YCS Community of Practice
The National Youth Cancer Service team at Canteen, in partnership with COSA, warmly invites you to join us for the 2026 YCS Community of Practice Meeting, being held at the Mercure Hotel, Sydney on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 August.
This annual gathering brings together YCS staff and AYA champions from across Australia to connect, collaborate and share a collective commitment to delivering optimal care and support for AYAs with cancer.
This year’s theme, When Care is Complex: Innovation, Equity and Humanity, will explore the challenges and opportunities in delivering compassionate, equitable and cutting-edge care. The program will feature engaging case discussions in Acute Lymphocytic Leukaemia, and clinical trials and genomic screening, alongside emerging topics such as the innovative use of AI in cancer care. With a strong multidisciplinary focus, attendees can look forward to a dynamic mix of panel discussions, case studies and presentations that respond to the realities of complex cancer care.
To complement the main program, the national YCS Leadership Group invites YCS staff to take part in an optional co-design workshop on Thursday morning (20 August). This interactive session encourages YCS staff to help shape the new reflective practice program, REFLECT YCS.
Structured reflective practice provides a complementary approach to clinical supervision by creating dedicated time and space for YCS staff to engage with broader dimensions of their work, process complex experiences, and consider strategies for supporting personal wellbeing and service improvement.
The workshop will ensure that this national program considers the diverse professional reflective practice needs of YCS staff working with AYAs, within clinical settings.
Special Interest Groups will also be available for those not attending the optional co-design workshops.
We look forward to welcoming you for two days of connection, insight and shared learning.
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Youth Cancer Service and Canteen acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s First Peoples and sovereign Custodians of this land. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
We are committed to providing inclusive and appropriate support for First Nations young people, their kin and community impacted by cancer.
Ngalaya (Dharawal for ally or friend in battle), is an artwork commissioned by Canteen created by Kamilaroi and Jerrinja woman and artist Jasmine Sarin.
Program
CLICK HERE to download the program
Speakers
Testimonials
Thanks again for such a great event, it was phenomenal!
Anonymous
Loved the level of interaction through inclusion of multiple panel sessions. The scope of sessions was great, covering a diverse range of issues in AYA care.
Anonymous
Amazingly well organised!
Anonymous
FAQs
What is the purpose of the Meeting?
The YCS Community of Practice Meeting aims to strengthen workforce capability and support optimal AYA cancer care by fostering skill and knowledge exchanges, facilitating best practice discussions, and promoting engagement with current research. It seeks to connect YCS staff and AYA champions nationally to enable collaboration, shared learning, and coordinated approaches that improve care and outcomes for AYAs with cancer.
Is it free to attend the Meeting?
Yes, it is complimentary to attend. Travel, meals and accommodation are covered for all YCS staff and selected non-YCS staff.
Who can attend the Meeting?
The Meeting will be open to all YCS staff and selected non-YCS staff.
Who do I contact if I have any questions about the Meeting?
Questions about the program?
Please contact Louise Reynolds from the YCS National Team louise.reynolds@canteen.org.au.
Questions about the venue, catering, transport, travel, accommodation or technical support?
Please contact Isabella Mee from Alignment Event Solutions on isabella@alignmentevents.com.au.
When and where is the Meeting being held?
The Meeting is being held in person at the Mercure Hotel, Sydney from 20 - 21 August 2026.
The Youth Cancer Service is the only national initiative dedicated to providing expert treatment and support to young people with cancer aged 15 - 25 in Australia.
FORUM MANAGERS
Alignment Event Solutions E: isabella@alignmentevents.com.au W: www.alignmentevents.com.au P: +61 2 9371 1893