Annette

I am a Nurse with a background in emergency care and dermatology, currently working in Perth, Western Australia. My path into cancer care was shaped through my work in dermatology and skin cancer medicine, where I have witnessed firsthand the physical and psychological burden of skin cancers—particularly among rural Australians and those with limited access to timely care.

Over the years, I have developed a strong interest in early detection, prevention, and the supportive care needs of people undergoing treatment for skin malignancies. In my current roles, I perform comprehensive skin assessments, assist in minor surgical procedures, and support people through the diagnostic and treatment process, often acting as a consistent and trusted presence for patients navigating fragmented health systems.

I am passionate about addressing the psychosocial aspects of cancer care—especially the body image concerns and emotional toll that skin cancers can have on patients—and I aim to enhance patient-centred models of care that address these often-overlooked needs.

The MooGoo Nursing Scholarship will support the completion of my postgraduate studies. I am committed to improving health equity and providing inclusive, trauma-informed, and compassionate care to people affected by skin cancer.

Fiorina

My name is Fiorina Gibbons and I wanted to be a nurse before I even knew it, injecting my dolls with cochineal stained water and wrapping them in bandages. I initially completed a Bachelor of Education in Science but resigned after my first week! Twenty five years later I find myself in central NSW, working in oncology, one of the best jobs I have had over a varied career.

Regional and rural areas have challenges that those in government and cities could not appreciate fully until they have experienced them. Getting an appointment with a GP not to mention a specialist is difficult and untimely. The time, the travel, the costs are so much bigger. I feel the frustration and despair of the patients that I deal with in my role as a Lung Cancer and Melanoma Clinical Nurse Consultant. I feel strongly that nurses can be better utilised and valued within the way we deliver services in these areas.

I am so grateful and touched to be a recipient of the MOO GOO post graduate nursing scholarship. I will be pursuing a Master of Nursing (Nurse Practitioner) in an effort to provide increased services to cancer patients associated with the Western Cancer Centre Dubbo and also ensure a position that promotes the value of nurses into the future.

Kacy

My name is Kacy Ringshaw and I have been a dedicated oncology and haematology nurse for the last 19 years and am currently a Nurse Practitioner Candidate (NP in training) at the Gympie Cancer Care Day Therapy Unit (DTU), Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service. I am passionate about creating and leading change that best supports our patients, through the facilitation of survivorship care and addressing health disparities. 

Throughout my time in Gympie, it is evident that the postcode lottery still exists, resulting in multifaceted challenges, including reduced access to treatment options, with many patients not wanting to travel huge distances to attend appointments for specialist services, allied health, and psychosocial support. As an NP embedded within the rural cancer centre, I will be uniquely positioned to provide care to patients that is equitable, collaborative, and patient centric. 

The support of the MooGoo scholarship will lay the foundation for me to further my professional development to directly support the initiatives that I hope to embed within the Gympie Cancer Care DTU as well as facilitate the completion of my Master of Nurse Practitioner program.