Northern Rivers Welcomes McGrath Cancer Care Nurses Dedicated to Extending Local Cancer Support
The Northern Rivers community will receive a boost in cancer support with the appointment of two McGrath Cancer Care Nurses, Daniel Pym and Kylie Hickman.
These new roles bring the total number of McGrath Cancer Care Nurses in the Northern Rivers to five, alongside three existing nurses supporting people and their families experiencing breast cancer.
With around 1 in 2 people diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime and over 170,000 people diagnosed with cancer in Australia this year, there is a substantial need for specialist cancer care provided by McGrath Cancer Care Nurses to support people across Australia with any type of cancer.
Ryan Barlow, McGrath Foundation CEO, said the additional nurses will provide free care and support for individuals and their families in the Northern Rivers communities.
“McGrath Cancer Care Nurses are clinical experts who help people with cancer and their families navigate the medical system by providing clinical, psychosocial and emotional support to people with any type of cancer throughout their treatment.”
- Ryan Barlow | McGrath Foundation CEO
“We are incredibly proud to begin to provide this vital service to people experiencing lung cancer in the Northern Rivers, as we are committed to our purpose of ensuring no one goes through cancer without the care of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse," Barlow continued.
Daniel brings more than 15 years’ experience as a registered nurse, with postgraduate qualifications in oncology, critical care and emergency nursing. Based at Northern NSW Cancer Institute, Daniel will provide expert, compassionate support to people and their families experiencing lung cancer across the region.
“Being able to provide consistent and trusted support and often simply be there to listen can make a real difference. Being a central and consistent source of support for patients is a real privilege.”
- Daniel Pym | McGrath Cancer Care Nurse
"Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be scary, confronting and overwhelming for people and their families to deal with. Many of the patients I support are navigating multiple specialists, complex treatment decisions, and ongoing side effects, all while trying to maintain some sense of normal life."
Kylie brings 30 years’ experience as a registered nurse with qualifications in paediatric oncology. Based at Tweed Valley Hospital, Kylie will provide specialist, patient-centred support to people and their families experiencing cancer with complex needs, requiring multiple therapeutic treatments. Kylie said:
“I was drawn to the McGrath Cancer Care Nurse role in the Tweed region because it combines my passion for patient advocacy with the opportunity to coordinate and streamline care for patients with complex cancer diagnoses.”
- Kylie Hickman | McGrath Cancer Care Nurse
"Working with head and neck and upper gastrointestinal patients undergoing concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy allows me to make a meaningful difference at a critical time in their treatment. Supporting patients through the challenges of cancer and ensuring they feel heard, informed, and supported during some of their most vulnerable moments is what makes this role so rewarding."
There are currently 423 McGrath Cancer Care Nurses across Australia, and 152 supporting people with cancer throughout New South Wales.
McGrath Foundation nursing care is completely free. You don’t even need a referral.
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Communities across Australia are invited to turn their towns pink as Pink Up Your Town returns for 2026. This McGrath Foundation campaign brings people together to raise funds and ensure more people experiencing cancer can access the support of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse.
From decorating streets to hosting local events, every community can get involved in its own way. Every splash of pink helps fund free, expert cancer care. Register your town and be part of something meaningful.
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