Melbourne Genomics is grateful to all the consumers who have advised our program since its earliest days.
They wanted genomic care to be safe, accessible when it’s needed, and provided by qualified professionals – with patients and their families involved at every step.
Community Advisory Group (CAG)
Our award-winning Community Advisory Group was established just weeks after Melbourne Genomics was formed in 2013. It was one of the world’s first community groups to advise on the clinical implementation of genomics.
The CAG has:
- championed the role of consumer experience in genomic medicine
- influenced research on the perspectives of people undergoing genomic sequencing
- presented a workshop for community advocates working in healthcare
- co-produced Diagnosis Day, a micro-series about people with rare genetic conditions
- informed the development of community-facing materials
- contributed to the development of genomic information systems
- shaped policies, procedures and planning
- helped evaluate our program
The CAG won the Outstanding Achievement: Better Care Victoria Innovation Award in the 2017 Minister for Health Volunteer Awards. A study on their impact was published in Research Engagement and Involvement in 2021.
Although the CAG concluded in 2024, its members remain champions of consumer rights in healthcare. They contribute to multiple boards, advisory bodies, and support groups for people living with genetic conditions.
Meet the Community Advisory Group
Community Engagement Framework
Co-designed with the CAG, this framework underpinned how we planned, implemented and evaluated community engagement.
Consumer panels
On advice from the CAG, we invited people with lived experience to inform the patient-facing aspects of our clinical projects.
Cancer Statewide project
Bonney Corbin, Jo Cockwill, Victoria Sharp
Paediatrics Statewide project
Heather Renton, Hollie Feller
Dementia Clinical Change project
Paul Flavel, Isabelle Burke, Felicity Peel, Mardi S, Sally M
Transplant Clinical Change project
Lorien Kaye, Andrew Chapman, Albert Fenech, Susan Wilson, Chris D, Nada F
Nephrology Clinical Change project
Robert Gordos, Hannah Passmore, Mitch Passmore, Nelly Counihan, Tom Greaterox, Lisa Bell
Some consumers have opted not to be identified. We respect their privacy and are grateful for their many contributions.
Consumer involvement guide for health services
The consumers who advised on Melbourne Genomics projects worked together to develop a resource for clinicians and health service providers.
Making a difference: The value of consumer involvement in genomic medicine offers practical advice on involving consumers in the development of genomic care services. It includes real examples of where consumers have added value, alongside recommendations from consumers on how to improve their involvement.
The guide was written by Stacey Ong, with the active contribution of the Community Advisory Group.