Changemakers - Maxine Morand

Maxine Morand, chief executive of Breast Cancer Network Australia, is profiled in Changemakers – a regular column which examines inspiring people and their careers in the Not for Profit sector.

BCNA is the peak national organisation for Australians affected by breast cancer, and consists of a network of more than 67,000 individual members and 287 Member Groups. More than 90 per cent of our members have had a diagnosis of breast cancer, and the remaining members have had a personal experience with breast cancer through a family member or friend.

What was your first job in the Not For Profit sector?

I worked in the Centre for Behavioural Research at the Cancer Council of Victoria. I was originally appointed as a data analyst and worked in a team evaluating the Quit program. Later I was involved in a range of qualitative and quantitative research projects including in melanoma detection and led a project identifying the needs of newly diagnosed cancer patients. Cancer Council Victoria was a great organisation to work in as they do a really interesting range of work in cancer detection, prevention and treatment.

What do you like best about working in your organisation?

Being part of a network of women with a shared experience of breast cancer is very rewarding. I get to meet and speak with women all over Australia who have been affected by breast cancer and hear directly from them about their experience. We are able to provide a range of resources and information which is a really important part of managing a diagnosis of breast cancer and then the long term needs of these women. It is also great to be working with fabulous women who are really passionate about their jobs and care deeply about our members. I also get to work with amazing and generous volunteers, sponsors and fundraisers who allow us to do the work we do.

If you could have dinner with 2 people from history, who would they be?

Mary (Ronnie) Macken, my maternal grandmother. I would love to gain more insight into women’s lives at the turn of the last century and the challenges they must have faced.

Ivy Weber. The first woman elected to the Parliament of Victoria at a general election. Elected in 1937, I would be fascinated to hear how she managed to get elected and stay sane as the only female MP in the Victorian Parliament!

Favourite saying…

“Says who”

Is what is I say when someone says to me ‘you can’t do that’ or ‘you can’t say that’

I am always being asked…

Do you miss politics? My answer is I loved my eight years in Parliament and the incredible opportunity and privilege to serve in Cabinet for 3 years. I do miss many of the people and the amazing opportunity to assist people and make fundamental and tangible change for the better, but there is much about the adversarial and unnecessary meanness of politics that I don’t miss. Plus I am enjoying my new role in the Not for Profit sector!