Cancer Council Queensland boosts telehealth & security with cloud
Cancer Council Queensland has implemented a new cloud, cyber and network solution in partnership with Macquarie Telecom that is allowing the not-for-profit organisation to allocate more resources to cancer support services across the state.
Through this technology investment, Cancer Council Queensland is streamlining its IT infrastructure, reducing operational costs, and expanding telehealth services for regional and remote communities without diverting resources from its core cancer support and research activities.
Macquarie Telecom has delivered a secure IT environment that now connects Cancer Council Queensland's six state-wide locations under a consolidated network. The new setup also creates a foundation to support future advancements, including the use of artificial intelligence in patient care, detection, and prevention activities.
Security and resilience
With the handling of sensitive health data and the necessity for robust cyber defences, cybersecurity was a significant factor in the project. Macquarie Telecom addressed these needs by deploying a Security Operations Centre (SOC) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) capabilities, further strengthened by Extended Detection and Response (XDR). The rollout of these services was completed within six weeks, providing immediate improvements to Cancer Council Queensland's cybersecurity posture and operational resilience.
The partnership also sees Macquarie Telecom providing a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) enhanced with a secure access service edge (SASE) overlay. Additional services include Microsoft Azure cloud, integrated data networks, as well as voice and mobile solutions, which combine to support both remote and hybrid work settings for staff.
Supporting frontline work
"As a non-profit, every dollar counts. We needed a partner to provide a stable IT environment and enable us to innovate in a highly competitive and rapidly changing IT landscape, without adding unnecessary costs or complexity. Macquarie Telecom's ability to rapidly deliver advanced cybersecurity, a secure network, and cloud capabilities has been game changing. Most importantly, it allows us to concentrate our resources on the work that matters most - supporting those impacted by cancer."
This statement from Shane Sullivan, Chief Financial Officer for Cancer Council Queensland, highlights the importance of reducing unnecessary expenditure on technology, enabling the organisation to increase its commitment to research and patient support while keeping additional staffing to a minimum.
The new IT foundation is integrated across the organisation, supporting seamless internal communication and maintaining the quality and security of stored data. By consolidating various technology services with a single provider, Cancer Council Queensland has simplified its operations and reduced costs.
Reaching regional communities
An important outcome of this transformation is the expansion of telehealth and digital support services. With the new capabilities in place, Cancer Council Queensland can offer more remote consultations and health resources to patients and families in rural and regional areas, helping address disparities in healthcare access between urban and non-metropolitan communities.
This expansion is expected to support ongoing efforts to close gaps in cancer care and support throughout Queensland.
Sector implications
"We're proud to stand alongside Cancer Council Queensland, helping the organisation to secure its systems and provide seamless connectivity so its focus can remain on continuing the amazing work it has done for more than 60 years," said Luke Clifton, Group Executive for Macquarie Telecom.
Clifton underscored the broader significance of these types of partnerships within the not-for-profit sector, which often confronts both tight budgets and heightened requirements for security and digital infrastructure.
"This partnership also reflects our growing strength in the not-for-profit sector, where organisations face tight budgets but still need the highest levels of data protection, connectivity, and digital innovation. For too long, many not-for-profits have believed only the big telcos could provide these solutions, which has led to huge underservicing, overcharging, and frankly digital neglect for this vital sector. This agreement shows that doesn't have to be the reality."
Macquarie Telecom's provision consolidates connectivity, communications, cloud, and security services into a single, cloud-enabled platform. This approach enables Cancer Council Queensland to maintain a secure and stable foundation to support future digital initiatives and scale service delivery in line with its mission.
The agreement between Cancer Council Queensland and Macquarie Telecom marks the beginning of further planned digital transformation to improve cancer services and explore new technological approaches to prevention and care.
