Grants Awarded to Boost Cervical Screening in Hunter New England Priority Communities

newy.com.au – More than $470,000 in NSW Government grants will be distributed to organisations in the Hunter New England region to boost cervical screening rates among under-screened populations. The funding forms part of $1.6 million in Cervical Screening Community Engagement Grants awarded statewide by the Cancer Institute NSW in 2025.

Armajun Aboriginal Health Service, Awabakal Medical Service and the University of Newcastle are among 11 recipients. The grants will support initiatives aimed at improving access for Aboriginal communities, LGBTQ+ people and other priority groups through culturally appropriate education, staff training and tailored outreach programs.

Armajun Aboriginal Health Service has been allocated $120,000 to encourage self-collection and deliver training and education for female Aboriginal health workers. Awabakal Medical Service will receive $177,000 to expand screening capacity through enhanced training for registered nurses and Aboriginal health practitioners, along with outreach consumer education. The University of Newcastle will use its $177,000 grant to study the screening experiences and preferences of LGBTQ+ people and co-create inclusive health promotion materials.

Cervical cancer is largely preventable, yet more than 70 per cent of cases occur in people who have never been screened or are overdue for testing. A Cervical Screening Test is recommended every five years for eligible people aged 25 to 74 who have been sexually active. The test detects human papillomavirus (HPV), the cause of most cervical cancers, and can be performed by a healthcare provider or through self-collection at a medical centre or at home.

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp said the funding recognises the importance of community-led solutions. “By investing in community-led initiatives, we are also investing in a healthier and more equitable NSW,” he said. “Awabakal are a trusted medical service provider and this grant will improve their capacity to offer cervical screening and make the process more accessible and less daunting for our local First Nations community.”

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery emphasised the importance of early detection. “The University of Newcastle’s research on the experiences of LGBTQ+ people and co-creating health promotion materials will help us better address the barriers they may face and empower them to take control of their health,” she said. “Screening may be a confronting experience for some, but the alternative is far worse. I urge everyone to get tested and reduce their risk.”