Cancer Council Queensland Boosts IT with Macquarie Telecom
▼ Summary
– Macquarie Telecom and Cancer Council Queensland have partnered to provide a secure technology foundation that simplifies operations and cuts costs for the charity.
– The partnership’s core technology is a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) with secure access service edge (SASE), enhanced by cloud services and cybersecurity solutions.
– A key achievement was the rapid, six-week implementation of a Security Operations Centre (SOC) and SIEM capabilities, providing an immediate uplift in security.
– The new technology enables flexible and secure remote work and supports the expansion of telehealth capabilities to reach patients in rural and remote areas.
– This digital transformation allows Cancer Council Queensland to maximize its resources by reducing IT costs and complexity, focusing its funds on core support services for those affected by cancer.
A new technology partnership is set to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of Cancer Council Queensland, providing a secure and connected IT foundation that streamlines services and protects critical data. This collaboration with Macquarie Telecom allows the charity to redirect valuable resources toward its core mission: supporting Queenslanders affected by cancer through research, prevention, and patient care.
The agreement brings together a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to simplify technology management and reduce costs. Central to the partnership is a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) enhanced with a secure access service edge (SASE) framework. This setup integrates Microsoft Azure cloud services, data networks, and unified communications into a single, cohesive system. By linking the organisation’s six locations, the new infrastructure supports flexible and remote working arrangements while ensuring robust security across all operations.
Recognising the sensitive nature of the data handled by the charity, Macquarie Telecom implemented a Security Operations Centre (SOC) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) capabilities with Extended Detection and Response (XDR). Remarkably, this complex cybersecurity uplift was delivered in just six weeks, providing an immediate improvement in the organisation’s resilience against digital threats.
The technological upgrade is particularly impactful for the Council’s outreach efforts. It enables the expansion of telehealth capabilities and digital connectivity, helping to bridge healthcare gaps for patients in regional and remote parts of Queensland. Staff can now deliver consistent, high-quality support regardless of their location, ensuring that those in rural areas receive the same level of care as those in urban centres.
From a financial perspective, the partnership delivers considerable value. Consolidating services with a single provider has eliminated the need for additional internal IT staff and reduced operational complexity. Shane Sullivan, Chief Financial Officer for Cancer Council Queensland, emphasised the importance of this efficiency, stating, “As a non-profit, every dollar counts. We needed a partner to provide a stable IT environment and enable us to innovate without adding unnecessary costs or complexity.” He added that the solution allows the organisation to concentrate its resources on what matters most, supporting individuals and families impacted by cancer.
This initiative marks the beginning of a broader digital transformation journey for the charity. The modernised infrastructure lays the groundwork for future innovations, including the potential use of AI to improve cancer detection, prevention, and treatment services. According to Luke Clifton, Group Executive for Macquarie Telecom, the partnership challenges the misconception that only large telecommunications companies can meet the complex needs of not-for-profit organisations. He noted that for too long, many in the sector have experienced underservicing and overcharging, a situation this agreement aims to rectify.
By unifying connectivity, communications, cloud, and security into one streamlined platform, Macquarie Telecom has provided Cancer Council Queensland with a stable and scalable technological foundation. This support ensures the charity can continue its vital work, securely and efficiently, for years to come.
(Source: ITWire Australia)
