McGrath Foundation welcomes Christine Walterlin as the newest Associate McGrath Breast Care Nurse, based at Goulburn Community Health Centre.
McGrath Breast Care Nurses help people (and their families) affected by breast cancer by providing physical, psychological and emotional support. From the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment, this support is available right across Australia ‘ for free.
As an Associate McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Christine will work closely with Goulburn’s existing McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Sue Perryman, to develop her skills and continue her studies while helping families across the Goulburn and Mulwaree regions.
The McGrath Foundation established the Associate role to enable talented nurses to undertake dedicated learning and professional opportunities, with a clear development path to becoming a fully-qualified McGrath Breast Care Nurse.
Christine is also the first ever recipient of the Becky Barney Breast Care Nursing Scholarship.
The Becky Barney Breast Care Nursing Scholarship honours the memory of Becky Barney, a nurse of 20 years who demonstrated immense strength and positivity through her breast cancer experience. She lived with metastatic breast cancer for 15 years before her passing, and the scholarship was established by her partner to provide for further educational opportunities within the McGrath Breast Care Nurse network. Christine will complete a Graduate Certificate in Breast Care Nursing thanks to the scholarship.
McGrath Foundation CEO, Petra Buchanan is pleased to welcome Christine to the McGrath Foundation family.
‘It is wonderful to see our community working to encourage Associate nurses like Christine, and we’re thrilled that she is the first recipient of the Becky Barney Scholarship,’ Ms Buchanan said.
‘The McGrath Foundation is committed to championing this profession and providing educational and development opportunities to nurses interested in pursuing a career in breast care nursing.’
Christine said she was both proud to be appointed an Association McGrath Breast Care Nurse and honoured to be the first recipient of the Becky Barney Scholarship.
‘Making a difference to families is what motivates me, and I’m very proud that my scholarship is possible because of the care and support McGrath Breast Care Nurses gave to Becky Barney. This is a wonderful opportunity.’
‘I feel like I am able to give hope and reassurance and make my patients and their families feel that they don’t have to do this on their own,’ she said.
As an Associate McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Christine will see her patients alongside Goulburn’s existing McGrath Breast Care Nurse, Sue Perryman. People in the Goulburn and Mulwaree region can access Christine or Sue by emailing susan.perryman@health.nsw.gov.au.
About Christine Walterlin ‘ McGrath Breast Care Nurse based in Goulburn
Christine was motivated to become a McGrath Breast Care Nurse after her son’s best friend lost his mother to metastatic breast cancer.
‘When a colleague approached me and asked me if I was interested in applying to be an Associate McGrath Breast Care Nurse, I thought it was a ‘sign’ I should not dismiss,’ Christine said.
Christine has worked as a registered nurse in Australia since 1995. The education and training opportunities provided as part of her Associate role will enable her to become a fully-qualified McGrath Breast Care Nurse.
