Information for young people

Established in 2010, the purpose of YCAB is to provide advice and guidance to the ONTrac at Peter Mac Victorian AYA Cancer Service, the Victorian Government and the broader health and community sectors on:

• models of cancer care, services and referral pathways for young people in Victoria and Tasmania
• the environments in which young people are treated 
• strategies to support clinicians and the broader health workforce in addressing the needs of AYA with cancer 
• research relating to young people affected by cancer 

The Board’s activities are a combination of healthcare sector-driven initiatives (i.e. those seeking YCAB’s advice and guidance in areas such as those listed above) and youth-led initiatives (i.e. those identified by YCAB and in consultation with other young people as being of priority and importance). YCAB’s current vision and mission as determined by members is “To improve the lives of young people and their families who are affected by cancer.” 

YCAB is comprised of 12 young people who were diagnosed with cancer between 15 and 25 years of age. Members currently reside in Victoria or Tasmania but may have been treated elsewhere. They are appointed for a 3-year term.

As the Board aims to serve as the collective voice of AYA with cancer, it seeks to be broadly representative of the diversity of young people and treatment experiences in terms of age, gender identity, cultural background, diagnosis, location of care, area of residence and other attributes. Recruitment of new Board members occurs mid-year and/or end of year depending on vacancies, though young people are invited to register their interest anytime via the link below. Applicants are eligible to join YCAB up until their 26th birthday. 

YCAB is governed by Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Peter Mac) and reports to the ONTrac at Peter Mac Victorian AYA Cancer Service, who in turn reports to the Victorian Department of Health. YCAB also holds a seat on the state-wide Adolescent and Young Adult Advisory Committee.

The Board meets 6 times per year both remotely and in person in the Youth Cancer Centre at Peter Mac in Melbourne, alternating between 2-hour weeknight meetings and 5-hour Saturday meetings.

Board sub-committees may be established as required and may involve attendance at additional meetings. Between-meeting communication is via email and the YCAB Facebook page. Members also have access to a Google Drive as an archival tool for all YCAB documents.

YCAB is led by two members who serve as Co-Chairs, with support from the ONTrac at Peter Mac Youth Participation Coordinator and Facilitators. Co-Chairs share equal responsibility for Board operation and ideally serve for a 2-year term, with eligibility following a minimum of one year as a YCAB member. 

Members of YCAB undertake to:

• Represent young people affected by cancer in Victoria and Tasmania
• Provide advice about AYA oncology/issues/services with the support of the ONTrac at Peter Mac Victorian AYA Cancer Service
• Read all correspondence prior to meetings
• Communicate via email and/or YCAB Facebook group in between meetings as required
• Maintain confidentiality of member information, meeting content and documents circulated and seek permission prior to engaging in discussions with other agencies throughout the term of membership
• Notify Co-chairs and the ONTrac at Peter Mac AYA Cancer Service of any requests for media correspondence or interaction with stakeholders before official business takes place
• Act in the best interest of the Board by upholding the values and culture as agreed by the Board in situations where one’s actions will reflect on the Board
• Represent the views of the Board rather than the individual when acting on behalf of the Board, and disclose any relevant engagements/activities external to the Board to establish one’s representation in these engagements/activities as an individual rather than a Board representative, unless explicit endorsement from the Board has been provided 
• Attend all meetings and provide apologies if not attending as early as possible
• Adhere to the Board’s Terms of Reference and Operational Guidelines

The ONTrac at Peter Mac Victorian AYA Cancer Service undertakes to:

• Provide administration support for preparing meeting agendas and minutes
• Assist in facilitation of meetings
• Provide education, training and mentoring to YCAB to enable them to fulfil their roles as advocates and members
• Arrange and finance travel, venues, accommodation and food to ensure that there are no out-of-pocket expenses incurred by members of the Board
• Ensure consistent communication between the Board, Peter Mac and the Victorian Department of Health
• Disseminate all communications as appropriate and provide additional support as required

It is every YCAB and ONTrac at Peter Mac staff member’s responsibility to contribute to an environment where everyone feels safe, supported, included and respected.