MPA Nurses Showcase Melanoma Care Innovation at CNSA Conference

Melanoma Patients Australia (MPA) is proud to celebrate the outstanding contributions of our nursing team at the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA) Annual Conference in June. This important national event brings together cancer care professionals from across the country, creating a space to share knowledge, innovations and compassionate care practices that improve outcomes for patients and families. 

This year, MPA nurses Peta Holly, Emma Zurawell, Claire Kelly and Clare McInerney represented our organisation with passion and expertise—showcasing the vital role melanoma nurses play in supporting Australians throughout every stage of their cancer journey. 

Showcasing Expertise in Melanoma Care

The MPA nursing team delivered five presentations that reflected the CNSA 2026 themes of Innovate, Integrate, Educate and Advocate. They highlighted the evolving landscape of melanoma support and the importance of patient-centred care. Their work focused on improving access to information, strengthening emotional and clinical support, and helping patients navigate increasingly complex treatment pathways. 

Each nurse brought a unique perspective to the conference:

• Peta Holly, Melanoma Specialist Nurse, presented on advancing supportive care for people with ocular (uveal) melanoma, a rare melanoma subtype. Her presentation focused on how highly specialised clinical nursing roles, incorporating advanced ophthalmic expertise, can collaborate with melanoma telehealth nursing services to improve access to complementary, coordinated support across the care pathway at a national level 

• Emma Zurawell, , Melanoma Telehealth Nurse Manager, presented on bridging the gap, highlighting the role of nurses in building a multidisciplinary working group for immunotherapy-induced adrenal insufficiency, presenting alongside an endocrinology clinical nurse specialist from Waikato Hospital, New Zealand ) and in collaboration with the Australian Addison’s Disease Association Inc.  Emma also presented on the feasibility of a cancer nurse-led melanoma community of practice in collaboration with Michelle Rosano from MIA and supported by the Cancer Nurses Society of Australia. 

• Claire Kelly, National Manager Innovation, Evaluation & Impact presented on the development of MPA’s new tiered nurse navigation framework and specialist nursing model of care, designed to support an integrated, holistic melanoma telehealth service across the care pathway.  

• Clare McInerney, Melanoma Nurse Counsellor focused on enhancing patient wellbeing across the melanoma care pathway through the development of a melanoma telehealth nurse counselling service.

Together, their presentations reinforced the critical role nurses play in delivering accessible, compassionate and evidence-based melanoma care. 

Advancing Melanoma Support Across Australia

Melanoma remains one of Australia’s most common cancers, and access to specialised support can vary greatly depending on location. The work presented by MPA nurses at CNSA reflects a shared commitment to bridging these gaps in care, particularly for people living in regional, rural and remote communities. 

By highlighting practical solutions, such as telehealth services, nurse-led support lines and targeted education resources, the team demonstrated how innovative approaches can improve both patient experience and outcomes. 

A Commitment to Patient-Centered Care

At the heart of every presentation was a clear message: patients and their families must remain at the centre of care. From the moment of diagnosis through treatment and beyond, access to trusted information, emotional support and skilled clinical guidance can make a significant difference. 

The presentations also underscored the value of complementary MPA services in increasingly complex clinical environments, providing coordinated supportive care alongside treating teams across the melanoma care pathway. 

The CNSA conference provided an opportunity not only to share MPA’s work, but also to learn from other leaders in oncology nursing—strengthening collaboration across the sector and inspiring new ways to support the melanoma community. 

Proud to Represent the Melanoma Patients Australia Community

MPA is incredibly proud of Peta, Emma, Claire and Clare for representing our organisation and the broader melanoma community on a national stage. Their dedication, expertise and compassion continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of Australians affected by melanoma. 

As we continue to expand our services and reach more people in need, the work of our nursing team remains at the core of everything we do, ensuring that no one faces melanoma alone. 

Learn more about MPA’s Nursing Services and Support Programs

Explore how our team can support you or someone you care about at Melanoma Patients Australia:

• Call the National Melanoma Support Line 1300 884 450
• Book a referral for a Melanoma Nurse Telehealth appointment
• Speak with our Melanoma Nurse Counsellor
• Join a Melanoma Patients Australia Support Group

Like this blog? Head to Melanoma Patients Australia News & Events to read more.