I grew up on a sheep/wheat farm near Albury, NSW. I was keen to undertake tertiary studies and gain leadership skills which meant leaving home soon after finishing my HSC. Professionally, I've been driven to do something that I feel really makes a difference; I am highly driven and have a strong desire to contribute to the community.

What was your career pathway?

I attended the Australian Defence Force Academy as a naval officer, undertaking a science degree. I then decided my passion was in research and for the next two years I worked as a research assistant at the Australian Institute of Criminology in Canberra.

What led you to a research role at the University of Newcastle?

I relocated to Newcastle for family reasons in 2000, commencing a project officer role in the School of Medicine and Public Health at UoN. Over the next 10 years I expanded my research and management skills working in the fields of dementia, mental health and stroke. In 2011 I was appointed manager for the UoN Translational Cancer Research Program. Having completed my Master of Philosophy and Diploma of Management I felt well equipped for the next step in my career and I joined TROG Cancer Research almost three years ago.

How did TROG begin?

In 1989, seven radiation oncologists in radiation therapy centres in Australia and New Zealand formed a clinical trial group to advance the study of cancers that could be treated with radiation therapy. This core group included Prof Jim Denham from UoN/Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital (now retired). Thanks to Prof Denham, TROG is now an internationally renowned collaborative cancer clinical trials group headquartered from the CMN campus.

What is TROG's business model?

TROG is a not-for-profit cancer collaborative clinical trials group which also boasts deductible gift recipient status. We conduct high quality investigator-initiated clinical trials and largely rely on highly competitive grants to fund our research into radiation medicine treatments. We also provide radiation therapy quality assurance, as well as support to over 1400 members.

TROG has limited funding streams - government grants, fee for service for clinical trial activities, and membership. These sources do not adequately cover business running costs. To continue our research for generations to come we are seeking public donations and alternative funding.

How do you decide what research to perform?

Being a member based organisation we engage with over 1400 multidisciplinary members to develop clinical trial concepts and proposals that will improve outcomes for people affected by cancer. New research ideas go through a constant loop of review, value add and oversight. We seek expert advice from tumour-specific working parties and technology special interest groups who help shape our pipeline of research concepts in conjunction with TROG's scientific committee.

What is the aim of your clinical trials?

To advance the treatment of cancer via the use of radiation medicine. Some of the key goals of our world-class research include testing the efficacy of newer radiation treatments; combining existing radiation treatments with drug therapies such as immunotherapy; and improving safety for patients through advances in targeting tumours and new radiation oncology treatments.

Where are your cancer research trials conducted?

They have been run in more than 200 hospitals and cancer centres in urban hubs and regional centres around the world, including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the US, Asia and Europe.

What trial results have you had that have led to improvements in treatments for cancer patients?

Over the last 32 years over 110 clinical trials involving 14,800 participants across Australia and New Zealand have transformed clinical practice guidelines and routine patient care. For example, TROG has conducted practice-changing research whereby a patient can safely receive a high radiation dose over a shorter treatment course.

How did COVID-19 impact your operations?

It impacted both TROG's operations and financial position, with a reduction in clinical trial activity, staff working from home and reduced income from fundraising and donations. Despite this, we made innovative changes to maintain our critical research and embraced tele-medicine and tele-health, ensuring our trial participants continued to be engaged in a flexible way. We hope to resume fundraising in late 2021.

How vital do you believe is TROG's work?

Having TROG headquartered at the Calvary Mater Hospital has lifted the Hunter's research reputation on a global scale. TROG has collaborated with over 200 hospitals and cancer treatment centres globally and we have an international reputation as a leader in radiation medicine research. Our trial results are reported in the leading oncology journals and at international scientific meetings.

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