Methods:
The VICS Survivorship Grants Program was established to support rapid implementation of established survivorship models of care rather than new service development. Following a statewide environmental scan, health services were invited to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) in partnership with their local Integrated Cancer Services (ICS), ensuring alignment with existing models identified.
Two seed funding streams were available: “quick wins” (up to $10,000) for smaller initiatives such as workforce capability building, and “medium-effort” projects (up to $25,000) for more complex initiatives. Medium-effort projects required executive endorsement, consumer co-design, ICS support, and delivery within 12 months. Projects requiring additional support progressed to a Full Funding Application (FFA), assessed against predefined criteria including feasibility, sustainability, evaluation planning, partnerships, and value for money. A total of $320,000 was invested.
Results:
Funded projects were deliberately aligned with gaps and opportunities identified through the environmental scan, including strengthening nurse-led models, expanding allied health–led services, enhancing digital survivorship resources, and formalising discharge pathways. Fourteen projects received seed funding, with all scheduled for completion by October 2026. Initiatives include 4 adolescent and young adult (AYA) information provision, nutrition-focused survivorship package, implementations or improvements of 3 allied health-led clinics and 5 nurse-led clinics, and evaluation of nurse-led breast and lung clinics. Additional initiatives include a registry-driven colorectal surveillance model and testing the feasibility of a discharge pathway. Further 3 projects were supported through local ICS operational funds, utilising the same approach. Collectively, these initiatives represent a shift from mapping services to embedding structured, sustainable survivorship care.
Conclusion:
The VICS Survivorship Program demonstrates a coordinated, system-wide approach to scaling proven models of care, strengthening sustainability, and improving access to survivorship services across Victoria.