We want to hear from you to improve our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is on a journey to better understand and serve everyone affected by breast cancer in this country – and we know we have more work to do.
We heard through our Member Experience Survey that we were not doing enough to reach some populations and communities – and when we did, the experience of these people in accessing our information and support didn’t always feel culturally relevant and inclusive.
Right now, we are developing a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy. This strategy will shape how we design our services, how we communicate, who we reach, and how we show up for our members.
We know that this strategy must be designed with the voices of diverse lived experience. That is why we are inviting you to take part in a consumer consultation session. These sessions are being facilitated by MindTribes, a specialist diversity and inclusion consultancy with deep experience working with culturally diverse, First Nations, LGBTIQ+, and other communities navigating complex health systems. We recognise that many people hold multiple identities and experiences. You are welcome to express your interest in participating in more than one consultation group when registering, however you will only be selected for one session.
What the session involves:
The session will run for approximately 60 minutes online. You will join a small group of up to 20 people with shared backgrounds or experiences. The facilitator will guide the conversation in two parts:
Lived experience sharing – if you would like to, you can reflect on your own experiences of accessing BCNA services, breast cancer support more broadly, or navigating the health system as someone from your community. You are always in control of what and how much you share.
Guided consultation – the facilitator will also ask questions about what would make services like BCNA’s more accessible, more respectful, and more responsive to your community’s needs.
Discussions may include experiences of diagnosis, treatment, living with metastatic disease, survivorship, caring responsibilities, accessing support, and navigating the health system.
People living with breast cancer, including metastatic breast cancer, people previously diagnosed with breast cancer, carers, family members and supporters are all welcome to participate.
Representatives from community organisations relevant to each priority population group may also attend for part of the session to provide input on sector activities and actions that are currently underway and to help improve the depth of consultation.
How your safety is protected:
We understand that sharing personal experiences – particularly around health, identity, or cultural background – requires trust. These sessions have been carefully designed to be safe, respectful, and culturally responsive:
- Sessions are facilitated by experienced external consultants from MindTribes, who are trained in culturally safe, trauma–informed and inclusive practice.
- No names, identifying details, or personal health information will be recorded.
- Everything shared in the session is confidential. Insights are collected as de–identified themes only.
- You can withdraw at any time, for any reason.
- There are no right or wrong answers. Your experiences and perspectives are valid exactly as they are.
For some communities, talking about cancer, health, or personal experience in a group setting may feel unfamiliar. MindTribes’ process involves encouraging each voice and contribution with care and safety by creating boundaries, good pacing and redirection techniques that are trauma–informed.
We know that in many communities, talking openly about cancer – or about personal health and vulnerability – is not always easy or familiar. To give you confidence, our facilitators are from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities have 10–20 years of listening and consultation experience with racially and ethnically diverse communities.
How to join:
Sessions run between the end of July and early August.
To register, please complete this form by July 21st, 2026:
Can't attend or would prefer to contribute another way?
We understand that group discussions may not feel comfortable or accessible for everyone. Some people may prefer to share their experiences privately, have concerns about confidentiality, or be unable to attend one of the scheduled sessions.
If you would still like to contribute to BCNA's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategy, we invite you to share your feedback through a separate online form. Responses will be reviewed alongside consultation insights to help inform the strategy.
Whether you participate in a consultation session, provide written feedback, or both, we welcome and value your perspective.
If you have questions before registering, or if you’d prefer to speak with someone first, please reach out to us at:
We are genuinely grateful for your time, and we are committed to making sure your voice shapes what BCNA does next.