Significant events
Inaugural meeting of the COSA Board (July)
COSA membership votes at the AGM to change the organisations governance structure and become a Company Limited by Guarantee
COSA receives funding from Cancer Australia to develop a consumer-training program to enhance consumer engagement in clinical cancer research
First COSA ACT & NSW Oncology Weekend (ACTNOW) clinical meeting
First COSA cancer care coordination conference
First COSA workshop on cancer in adolescents and young adults
COSA survey on the prevalence and predictors of burnout in the COSA oncology workforce
COSA report mapping rural and regional oncology services in Australia published
COSA and the Cancer Cooperative Trials Groups awarded an NHMRC Enabling Grant
COSA report on optimising cancer care in Australia published
First issue of the COSA newsletter, the Marryalyan
Cancer Forum first published by COSA and ACS
First COSA Annual General Meeting
The Division of Clinical Oncology becomes independent from the ACS and adopts the name Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA)
ACS forms a Division of Clinical Oncology incorporating a Head and Neck Group and a Breast Group
Multidisciplinary cancer clinics established in Sydney and Melbourne
Establishment of the Australian Cancer Society (ACS), now Cancer Council Australia
COSA Presidents
2025 |
Professor Sabe Sabesan |
2023-2024 |
A/Professor Dion Forstner |
2021-2022 |
Professor Fran Boyle AM |
2019-2020 |
Professor Nick Pavlakis |
2017-2018 |
Professor Phyllis Butow AM |
2015-2016 |
Professor Mei Krishnasamy |
2013-2014 |
Associate Professor Sandro Porceddu |
2011-2012 |
Professor Bogda Koczwara AM |
2009-2010 |
Professor Bruce Mann |
2006-2008 |
Professor David Goldstein |
2006-2006 |
Professor David Currow |
2004-2005 |
Professor Steve Ackland |
2002-2003 |
Dr Elizabeth Kenny |
2000-2001 |
Professor John Zalcberg OAM |
1998-1999 |
Professor Henry Ekert AM |
1996-1997 |
Professor Robert Thomas |
1994-1995 |
Professor Alan Coates AM |
1992-1993 |
Professor William McCarthy AM |
1990-1991 |
Professor Richard Fox AM |
1988-1989 |
Professor John Levi |
1985-1987 |
Dr Malcolm Coppleson (Deceased) |
1983-1985 |
Professor Gordon Clunie (Deceased) |
1981-1983 |
Professor Martin Tattersall AO (Deceased) |
1979-1981 |
Dr Robert Melville (Deceased) |
1976-1979 |
Professor Leicester Atkinson (Deceased) |
1973-1976 |
Mr Brian Fleming AM (Deceased) |
The COSA logo
and the legend of
the Marryalyan
The Marryalyan is the two-snake emblem of the Warramirri people who occupied a large group of islands in the Arafura Sea off the northern coast of Australia, now known as the Wessel Islands. Most Warramirri people now live on Elcho Island.
The Marryalyan was one of their major gods, possessed of infinite inventiveness. He lived under the sea and through the power of his breathing boiled up the vapour that makes the clouds, the weather and the storms. He invented living creatures, starting with minute particles in the sea, pinching them together to make different forms until he had filled the ocean.
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COSAoncology 2 hours ago
Did you know ANZHNCS members can join COSA at a discounted rate? Thank you to @anzhncs for continuing Affiliated organisation membership with COSA. bit.ly/3s5mOC6
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COSAoncology 18 hours ago
Cancer pharmacists will gather in Melbourne this weekend for the COSA CPG Clinical Practice Course. There are streams for those with a basic knowledge and those with an advanced clinical level in oncology and haematology pharmacy practice.
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COSAoncology yesterday
Our April member newsletter is out now with Group updates, new resources, journal articles, oncology events and more. Check your inbox or view the COSA eNews online at bit.ly/42SWNrG
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COSAoncology yesterday
Join or renew as a COSA member by 16 May 2025 to make a saving! For members, your renewal email is in your inbox today. bit.ly/3hXsDLm
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COSAoncology 2 days ago
Cancer Nurses Society @CNSA_ORG, thank you for continuing your COSA Affiliated organisation membership. CNSA members are invited to save on COSA membership: bit.ly/3s5mOC6
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COSAoncology 7 days ago
Thank you @BCTrialsANZ for continuing your Affiliated organisation membership with COSA. BCT members can join or renew with COSA at discounted rates: cosa.org.au/membership/mem…
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COSAoncology 13 days ago
Thanks to the Australian Society of Medical Imaging and Radiation Therapy for renewing as a COSA Associated organisation. #ASMIRT members are invited to take advantage of discounted COSA membership: cosa.org.au/membership/mem…
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COSAoncology 14 days ago
Thank you, @PathologyRCPA for continuing as a COSA Affiliated organisation. Did you know RCPA members can join or renew with COSA at a discounted rate? bit.ly/3s5mOC6
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COSAoncology 15 days ago
The latest Cancer Pharmacists Group eNews in CPG members' inboxes and on the COSA website. Stay up to date and stay connected. bit.ly/3RhZY6Q
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COSAoncology 21 days ago
The latest Exercise Group eNews is out now with a recap of exercise at Cancer Survivorship 2025, project updates, and member publications. Check your inbox or login to your COSA member account bit.ly/4cI0nc3 to subscribe. View it online anytime at bit.ly/3E8IOpf
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