We’re excited to announce that we’ve received $316K of funding from the Victorian Legal Services Board + Commissioner’s Grants Program, to address the complex legal and financial issues that arise for people affected by cancer, families, and carers. The two-year project is funded through the Legal Services Board Grants Program.
The project – “Legal labyrinth: finding a way through cancer's legal and financial challenges” (2025-2026), builds on our commitment to advance the law to control cancer, and support those with cancer. This supports Cancer Council Victoria’s Strategic Pillar to reduce the burden of cancer by supporting, educating, and empowering people and influencing policy change.
As of January 2024, 133,140 Victorians, or about 2% of the population, had been diagnosed with cancer in the past five years.
At a time when cancer patients should be able to focus on their treatment and recovery, many struggle to cope with legal and financial issues related to a cancer diagnosis, including reduced income and extra costs on top of the underlying cost of living crisis.
The research project will include:
- Research: for gaining further understanding of the legal and financial needs for Victorians affected by cancer, and to improve support pathways and resources for people seeking assistance.
- Education: events for people affected by cancer in Victoria and workshops to enable organisations to improve policies and practices to better meet those needs.
- Recommendations: for law and policy reform to better support people affected by cancer.
Learn more about this project
We will work collaboratively with Cancer Council Victoria colleagues, including in our Cancer Information and Support Service and Financial Counselling team, to progress this project. And we will continue to update you on this exciting project as we go. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
Contact: info@mccabecentre.org.
A reminder that people affected by cancer in Australia can contact 13 11 20 to speak with a cancer nurse and gain support.