Cancer Action Victoria (formerly Cancer Voices Victoria) was first incorporated in 2006. The mission of Cancer Action Victoria is to give a voice to consumers of cancer services who have experienced cancer as patients, carers or caring people.
The purpose of this presentation is to describe a project entitled “Empowering Rural Consumers” that is being funded by Cancer Australia. This project has been developed by consumers and is being led by consumers. The general aim of the project is to empower diverse communities to take an active and meaningful part as consumer representatives on rural committees.
The core objective of the project is to support consumers in rural Victoria by strengthening consumer leadership, building health literacy and supporting rural consumers to be active participants in health service delivery. This project will build, on and strengthen established linkages in rural and local cancer communities.
The presentation will build on the strategies being used to deliver this program, particularly in working with Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, disabled people, and those living in remote communities.
It is expected that, as a result of the project, consumers will be able to take a more active and informed role on committees.