NRMA Insurance has renewed its partnership with the McGrath Foundation, committing $450,000 over three years to continue funding a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse based in regional South Australia.
The funding will continue the role of McGrath Cancer Care Nurse Kate Williams (pictured right) at Naracoorte Health Service, where she supports people diagnosed with cancer and their families in Naracoorte and surrounding communities.
With this latest commitment, NRMA Insurance has now contributed more than $1.7 million to fund three McGrath Cancer Care Nurse positions nationally. The funded roles are:
Williams became the first McGrath Cancer Care Nurse funded by NRMA Insurance in 2023. Since then, she has provided clinical and practical support to patients and carers in the local area.
Luke Farrell (pictured left), NRMA Insurance executive manager partnerships and business excellence, said the renewed funding is aimed at maintaining stability for patients who are already linked with the service. “We’re thrilled to renew the funding for Kate’s position as a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse in the Naracoorte community for another three years. This means her patients can retain consistency of care and a trusted, nurturing ally during their cancer experience,” he said.
Farrell pointed to broader cancer trends in Australia in explaining the insurer’s ongoing support for the program. “With around one in two people in Australia expected to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, the need for McGrath Cancer Care Nurses’ specialist and vital work – which is entirely free for patients – is greater than ever, and we are proud to be playing a role helping sustain this for the future,” he said. The announcement was made during the annual Pink Test in Sydney, part of the NRMA Insurance Men’s Ashes Test Series, where the McGrath Foundation runs fundraising and awareness activities.
The McGrath Foundation, founded 20 years ago with a focus on breast cancer, has expanded its services to people affected by a wider range of cancers. McGrath Cancer Care Nurses operate in public and private settings across Australia, providing nursing care, coordination, and psychosocial support at no cost to patients. A referral is not required to access the service.
McGrath Foundation president and co‑founder Glenn McGrath (pictured centre) said the NRMA Insurance partnership is contributing to the organisation’s goal of increasing nurse coverage across Australia. “We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support from NRMA Insurance, which ensures more people across Australia receive the care they need. Our nurses have already helped thousands of people and their families with invaluable expert care and emotional support, and this ongoing partnership brings us one step closer to our goal of ensuring no one goes through cancer without the support of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse,” McGrath said.
NRMA Insurance’s move comes as other Australian insurers continue to fund cancer research, prevention, and support programs in collaboration with charities and sporting organisations. In October 2025, WFI Insurance confirmed sponsorship of the Tour de Cure Signature Tour 2026, a national cycling event that raises funds for cancer research, support services, and prevention programs. The 20th edition of the tour, scheduled for March 12 to 21, will involve 140 riders covering 1,408 kilometres from Canberra to Hobart.
Suncorp has taken an employee-led approach through its fundraising initiative, Spirit to Cure, launched in 2021 in partnership with Tour de Cure. As of 2025, the program has generated $6.2 million for cancer research, prevention, and patient support and is targeting $8 million in total funds raised by the end of the 2025 campaign. The 2024 campaign raised $1.7 million, which was directed to cancer-focused charities and projects.
Zurich Financial Services Australia has also participated in cancer advocacy activities, announcing in August 2025 that it would again collaborate with the Melbourne Football Club and Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) during the AFL’s Round 22 fixture on Aug. 10, 2025. As part of the PLAY4BCNA initiative, Zurich forgone its front‑of‑shirt branding on Melbourne’s warm‑up jerseys for a second year, replacing it with the names of 45 people affected by breast cancer, drawn from public nominations. The insurer also pledged a $20,000 contribution to BCNA to support service delivery, advocacy, and information programs for people dealing with breast cancer.
For insurance professionals, these developments illustrate how insurers are taking part in cancer-related programs alongside their core underwriting and claims activities.
