Our Team

  • Photo of Verity Hawkins
    Verity Hawkins
    Chief Executive Officer
    Verity was appointed Chief Executive Officer in October 2021 and brings over 25 years’ experience to her role. Prior to joining Cancer Council ACT, she led non-profit organisations, and ran social impact and transformational change projects in organisations including Lifeline, YWCA Australia, and HSBC Bank.
    Verity has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Sydney, post-graduate qualifications from Macquarie Business School, and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She served on the board of UN Women Australia for six years and is currently a board member of Canberra Art Biennial and Canberra Glassworks.
  • Photo of Mark Ginswick
    Mark Ginswick
    Chief Operating Officer
    Mark has worked in public service for almost 20 years and joined Cancer Council ACT so he can continue to support the community. With experience in corporate and client services, systems and processes, both in Australia and overseas, Mark brings a new perspective to the organisation. As the Chief Operating Officer, works closely with the CEO, Mark leads the organisation’s HR and Corporate Services as well as overseeing the governance framework. Mark also manages the Client Services Team, striving to meet gaps in community needs through implementing new cancer support programs.
  • Photo of Suzanne Barnes
    Suzanne Barnes
    Office Manager and Executive Assistant
    Suzanne brings over 20 years of experience in supporting teams with her charming professional manner and exceptional communication. Suzanne works with the whole team to provide support that ensures the smooth running of the Cancer Council ACT office so that client-facing staff can focus on engaging with clients as much as possible. Suzanne also supports our CEO, enabling her to spend time on activities that make a long-term difference to people’s lives.
  • Photo of Pat Wynn
    Pat Wynn
    Finance Manager
    Pat brings over 20 years of experience in finance to Cancer Council ACT, having joined the team part-time in 2022 and increasing her capacity in 2023. Pat looks after financial management, analysis and reporting required to support and position Cancer Council ACT for future growth.
  • Photo of Anna Collins
    Anna Collins
    Fundraising and Marketing Manager
    Anna is an experienced fundraising and marketing professional with a diverse background in both local and international stakeholder management. Prior to joining Cancer Council ACT, Anna served as the Fundraising Manager at Pegasus Riding for the Disabled in Canberra where she excelled in fundraising, marketing and stakeholder relations. With a background as an actuary at Mercer, Anna brings strong attention to detail and expertise in financial reports and business development. In her role, Anna ensures all donors feel part of our community, connecting people with opportunities to advance our fight against cancer.
  • Photo of Martha Ziita Siima
    Martha Ziita Siima
    Media and Communications Coordinator
    Martha is a passionate professional dedicated to bridging cultures and fostering community engagement to enhance Cancer Council ACT's impact. With creativity and a collaborative spirit, Martha's responsibilities include managing our social media channels, website content, newsletters, supporting fundraising campaigns, coordinating media relations, and national health campaign promotions across all marketing channels.
  • Photo of Jannah Sani
    Jannah Sani
    Senior Campaigns Coordinator
    Jannah has brought her experiences in management in hospitality and entertainment in Canberra to the Fundraising and Marketing team at Cancer Council ACT. As the Events Coordinator, Jannah is looking after major campaign events such as Relay For Life and Daffodil Day, supporting both the logistics and participants to ensure these campaigns are successful.
  • Photo of Amy Cousins
    Amy Cousins
    Fundraising and Marketing Assistant (currently on parental leave)
    Amy brings her experience in Media Communication and Digital Marketing to the Fundraising and Marketing Team at Cancer Council ACT. As Fundraising and Marketing Assistant, Amy supports the delivery and execution for all major fundraising events at Cancer Council ACT. She also manages the ‘Do it For Cancer’ Program, coordinating and supporting volunteers through their generous fundraising efforts. She is passionate about supporting the delivery of all Cancer Council ACT’s prevention programs and wants to ensure that donors know how integral they are in advancing our fight against cancer.
  • Photo of Jordan Grieve (parental leave cover)
    Jordan Grieve (parental leave cover)
    Fundraising and Marketing Coordinator
    Jordan brings her experience in Digital Marketing and Psychology to the Fundraising and Marketing Team at Cancer Council ACT. As the Fundraising and Marketing Coordinator, Jordan supports the delivery and execution for all major fundraising events at Cancer Council ACT. She also manages the ‘Do it For Cancer’ Program, coordinating and supporting volunteers through their generous fundraising efforts.
  • Photo of Mary Harrison
    Mary Harrison
    Cancer Support Coordinator - Information, Community Outreach
    Mary has worked as a nurse for over 30 years, with experience across oncology, chemotherapy, and palliative care. She has also been involved in several volunteer roles across special needs and community programs. As a Cancer Support Coordinator for Cancer Council ACT Mary provides support, information, and education to the community for cancer patients, their families and friends, medical professionals, and the public. Mary also manages the Wig Service and provides support to the prevention team when required.
  • Photo of Ash Saxena
    Ash Saxena
    Client Services Coordinator
    Ash is a multifaceted professional with a strong background in both film production and nutrition. He also holds a Master's in Nutrition and Dietetics and works as a private practice dietitian focusing on chronic health conditions such as diabetes, weight management, cardiovascular disease and nutritional support for people living with cancer. In the role of Client Services Coordinator, Ash supports the delivery of our Wellbeing programs including Coffee Catch Up, Yoga and Walks n Talks. He also helps manage the Wig Service and provides information, education, and support to cancer patients and their families.
  • Photo of Alex Dreyer
    Alex Dreyer
    Team Leader - Prevention
    Alex joins our team from Cancer Council Western Australia where he delivered the adult and child nutrition programs. Alex was an Accredited Practising Dietitian for five years prior to joining Cancer Council in 2021. He has a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and Master of Dietetics as well as experience in prevention services in community outreach scenarios. Alex supports the delivery of Cancer Council ACT’s prevention programs - SunSmart and Tobacco Cessation - to schools, workplaces and across the community through education and individual sessions.
  • Photo of Sophie Dyson
    Sophie Dyson
    Program Lead - Prevention
    Sophie plays a pivotal role as a Prevention Officer at Cancer Council ACT where she leverages her extensive public health experience to lead initiatives in UV Protection and Tobacco/Vaping Cessation. Her primary responsibility involves developing and implementing targeted prevention programs aimed at educating and training community members most frequently in early learning centers, schools, workplaces and community service organizations. Sophie ensures that individuals are equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their health behaviors and proactive strategies to reduce cancer incidence.
  • Photo of Hannah Thurm
    Hannah Thurm
    Cancer Support Coordinator - Prevention
    Hannah brings fresh enthusiasm to our team as a recent graduate with a Master of Dietetics and a Bachelor of Nutrition Science. While at university, she gained valuable experience treating both children and adults with cancer in hospital settings. At Cancer Council ACT, Hannah is combining her passion for nutrition, health and cancer prevention to advocate for healthy lifestyle choices and promoting regular screenings to catch potential issues early. Her expertise will be instrumental in delivering our prevention programs focusing on tobacco and e-cigarette cessation in schools and sporting clubs with the aim of preventing cancer incidences in young Canberrans.
  • Photo of Nellie Shi
    Nellie Shi
    Cancer Support Coordinator - Prevention
    Nellie brings a strong public health background to the Prevention team at the Cancer Council ACT. With a Master of Public Health and extensive experience in health promotion and community engagement, she is dedicated to advancing health equity across the territory. Nellie's passion for adolescent health and well-being plays a valuable role in supporting the development and delivery of the organisation's prevention programs aimed at promoting healthier communities and reducing cancer risk.
  • Photo of Rebecca Sargent
    Rebecca Sargent
    Cancer Support Coordinator - Prevention
    Rebecca brings a wealth of experience from her time at Questacon, where she performed interactive science shows and facilitated workshops. Her academic background and volunteer efforts have focused on engaging meaningfully with vulnerable and marginalized communities to improve health outcomes. In her role at Cancer Council ACT, she is passionate about reducing the burden of cancer and addressing disparities through collaborative community initiatives.
  • Photo of LaDonne Pallanck
    LaDonne Pallanck
    Salesforce Administrator
    LaDonne brings her experience in technology enablement across a wide range of industries to the Fundraising and Marketing team at Cancer Council ACT. With a background in consulting and 10+ Salesforce implementations under her belt, LaDonne uses her unique perspective to help maintain, improve, and provide best practice insights for Cancer Council ACT's Salesforce instance.
  • Photo of Kate Tweedie
    Kate Tweedie
    Receptionist and Office Assistant
    Kate has been providing administrative and customer-related support across a broad range of professional environments for 20 years. As the first point of contact for Cancer Council ACT, Kate strives to be a warm and welcoming presence for our clients and feels the best way she can serve her community is with a friendly face and a helping hand.
  • Photo of Callum Duncan-Keen
    Callum Duncan-Keen
    Receptionist and Office Assistant
    Callum is an undergraduate biomedical science student who provides administrative and reception support across all teams at Cancer Council ACT. As the first point of contact, his friendly and professional demeanor ensures visitors and clients have their needs met promptly and effectively, contributing to seamless operations at our Deakin offices.

Photos by Hilary Wardaugh.