Our story
Built from lived experience — for the people walking it now.
LiveWorkCancer exists because the gap between what people need and what is available — when cancer and work collide — is real, and it leaves too many navigating it alone.
A note from our founder
I started LiveWorkCancer because I’d been there.
(Placeholder — Sue’s full personal story to drop in here.) A short extract from Sue’s Spot Talk lives below as the video. The longer-form personal story she’s working on will sit here — covering the moment that prompted LiveWorkCancer, what she learned navigating cancer and work herself, and why this work matters so much to her.
What we built came from the recognition that I wasn’t the only one. Most people with cancer want to keep working in some way. Most workplaces want to do the right thing. The gap isn’t intent — it’s the practical guidance, the human conversations, and the support to bridge what people need with what workplaces can offer.
Everything we do at LiveWorkCancer is built around that bridge.
Sue’s Spot Talk · 4 minutes
Hear it in Sue’s own words.
Our purpose
Bridging the gap between what people need and what is available.
We provide practical, personalised support to people affected by cancer and their carers — and help workplaces respond with clarity and confidence.
Because supporting people through cancer at work isn’t a niche issue. It’s an everyday reality affecting working-age Australians, their families, their colleagues and their workplaces — and the support shouldn’t have to come at the cost of finding it.
Because cancer should not cost anyone their work, their confidence, or their future.
What we believe
Practical. Personalised. Grounded in lived experience.
Three commitments that shape every conversation and every program we run.
Every experience is unique
There is no “standard” cancer journey — and no standard work journey. We meet people where they are, in the situation they’re in, and tailor support from there.
Work is more than income
Work provides stability, dignity, identity, routine and social connection during a time of significant disruption. Protecting that matters — for the person, and for the workplace.
Workplaces can — and should — be part of the answer
Supporting employees affected by cancer is a workplace, leadership and business responsibility. When workplaces respond well, the benefits are real and lasting.
How we got here
A short history of LiveWorkCancer.
2023
LiveWorkCancer is founded.
Sue Woodall launches LiveWorkCancer to bridge the gap between cancer experience and workplace support, building on her own lived experience and decades in coaching, leadership and people development.
2024
First Work–Cancer Network groups.
The first peer-network groups form — Women, Men, Inclusive, Metastatic and Carers — creating a safe space for people to share experiences and explore practical ways to manage work and change.
2025
CancerKind® workplace accreditation launches.
The first cohort of workplaces begin a pathway towards CancerKind® accreditation, with practical training, manager coaching and advisory wrapped around it.
2026
Scaling national reach.
96 people supported across Australia and growing — with focus on extending reach into VIC, QLD, SA and regional communities, and strengthening evidence for better work and income outcomes.
Board & governance
The people behind LiveWorkCancer.
LiveWorkCancer is led by a Board of Directors and supported by a Strategic Advisory Group and a network of Champions, who bring together expertise across business, health, HR, leadership and lived experience.
Founder & Director
Sue Woodall
Sue founded LiveWorkCancer to bridge the gap between the lived experience of cancer and the practical realities of work. Drawing on her own experience and decades in executive coaching, leadership and people development, Sue leads the organisation’s purpose, strategy and clinical-grade approach to support.
Board of Directors
Maria Newport
Director
Tim Roche
Director
Sue Woodall
Founder & Director
Strategic Advisory Group
Phil Gardner
Strategic Advisor
Kim Hobbs AM
Strategic Advisor
Sue Cook
Strategic Advisor
Anushka Methananda
Strategic Advisor
Elysia Thornton-Benko
Strategic Advisor
Felicity Ford
Strategic Advisor
Champions
Bridget Barrett
Champion
Faith Entwisle
Champion
Alison Jones
Champion
Liz Trajkovska
Champion
Monique Ward
Champion
Fiona McKenzie
Champion
Acknowledgements
I am deeply grateful for the support and guidance provided by the following individuals, whose encouragement and expertise have been instrumental in shaping LiveWorkCancer.
I look forward to continuing this journey with their support, and the support of many others who share our vision for positive change. Together, we strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by cancer in the workplace.
With gratitude,Sue
My Advisory Group
Strategic Advisory Group
An extraordinary group of people who not only guide me but also energise and remind me of the importance of my own self-care as I establish LiveWorkCancer to support the needs of those experiencing the challenges of cancer and work.
Professor John Boyages AM
Champion
Your ongoing encouragement and commitment to making a difference in the lives of those diagnosed with cancer have been both inspiring and invaluable.
Dr Katharine Hodgkinson
Champion
Your dedication to this cause and your unwavering support have been a driving force behind our mission to improve the lives of individuals facing the challenges of cancer.
Clinical Professor Gavin Marx
Champion
Your expertise and commitment to enhancing the wellbeing of those navigating work and cancer have been a constant source of inspiration.
Mr Philip Gardner
Strategic Advisor
Your visionary leadership, invaluable insights and relentless encouragement have played a pivotal role in establishing LiveWorkCancer, which aims to empower both employers and employees to achieve enduring work participation while navigating the complexities of cancer.
Kelley Mirabello
Founding contributor
Your insight, leadership, practical support and encouragement have made a meaningful contribution to the development of LiveWorkCancer. From shaping our vision and strategy to establishing the Strategic Advisory Group and HR Roundtables, your contribution has helped strengthen the organisation and support our transition to becoming a registered charity.
Work provides more than income. It offers stability, dignity, identity, routine and social connection during a time of significant disruption.
Our founding belief
If our story resonates, there are many ways to walk alongside us.
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Get in touch
Have a question, or want to chat about your situation?
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