Grampians Integrated Cancer Service - GICS

21/01/2026

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

The year has simultaneously been 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.

We are proud to share this report and we would like to thank the staff from our partner health services, patients and carers, whose lived experiences continue to provide a valuable and critical contribution to our work.

Read the GICS 2024-25 Annual Report here: https://vics.org.au/about/news/gics-2024-25-annual-report



Austin Health (BAROC) | Beaufort and Skipton Health Service | Central Highlands Rural Health | East Grampians Health Service | Grampians Health Ballarat | Grampians Health Stawell |Grampians Health Ballarat | MDHS - Maryborough District Health Service | mecwacare (Ballan) | Rural Northwest Health | John of God Ballarat Hospital | West Wimmera Health Service | Grampians Health Horsham & Dimboola | Grampians Health Edenhope

31/12/2025

Happy New Year! 🎆 🎉 🌱

GICS are looking forward to a fresh start in 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ focusing on new and current cancer service improvement projects to improve the experiences and outcomes of those affected by cancer in our region.

How will your Health Service partner with GICS in 2026? 🤔 Share your ideas with us in the comments below.

Our offices will re-open on Monday 5 January 2026; if you would like to reach out to the team please email the GICS Mailbox 📧 gics@gh.org.au which is being monitored during our office closure.

21/12/2025

🏥 GICS Office Closure 🏥

Some lucky members of our team are taking a break and our offices will be closed from Monday 22 December 2025 and will re-open on Monday 5 January 2026.

If you have any enquiries of an urgent nature, please email the GICS Mailbox at gics@gh.org.au which will be monitored during this time.

💚 We send you and your loved ones our best wishes this festive season 💚

18/12/2025

GICS Newsletter - Summer 2025

We welcome you to the 🌞 Summer edition 🌞 of our newsletter where we share updates on our program of work along with news, events and education opportunities from across the cancer sector.

👀 Read it now 🔗 https://bit.ly/48MSgv6

18/11/2025

🗣️🗣️Communication Strategies in Patient Care - Free Online Course 🗣️🗣️

Experts from the VCCC Alliance have designed a new online education program for clinical staff to practice and refine their patient communication skills.

This 3 hour course is aimed at clinical staff, particularly those working in supportive and palliative care, chronic pain management, and end of life care, as well as general practice, nursing and allied health.

Find out more and register here 🔗 https://vcccalliancelearn.org.au/courses/communication-strategies-patient-care?utm_source=VCCC+Alliance+Master+Database&utm_campaign=dbd7d10764-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_07_17_04_07_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-d28c965baa-137074956&mc_cid=dbd7d10764&mc_eid=11a40c741f

06/11/2025

GICS have collaborated with St John of God Ballarat Hospital to launch a pilot nurse-led survivorship clinic, 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.

Led by Angela Meaney, Cancer and Palliative Care Coordinator (pictured below), the clinic commenced on 3 October 2025 and is held weekly on Friday mornings at the Outpatients Rehab at SJOG-B.

Find out more here - https://vics.org.au/about/news/pilot-nurse-led-survivorship-clinic-launched

In collaboration with GICS, St John of God Hospital (Ballarat) launch a pilot Nurse-Led Survivorship Clinic

02/11/2025

We've launched our 2025-26 Service Improvement Grants for projects that will deliver improvements in systems and processes.

Grants of up to $50,000 will be available and applications close on 18 November 2025.

We've developed a video to showcase some of the projects we've supported in recent years.

Watch the video, download our Grant Guidelines and find out more here - https://vics.org.au/about/news/gics-launch-2025-26-service-improvement-grants

29/10/2025

We've recently celebrated 20 years and we would like to acknowledge the valuable partnerships we have developed with our regions' member health services, committees and consumers.

We strive to work towards better outcomes for people affected by cancer and our 2025 Annual Forum provided an opportunity for us to look back and acknowledge the maturity of the GICS program of work and it's vast array of achievements over the years.

Check out a snapshot of our event, celebrating our 20 year history - https://vics.org.au/about/news/gics-2025-annual-forum-celebrating-20-years

26/10/2025

📢 We have news!! 📢

Check out our Spring 2025 newsletter which includes the following updates:
🌳 Celebrating 20 Years

💰 Service Improvement Grants - Now Open!

✅ Colonoscopy Access Project Update

🏥 VICS Head & Neck Cancer Optimal Care Summit

🗣️ Consumer Advisory Group (CAG) Corner

🫶 Meet the regions Cancer Support Nurses

🗞️ Plus much more...

You can read it here - https://bit.ly/3LdS8uZ

09/10/2025

APPLY NOW!

We were very excited to launch our 2025-26 Service Improvement Grants at our Annual Forum this week.

GICS offers Service Improvement Grants biannually to provide significant funding for projects that will deliver improvements in systems and processes – thereby improving treatment and support for people diagnosed with cancer in the Grampians region.

Do you have a problem or an issue that needs to be addressed?

Do you have an idea that can lead to improving the experiences and outcomes of those affected by cancer?

If you answered yes, then we want to hear from you!

Grants of up to $50,000 will be available – applications close on Tuesday 18 November 2025.

Download our application guidelines and find out more information here - https://vics.org.au/gics/grants

mecwacare (Ballan) | Austin Health (BAROC) | Beaufort and Skipton Health Service | Central Highlands Rural Health | East Grampians Health Service | Grampians Health | MDHS - Maryborough District Health Service | Rural Northwest Health |
St John of God Ballarat Hospital | West Wimmera Health Service

08/10/2025

Last night we hosted our 2025 Annual Forum and we can confirm it was a great success!

We would like to thank all our guests, who came from near and far, to join us in celebrating our 2️⃣0️⃣ year history.

A huge shout out to our wonderful presenters who shared the incredible work GICS has achieved to date.

- Jane Auchettl | MC
- Phillip Catterson | Opening Address
- Kerry Davidson | Celebrating 20 Years
- Hannah Ryan-West | GICS Consumers
- Fiona Hodder | GICS Colonoscopy Access Project
- Dr Fletcher Davies | Event Close

We'd like to highlight the aboriginal artwork created to mark the commemorative anniversary for the Victorian Integrated Cancer Services (VICS) of 20 years: 'Healing Journeys' by artist Vegas Fitzmaurice, 2025.

Special thanks goes to The Goods Shed Ballarat for providing the delicious food and amazing service; to Dave at Austage Events for the nights tech support, to Gardenia Magnifica Flowers for the beautiful native floral display and to Terry Hope for the engaging video presentations and event photography.
(Photo credit: https://www.thp.com.au/)

We were very excited to launch our 2025-26 Service Improvement Grants - apply now 🔗 https://lnkd.in/giedhj8H

Victorian Department of Health | TogetherForBetterCancerCare

25/09/2025

❓Do you provide in the Grampians region?

❓Do you have a cancer idea that could make real impact?

We are pleased to share that our 2025-26 Service Improvement Grants are coming soon. 💡

We'll be launching our next round of funding early next month - keep an eye on our socials / website and 'subscribe' to our email newsletter for more information.

Subscribe here 🔗 https://cdn.forms-content.sg-form.com/a9f31d39-7f2c-11ed-ad2a-b273b277972d