Oncology Social Work Australia and New Zealand OSWANZ

Transition of OSWANZ COSA representative role

With trepidation and great support from my mentor and predecessor Kim Hobbs I am transitioning into the role of OSWANZ representative with COSA. Suffice to say I have big shoes to fill. For those of you who know Kim, you will be aware she has had an illustrious career as a specialist oncology social worker, and she remains a leading figure in the profession. Kim has sat on COSA Council since 2014. She initially represented the COSA Social Work Group (2014-2015) and when it disbanded became the OSWA and then OSWANZ representative (2015-2023). Unfortunately, there is insufficient space to share all her achievements, and I just wanted to pause to say a big thank you to Kim for sharing all her knowledge, experience, practice wisdom, research and so much more with the COSA community.

A little bit about me, as a means of introduction and then on to the important OSWANZ updates. My name is Fiona Wiseman, and I am currently employed as a Senior Social Worker at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. I am the OSWANZ Convenor for Victoria as well as the new COSA representative. I also recently joined COSA’s Financial Toxicity Working Group.

I have over 20 years’ specialist oncology social work experience and have worked across health, community, palliative care and voluntary sector settings in the UK and Australia.  I am a Macmillan alumna and was one of the first social workers employed by this leading UK charitable organisation (equivalent of Cancer Council) and I have worked at Peter Mac for over 13 years.

OSWANZ conferences past and planned

In 2023 OSWANZ held its first conference in Wellington, New Zealand, in partnership with Psychosocial Oncology New Zealand (PONZ). The conference and workshop theme, Kotahitanga, Connection, Collaboration, celebrated the idea that with the right guidance, everyone in cancer care can make a difference to the life of someone with cancer and their ‘whanau’, no matter what their training or speciality.       

OSWANZ will be hosting its next two-day in person conference on 17-18 October 2024 in Melbourne, at the University of Melbourne.  The overarching theme is Diversity Innovation and Future Directions of Oncology Social Work. Other key themes include Paediatrics, Adolescents and Young Adults, First Nations and Cultural Diversity, End of Life Care inclusive of Voluntary Assisting Dying, and Future Directions of Oncology Social Work and OSWANZ.

The conference features presentations from a host of celebrated professionals. To name just a few of the keynote speakers: Emeritus Professor Irwin Epstein, A/Professor Kate Thomson, Megan Varlow, Nick Hobbs and a panel of past and future OSWANZ Presidents.

There are still places available and we would encourage anyone who is interested in the area to register. As a member of the conference organising committee I am looking forward to welcoming people in person. With all the COVID restrictions over recent years we are excited to be hosting a face-to-face conference in Victoria.

Register via the OSWANZ website

Value of being an OSWANZ member

Each state and territory across Australia and New Zealand has its own dedicated group/representative.  The focus of OSWANZ is Excellence in psychosocial oncology. OSWANZ is a non-profit incorporated international organisation dedicated to the enhancement of psychosocial services to people with cancer and their families. This specialist organisation was formed to assist social workers in their practice and currently has over 140 members who strive for excellence in the psychosocial care of people with cancer and those affected by cancer, through networking, education, advocacy, research and resource development.   

OSWANZ members are often invited to collaborate and provide expert opinion and support for national agenda items in Australia and New Zealand thereby utilsing their vast collective knowledge and experience to influence and support positive changes that can result in real outcomes. The organisation has built numerous collaborative partnerships and proactively leads and engages with research and quality initiatives to ensure innovative ideas are fostered and developed as a means of continuing to strive for excellence.  The organisation also has a strong focus on education and in addition to the annual conference it provides a series of topical webinars. The online back-catalogue of webinars is now vast and is available to all members.

The cost of membership remains at a very reasonable rate of just $50 annually with lower fees for students and associate members. Please review the OSWANZ website for further information or to join as a new or renewing member.

Thank you for taking the time to read this report highlighting the value OSWANZ and oncology social workers can bring to the care of patients, families and carers, as well as being a key member of many multidisciplinary teams and adding to the national agendas across Australia and New Zealand.

I look forward to meeting many of you at the Annual Scientific Meeting in the Gold Coast alongside Kim Hobbs who will also be in attendance.

Fiona Wiseman
OSWANZ COSA and Victorian Representative