate goal of improving cancer care in our region; this report highlights our impact and value.

In response to conversations with our health service partners, wishing for improved connectedness across the region, the 'Grampians Regional Supportive Cancer Care Community of Practice (CoP)' was born.

Formally commencing in February 2026, this CoP is being piloted for 6 months, at which stage, the functionality will be evaluated.

The CoP provides an opportunity for those who work in a supportive cancer care role in the Grampians, to exchange information, learn from each other and collaborate on activities that will be beneficial to the role they occupy and the people they interact with.

If this is something you wish to be involved in visit our website for further details.

GICS have collaborated with Grampians Health cancer care staff to undertake a 12-month trial of the facilitation of Person Centred Value Based Health Care (PCVBHC)

GICS have partnered with Sprink, using PerEmpo technology, to seek and understand what actually matters to a person (goals & values) in relation to their life and circumstances to inform treatment related decision making.

This project funded by the Federal Government in August 2024, was designed to improve timely access to colonoscopy services in the Grampians region, and concluded at the end of March.

Over a 17 month period, the project has delivered a comprehensive program of work and key project deliverables. Some key iniatitives commenced within the latter stages of the project and will be progressed within the broader GICS Work Plan for 2026.

We are pleased to share that the two collaborative projects listed below, will be presented at the upcoming CNSA 2026 Congress to be held at the Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre in June 2026.

Project Aim - to establish a streamlined, oncology-specific process for reactive NGT insertion at the Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre (BRICC) / Ballarat Austin Radiation Oncology Centre (BAROC), reducing patient wait times, improving experience, and ensuring staff competency through policy updates and education. 

Project Results - the integrated pathway and credentialling framework were approved and implemented in December 2025. All participants reported improved knowledge and confidence, with 100% training satisfaction. Early implementation has enabled timely, in-unit NGT insertion, reducing ED reliance and improving patient experience.

This clinic is designed to support cancer patients after completing treatment. This initiative addresses a vital gap in care, offering tailored support for patients navigating life beyond cancer.

Kirsten, from the GICS team, is scheduled to present this project as an oral rapid e-poster presentation.

Project Aim - to develop a tool that enables open conversation with key stakeholders, to gain an in-depth analysis of current practices, challenges and opportunities related to supportive care screening.

Project Results - the VICS supportive care self-assessment survey has enabled each ICS to gain valuable insights into the current screening practices within their local health services. It has also fostered stronger connections with key stakeholders, supporting the implementation of quality improvement initiatives to address local health service needs and ultimately deliver high-quality supportive care for people diagnosed with cancer.

West Wimmera Health Service hosted 'Paint & Sip' a free event held on 19 February at the Nhill Golf Club focused on Advance Care Planning with 16 community members of all ages attending.

The session was facilitated by WWHS staff including Nicole Miller (Cancer Care Coordinator) and Community Health Nurses Janine Clark and Peter Hill.

Participants engaged in creative activities, while discussing Advance Care Planning, supported by the informal and welcoming environment. Mocktails, including Wimmera Sunset and The Rains, were served throughout the evening.

Evaluation feedback highlighted strong take‑away messages, including the importance of having an Advance Care Plan, the significance of discussing wishes with family, and the understanding that age is not a barrier to planning ahead. Several attendees noted it was their first time learning about the Advance Care Plan document and felt motivated to start important conversations with loved ones.

Overall feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees describing the session as professional, friendly, approachable, and “a brilliant way to discuss heavy topics,” with several commenting that the session was “perfect” and “really great.”

West Wimmera Health Service have established a free 'Natimuk Cancer Support Friendship Group 2026'. These meetings are scheduled monthly from 1 - 2.30pm at the Community Day Centre at Natimuk.

They are suitable for anyone, no matter what stage of a person's cancer journey, as well as their supportive networks - carers, friends & family. Join in for an information chat and cuppa in a supportive environment. Drop in - no RSVP required.

For more information, reach out to Nicole, Cancer Support Nurse, via email CRN@wwhs.net.au or phone on (03) 5363 4401.

VICS Information Management Group (IMG) Update
Those responsible for the management and analysis of data within the ICS' teams are members of the VICS Information Management Group (IMG) which is attended by Sharon Daly from the GICS team.

Currently, the group are reviewing new datasets supplied by the Centre for Victorian Data Linkage (CVDL) in the form of the Victorian Emergency Minimum Dataset (VEMD), Elective Surgery Information System (ESIS), Victorian Integrated Non-Admitted Health minimum dataset (VINAH) and the Victorian Death Index (VDI) data. These datasets are being prepared along with their associated reference tables so that analysis of the data will be seamless and shared. High level dashboards are in development to give our stakeholders accurate and timely insights to answer cancer service system questions as they arise.  The recently developed National Lung Cancer Screening Project (NLCSP) has necessitated the development of a series of data tables specific to this project.

The group are also working to obtain access to both radiotherapy and more detailed comprehensive cancer registry data in the near future.

Web: www.vics.org.au/gics