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- 20 Years Of Constantly Evolving Care
20 years of constantly evolving care
The McGrath Foundation has always evolved to meet the needs of people with breast cancer and now, as we expand our care to all cancers, that commitment is stronger than ever.
Our McGrath Cancer Care Nurses are shaping a new era of cancer care across Australia.
Melanie Alford
With over 25 years’ experience, Melanie Alford has found her “niche and love” in oncology nursing, building a deeply rooted career supporting people experiencing head and neck cancer in the Ballarat community. The empowerment, collaboration and continuous learning Melanie can access through the McGrath Foundation enables her to deliver world-class cancer care tailored to each person’s unique needs when experiencing head and neck cancer.
“I don’t leave any stone unturned when it comes to patient care.”
- Melanie
Madeleine Dempsey
Madeleine Dempsey has been working in oncology nursing for over 10 years and has a postgraduate qualification in cancer care. She’s devoted her career to making a meaningful difference in the lives of people experiencing cancer. Based in Shoalhaven, a proud Yuin woman, Madeleine was the first McGrath Cancer Care Nurse specialising in support for people with genitourinary cancers – including bladder, renal and testicular cancers. The McGrath Model of Care gives nurses like Madeleine a foundation that goes beyond structure and consistency for nursing care, ensuring every patient feels seen, heard and supported.
“The Foundation’s ongoing education and comprehensive support for nurses allows us to keep growing in our roles and deliver the best possible care for people who are going through the most challenging and vulnerable time in their lives.”
- Madeleine
Georgia Parker
A long-time cricket fan and admirer of the McGrath Foundation, Georgia knew instantly that she wanted to be a part of something bigger when the McGrath Foundation announced the expansion of care to all cancers during the 2025 Pink Test. For the dedicated cancer nurse from Gympie, it was the perfect opportunity to deepen her focus on what drives her passion for oncology nursing – the patients. Georgia holds post-graduate qualifications in cancer and haematology. As a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, she supports people with all types of cancer, bringing compassion and expertise to those who need it most.
“The patients we care for are amazing – they’re so resilient. When I tell patients and their families that I’m a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse, there’s this immediate sense of calm. They know they’ll be supported with the same trusted care the McGrath Foundation is known for.”
- Georgia
20 years ago, Tracy Bevan sat beside her best friend, Jane McGrath, sharing tears, laughter, and what felt like an impossible dream.
Over the last 20 years, McGrath Cancer Care Nurses have been a lifeline in regional and rural Australia, providing expert care, hope, and support to families during their toughest times.
For Emily Quinlan, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 25, having a voice meant having someone she could turn to - someone who was always in her corner.
At the heart of the McGrath Foundation’s extraordinary journey is Kerry Patford, one of the original McGrath Cancer Care Nurses who has since risen to become the Foundation’s Chief Nurse.