New scholarship funds regional cancer care roles

Australia's largest dedicated private cancer care provider has launched a new scholarship program to support trainee radiation therapists while developing oncology services for regional communities.

Icon Cancer Centre is offering final-year graduate students up to $30,000 in financial support in return for a three-year commitment to work at one of its regional sites.

The five scholarships will fund a position at each of Icon's locations in Cairns, Hobart, Mildura, Toowoomba, and Warrnambool.

Brock Ditton, now Site Manager at Icon Cancer Centre Cairns, began his healthcare career through another of the group's scholarship programs.

"I was fortunate to be a bonded scholar myself, an opportunity that connected me with cancer care services in North Queensland and shaped the direction of my career," he said.

Brock Dutton has been Site Manager at Icon Cancer Centres in Mackay and now Cairns

"Working in regional cancer care has provided me with a broad clinical exposure, accelerated my development, and has given me the privilege of making a real difference in the lives of patients and their families."

The program allows students to fast-track their career in cancer care by gaining hands-on experience in a supportive, state-of-the-art centre, as part of a growing global organisation – Icon Group has 43 sites in Australia plus business interests in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, China, Singapore and Malaysia.

"Working in these centres allows radiation therapists to fast-track their careers, gaining broad exposure across planning, treatment, and patient care while being supported by the latest technologies and close-knit teams," said Mr Ditton, who also helped to establish and lead Mackay's first radiation oncology service.

"This scholarship provides students with the same opportunity I had: a supported pathway into regional practice, financial assistance during their studies, and the chance to deliver world-class care where it's needed most."

Paul Fenton, CEO of Icon Cancer Centre Australia and New Zealand, said the program was an important pillar supporting the country's future cancer care workforce.

"Radiation therapy is such an important part of modern cancer treatment. In fact, around half of all new cancer patients will benefit from radiation therapy," he said.

"Our highly-skilled radiation therapists do incredible work: from carefully mapping and planning treatment, to operating advanced technology and delivering it directly to patients. Just as importantly, they provide vital support and reassurance, walking alongside patients during one of the toughest times in their lives."

"As demand for cancer care grows, we face a pressing need for more radiation therapists across the country, particularly in regional communities where access to treatment can be limited. This scholarship program is designed to address that need by supporting the next generation of allied health professionals to build rewarding careers in the field."

Applications for the scholarship close on Friday 10 October 2025.

For more information, please visit Icon's program hub.

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