MEDIA RELEASE
Monday 19 May 2025
This National Volunteer Week (19–25 May), the Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) proudly honours the remarkable contributions of more than 150 community volunteers who power its Community Engagement Program—transforming the future of gynaecological cancer care through education, research and advocacy.
Aligned with this year’s theme of “Connecting Communities”, ANZGOG celebrates the dedicated volunteers who bravely share their lived experience of gynaecological cancers, including uterine, ovarian, cervical, vulvar and vaginal cancer—to educate, influence and drive change across Australia and New Zealand.
“Volunteering connects communities—and at ANZGOG, our volunteers, who all have a lived experience, are at the heart of our work,” said Alison Evans CEO ANZGOG.
“This National Volunteer Week, and every day, we recognise the extraordinary commitment of our community volunteers. Whether they’re guiding clinical research priorities, advocating for better policy, or helping shape the future of care, ANZGOG’s volunteers bring lived experience of gynaecological cancers and humanity to spaces that often feel clinical or impersonal. Their contribution is not only powerful — it’s essential.” Alison Evans added.
Through ANZGOG’s flagship Survivors Teaching Students program, volunteers have reached nearly 20,000 medical, nursing and allied health students across 22 universities, sharing their personal stories to ensure future healthcare professionals better understand the real-world impact of gynaecological cancers.
From classrooms to conferences and clinical trials, ANZGOG’s volunteers help ensure that the voices of those with lived experience are embedded in research priorities and health education—contributing to lifesaving progress and a stronger sense of community.
Every Voice Matters
“The best part of the Survivors Teaching Students program for me is the community of people. They want to make a difference, and they want to belong to something bigger”, said Kristin Young, ovarian cancer survivor and ANZGOG Community Volunteer.
ANZGOG is calling on more people with a lived experience of a gynaecological cancer—whether survivors, carers or family members—to join this powerful movement. Volunteering with ANZGOG offers connection, purpose, and the opportunity to create lasting change for women affected by gynaecological cancer.
“Volunteering with ANZGOG gives people the opportunity to make a real difference. To share your story after a cancer diagnosis is no small thing. It takes courage, vulnerability and a deep desire to help others. And yet our volunteers do it with such generosity. It’s this generosity that connects us, lifts us, and pushes us to keep going.” Alison Evans added.
To learn more about ANZGOG’s Community Engagement Program or to get involved, visit: https://www.anzgog.org.au
About Survivors Teaching Students®
ANZGOG’s Survivors Teaching Students® Program (STS) is made possible thanks to the fundraising efforts of WomenCan. To support STS, you can make a donation by visiting WomenCan.org.au.
The Survivors Teaching Students program is under license to ANZGOG from the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance in the USA.
https://youtu.be/UXwiILli-6g?si=m6w6klYvGEC1O1aq
About ANZGOG:
The Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group (ANZGOG) is the peak national gynaecological cancer research organisation for Australia and New Zealand. Our mission is to improve outcomes and quality of life for everyone with a lived experience of gynaecological cancer by conducting and promoting clinical trials and multidisciplinary research.
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