Cancer clinical trials recognised at state awards

The Cancer Clinical Trials teams across the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network (SCHN) are dedicated to helping children and young people live their healthiest lives, accessing innovative cancer treatments and care.

In recognition of their distinguished contribution to paediatric oncology, the teams received the Outstanding Cancer Clinical Trials Unit award at the 2022 Premier’s Awards for Outstanding Cancer Research.

The Kids Cancer Centre and Cancer Centre for Children are among the largest paediatric cancer centres in Australia, with the prestigious award a significant acknowledgement of our staff’s commitment to the field and families in our care.

This accolade honours the strenuous efforts involved in overseeing and guiding the implementation of a broad range of clinical trials, making these accessible for children with cancer across the state.

In addition, it recognises the alignment of their work with the goals and principles of the NSW Cancer Plan to reduce inequity and incidence of cancer, increase survival rates, and enhance patients’ quality of life.

Dr Draga Barbaric, Paediatric Oncologist at Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, and Anthea Ng, Clinical Research Manager, from The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, were presented with the awards at the ceremony held at Doltone House.

The Premier’s Awards for Outstanding Cancer Research honour the achievements and innovation of researchers from across the state, such as those at our Network, whose work has had a significant impact on cancer treatment, prevention strategies, clinical trials, and research.

Professor Tracey O’Brien, NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, said the awards are an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate excellence in cancer research across the state.

“NSW has the best cancer survival rates in the world. Our excellence in cancer research is a key reason for these outstanding outcomes,” Professor O’Brien said.

“The incredible work of [these] dedicated researchers is vital to helping prevent and treat cancers, as well as lessen the impact of the disease on patients and their loved ones.”

Congratulations to the teams at the Kids Cancer Centre and Cancer Centre for Children on this achievement, this recognition is truly deserved.