Get to know John Friedsam, Our New Head of Support Services
February 16, 2026
John is an accomplished not-for-profit executive with over 20 years’ experience leading evidence-based supportive-care services across the cancer, mental health and family-support sectors.
He has held senior service leadership roles within some of Australia’s most respected health and community organisations, with a strong focus on high-quality, person-centred care.
After immigrating to Australia in 2001, he completed graduate studies in counselling psychology and undertook clinical placements in oncology and young carer services.
John has since led and managed a range of group, peer and family-support programs at Cancer Council NSW, before progressing into executive leadership roles with Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and, most recently, Canteen.
A Q&A with John:
What attracted you to join CTF? What do you hope to achieve here?
I’m passionate about working in health. After over 20 years of working in large not-for-profit organistations, I’ve seen the impact of the real challenges faced by patients and families in navigating the complex health system, and how this increases when dealing with rare and chronic conditions. I’m looking to bring this experience to CTF so that we can find impactful and sustainable support for individuals and families dealing with NF.
What do you wish people knew about NF?
In my first few weeks here, my thoughts are about reducing the time to diagnosis. Its complex but finding ways to impact change here means access to early intervention.
In your opinion, why does NF need more support?
As with all rare conditions, our colleagues in health are often stretched beyond their limits and funding. NF is no exception. We have some great things happening across the country with specialist clinics in Melbourne and Sydney. How can we harness this learning and find ways to support all impacted by NF no matter where they live – a big question, but one that is driving our thinking here at CTF.
What role do you think the Children’s Tumour Foundation plays in supporting NF families?
While continuing to provide crucial information and resources, we have a role in identifying any gaps (unmet needs) the NF community faces in navigating the complex medical, allied health services, and any ongoing funding challenges in accessing these much-needed services (e.g. navigating NDIS).There’s a lot of work to do here and we are committed to taking a step-by-step approach, aspiring to assist where we can.
A message from John:
One of my key personal driving questions is, “what does better look like?”.
While huge changes may not happen overnight, little steps in the right direction have the power to make considerable and lasting change. In working together with the NF community and our colleagues in health we can accomplish great things.
Share this article