The new position will be 0.8FTE based at the North West Cancer Centre, where the announcement was made, with funding already in place to support the role for at least three years.

“We were hoping to announce the role during the country music festival but unfortunately things didn’t go as we would have liked but the fact that we are back here now with funding in place for a nurse is something I am very very proud of,” Mr McGrath said.

“It is great to have the support from the health service here and the support from the local community has been absolutely incredible.” 

Hunter New England Health’s Executive Director Susan Heyman echoed those sentiments as she welcomed the news of a breast care nurse to the service, just weeks after announcing a new director of oncology at the centre.

“The new role will join our nurses, one in Moree and one in Armidale,” Ms Heyman said.

“So we have a multi-disciplinary team here that will service the whole north west region and the McGrath Nurse will be a very, very welcome addition to that team – an enhancement to our services.”

While the contracts were only finalised late last week it is expected that the new role will be advertised shortly and Ms Heyman is expecting a strong response in the form of applicants.

“It will be advertised locally and nationally as well, and I would hope that we would attract someone quite readily to the position,” Ms Heyman said.

“I think we have some people locally that would be able to do the job.” 

McGrath Foundation CEO Petra Buchanan said that the three-year commitment to funding the role is more than $300,000, which will be sourced solely through donations to the charity.

“I know there has been a lot of conversations in Tamworth about this position and it mirrors our commitment and our knowledge that there is a need in this community,” Ms Buchanan said.

“We do not put on a nurse unless we can ensure continued and sustainable funding at least over three years and very proudly we have never not been able to renew a contract.”