Community
19 June, 2026
Cancer support boost
ALL cancer patients across the southwest now have direct access to a local McGrath Foundation care nurse, no matter what their cancer type.
In a first for the region, the foundation recently announced the appointment of Elle Conrick who will now assist anyone diagnosed with cancer, not just those with a breast cancer diagnosis.
Elle, who is employed by South West Healthcare and based at the South West Regional Cancer Centre, said she was thrilled to step into this new role.
“I’m honoured to be a McGrath Foundation nurse, supporting people with cancer across the south west,” she said.
“It’s a privilege to play a role in the McGrath Foundation extending its care and help to ensure that anyone diagnosed with cancer has access to care.
“This role enables me to provide meaningful care for patients and their families, helping to navigate an often complex healthcare system and offering clinical, psychosocial and emotional support.
“My goal is to ease the impact of any challenges that may arise for a patient throughout their cancer experience and provide continuity of care.”
Elle’s position is in addition to the existing McGrath Cancer Care Nurse in the area supporting people experiencing breast cancer.
Ryan Barlow, McGrath Foundation CEO, said Elle’s new role would see her provide free care and support for individuals and their families in Warrnambool and throughout the south west.
“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,” he said.
“We are honoured to provide this vital service to people experiencing any type of cancer in the south west region; we are committed to our purpose of ensuring no-one goes through cancer without the care of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse.”
The McGrath Foundation funded Elle’s role after a successful application from South West Healthcare.
This new role will complement existing cancer care services, and directly positively impact patients within the south west region.
There are currently 367 McGrath Cancer Care Nurses across Australia, and 82 supporting people with cancer throughout Victoria.
