May 2025 marked a remarkable milestone in Australian healthcare and community support - 35 years since the very first Look Good Feel Better workshop was held at Westmead Hospital in Sydney in 1990.
What began as a single workshop supporting 121 women in its first year has grown into a nationwide program helping over 10,000 Australians each year, including women, men, and young adults undergoing treatment for any type of cancer. Through in-person workshops, virtual workshops, and Home-Delivered Confidence Kits, the program has now supported more than 190,000 people across the country.
Reflecting on the program’s history, Carol Kavurma, General Manager of the Cancer Patients Foundation and the Look Good Feel Better program said, “We are so grateful to Westmead Hospital for believing in our vision 35 years ago. The strong and enduring partnership we’ve built has ensured that people in the local community not only receive world-class medical treatment but also gain access to practical tools and emotional support to help them feel empowered both physically and psychologically throughout their cancer experience. Now more than ever it is recognised that holistic patient care is a vital pathway to healing and Westmead Hospital led the way 35 years ago by seeing the value in our service-offering and helping us grow the service to what it is to all people Australia-wide today.”
At Westmead, workshops are led by trained volunteers and cover skincare techniques to manage treatment-related side effects like dryness and sun sensitivity, makeup tips for concealing skin discoloration and recreating eyebrows, and headwear advice including scarf styling and wig selection and care.
Each participant receives a Confidence Kit filled with skincare and cosmetic products, used throughout the session and beyond. More than just beauty tips, the workshops foster meaningful connections among participants, creating a network of shared support, encouragement, and friendships to help to relieve feelings of isolation and loneliness often associated with a diagnosis.
Western Sydney Local Health District medical oncologist and cancer services network director Professor Paul Harnett said, “Westmead Hospital is proud to be a pioneering partner of a program which has improved the lives of thousands of Australians.
“Healthcare is about so much more than just treating the symptoms. Westmead’s long-standing partnership with Look Good Feel Better exemplifies Western Sydney Local Health District’s commitment to holistic health, and supporting patients through every step of their journey.”
As Look Good Feel Better celebrates this 35-year milestone, the partnership with Westmead Hospital stands as a testament to the power of community, compassion, and genuine care.
To celebrate, the atrium of the Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre was filled with laughter and tears on Wednesday 21 May, as Look Good Feel Better and Westmead Hospital staff and volunteers - past and present - gathered together. It was an honour to have Julie Carriol, program Founder in attendance, along with Look Good Feel Better's Patron Kerri-Anne Kennerley.
It was a particular joy to welcome Vicky Cawood, Deputy Director of Radiation Therapy, who attended Look Good Feel Better's very first workshop as part of the nursing team back in 1990!
To enjoy some happy snaps from the celebration, click here.
