The McGrath Foundation is thrilled to announce that two of our nurses have been recognised for their invaluable contributions to their communities in the 2017 Australia Day awards.

Canberra’s metastatic McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Kerryn Ernst was awarded The Public Service Medal by the Governor-General for her tireless work caring for women with secondary, incurable cancer.

Kerryn’s role as a metastatic nurse is rare among the medical community, and she provides an essential support role in the lives of the women and their families with metastatic cancer. In her time as a McGrath Breast Care Nurse she has helped more than 1000 families in the ACT, and singlehandedly driven multiple education programs to support the lives of women living with breast cancer.

Petra Buchanan, CEO of the McGrath Foundation said, ‘Kerryn was our first dedicated metastatic breast care nurse and has really paved the way for the Foundation to replicate the model of care in other cities across Australia.’

‘This recognition so clearly highlights all the amazing work that Kerryn does, and the impact she has on her community.’

In Parkes, McGrath Breast Care Nurse Dianne Green has also been recognised for her compassion and care, winning the Parkes Citizen of the Year award as part of the annual Australia Day celebrations.

Petra Buchanan said, ‘Both of these nominations really demonstrate how important McGrath Breast Care Nurses are to their local communities. We’re so proud of both of their achievements’.