The NSW Government has awarded more than $470,000 in Cervical Screening Community Engagement Grants to organisations across Hunter New England to improve screening rates in priority populations.
Armajun Aboriginal Service is among 11 recipients of the $1.6 million Cervical Screening Community Engagement Grants awarded by the Cancer Institute NSW in 2025.
“Cervical cancer claims the lives of hundreds of Australians each year – and yet it is preventable if detected early,” Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said.
“These grants are so important to make sure that Aboriginal communities, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and LGBTIQ+ communities are aware of the tests available and to get tested. A test could save their lives, and I urge people to make it a priority.”
Organisations will use the grants to develop tailored solutions to increase cervical screening in under-screened populations including Aboriginal communities and LGBTQ+ communities.
The projects focus on the development of culturally appropriate education, increase training for staff and identify priorities and tailor action plans to better reach under-screened populations.
The $120,000 grant awarded to Armajun Aboriginal Health Service will be used to increase cervical screening among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women by prioritising self-collection and delivering training and education to female Aboriginal health workers.
“There is a significant need to improve access to culturally safe, community-led health initiatives that address the ongoing systemic challenges faced by Aboriginal people across the New England region,” Chief Executive Officer Armajun Aboriginal Health Service, Debbie McCowen said.
“This grant will enable us to build the capacity of our female Aboriginal Health Workers to lead a targeted cervical screening program, increase screening rates and deliver health education directly to homes by supporting self-collection for cervical screening, that is, a discreet, non-confrontational method.
“This initiative will play a vital role in breaking down barriers to traditional screening, empower women to take control of their health, and ultimately improve long term health outcomes across our communities.”
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, with more than 70 per cent of cases occurring in people who have never been screened or are not up to date with their cervical screening.
A Cervical Screening Test every five years is the best way to prevent cervical cancer. It’s recommended for eligible people aged 25 to 74 who have ever been sexually active and is available at a range of locations, including medical centres, community health centres or sexual health clinics.
A quick and simple swab the test looks for a common infection called human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes almost all cervical cancers. Eligible people should have the screening test, even if they have had the HPV vaccination.
There are now two, equally effective options for doing the test, one is to have a healthcare provider collect a sample, the other is for people to collect their own sample, in private, at a medical centre, or at home if preferred.
“Cervical screening is key to reducing cervical cancer’s impact on our community and we need to see more people take advantage of this life-saving test,” NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien said.
“These Cervical Screening Community Engagement Grants will resource local organisations to support under screened communities, boost cervical screening rates and improve health outcomes.
“Cervical screening has the power to save lives. The Test may be a confronting experience for some, but the alternative is far worse. I urge all eligible people to do the Test and reduce their risk of this deadly but preventable cancer.”
For more information visit: www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/prevention-and-screening/screening-and-early-detection/cervical-screening.
Don’t miss any of the important stories from around the region. Subscribe to our email list.