Georgina Whelan - Icon Cancer Centre Townsville

Georgina Whelan, 49, has been Site Manager at Icon Cancer Centre Townsville for 11 years.

What's the best part about your job?

Taking care of patients during such a vulnerable time in their life and knowing we make a difference.

What is something about your job that not many people know about, and what would surprise other people about working in a private hospital?

I think people perceive that working in cancer care is a sad and morbid workplace, but nothing could be further from the truth.Our day hospital is filled with laughter, positivity, hope and determination.

Patients facing a cancer diagnosis are truly inspiring with their practical, realistic and 'let's do this' approach to life.Supporting our patients are a dedicated and professional group of specialists, nurses, pharmacist and admin teams who absolutely give their all and go above and beyond for our patients.

What do you love about working in a private hospital?

The people. Our teams work so closely together, many have worked at Icon since we opened and have become like family.

We demonstrate real care for each other, look out for each other and work together to find solutions for issues or challenges. I have never worked in a place like it.

What do you like to do outside of work and/or what is something your colleagues don't know about you?

Outside of work, I play 'Uber driver' for my two sons who love their rugby league and I'm constantly getting them to training and games.

I am an avid attendee at F45 Townsville Central, and train there around five times a week.I love feeling strong and fit; it gives me mental toughness and resilience to tackle anything that gets thrown my way.

I have travelled to 35 different countries before I had kids and have had some incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences during my travels abroad.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?

Not wasting time and energy on matters that I have no control over.

When issues crop up, break down the problem into what sits within your circle of control and what sits outside. Only focus your attention and energy on what is within that circle of control. 

Sometimes I physically draw a circle, so I can clearly see what sits within and what sits outside that circle of control to help direct my thoughts and actions.

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11/2/2025 Dean Denman – Friendly Society Private Hospital

Previous Interviews:
16/12/2024 Sinead Dyer - West Leederville Private Hospital