Volunteer Voice Winter 2010

A Cancer Council Publication

INSIDE

ACHIEVEMENTS of our dedicated volunteers

VOLUNTEERS using their skills and expertise

OPPORTUNITIES for volunteer involvement

CAMPAIGN

for smoke-free outdoor areas

Volunteer Voice A newsletter for volunteers

www.cancercouncil.com.au

Volunteers link with State MPs

Daffodil Day Daffodil Day will be held on 27 August 2010.

Our goal is to raise $3.7million in NSW: a vision made possible only through the selfless efforts of volunteers like the late Jean Baigent (pictured below).

Every day, dedicated staff and volunteers from Cancer Council NSW rally together in the quest to beat cancer. Legislative efforts and interaction with the government are an important part of this mission.

In February, Cancer Council initiated the MP Liaison Program, to complement our long-running Consumer Advocacy Training Program. The MP Liaison Program matches selected volunteers – as our representatives – with Members of the Parliament of NSW, to create a vital communications link. The program is based on a similar one running at the American Cancer Society.

Cancer Council’s Advocacy Development and Network Officer, Kelly Williams, considers the program to be very important.

The MP Liaison Program matches selected volunteers ... with Members of the Parliament of NSW, to create a vital communications link.

“The role of the volunteer is to establish an ongoing relationship with their MP as a constituent of their electorate, to become a primary Cancer Council reference point for the MP for any cancer-

Winter 2010

Some of the MP Liaison volunteers on the steps of NSW Parliament House. Left to right: Danny Brombal, Anne Weekes, Gary Rosevear, Bernie Fitzsimons, Kelly Moylan and Betty Zdan.

related matters and information, and to be a proactive ambassador for our priority issues and activities,” she said.

Jean was a stalwart Cancer Council volunteer for over 25 years. To within two years of losing her own battle to cancer in 2009, she continued to give tirelessly: hosting events, helping with the packing team, providing donations – and, one of her favourites, selling flowers on Daffodil Day. In her generosity and strength, Jean embodied the spirit of volunteering, and the irreplaceable contribution volunteers make on Daffodil Day each year.

“Basically, the MP Liaison aims to work with the MP to lessen the impact of cancer on the people of the electorate.”

Danny Brombal, a cancer survivor who has been volunteering with us for three years, is the MP Liaison for Drummoyne electorate. Danny believes that by developing a “personalised information link between the MP and Cancer Council”, it will be much easier to create practical legislation (such as antismoking laws) to fight the disease.

“I feel privileged that, as a survivor, I am able to give something back to the community to help beat cancer,” he said.

Editor: Deirdre Mowat Contributing volunteers: David Blight, Rebekah Hendrickson, Ric Purcell and Kristie Weir Feedback and contributions to deidrem@nswcc.org.au by 7 July 2010

Volunteer Voice | Winter 2010

Update

from the Volunteer Resources Manager, Donna Purcell

National Volunteer Week in May gave us the chance to see the enormity of volunteering in Australia.

More than ever, there has been significant growth in volunteering.

According to Volunteering Australia, 34 percent of the adult population (5.4 million people) volunteer, with more women (36 percent) than men (32 percent) participating. The four most common activities are fundraising (48 percent), preparing and serving food (31 percent), teaching/providing information

(28 percent) and administration (26 percent).

At Cancer Council NSW, our volunteer numbers are growing too.

At the end of March 2010, we had 2,781 active registered volunteers – almost 350 more than we had at the same time last year, including 101 new people in the fundraising area. Volunteer fundraisers are critical to the success of all of our events.

We have 26 new volunteers in the area of mission delivery: helping with patient transport and in-home

support programs, and assisting with patient research studies and our information centres in hospitals.

There are also 89 new volunteers providing organisational support in such areas as administration, event and fundraising support, data management and project management.

Thank you for the invaluable contribution you give to help us beat cancer.

Volunteer drivers ease route for patients Volunteer drivers across NSW are helping cancer patients along their road to recovery by providing rides to crucial medical appointments, as well as offering companionship and support.

Many patients are unable to make these trips themselves, because they lack access to a car or are too ill to drive.

“Cancer treatment can take months of travel to and from hospital for appointments,” said Libby Forsyth Zuur, Development Coordinator of our Practical Support team that manages the program.

“Radiotherapy in particular requires daily attendance for up to six weeks.

A common side effect of treatment is fatigue, and rural people often need to travel long distances.”

Cancer Council is involved in 15 transport services in NSW and in 2009, there were 93 transport volunteers working in different capacities across the state. Cancer Council, both directly and through

partnership agreements, helped over 1,800 passengers travel more than 960,000 kilometres during the last financial year.

Drivers need to have a valid driver’s licence, to be reliable and punctual, and to have good communication skills. Cancer Council provides thorough training. For further information please call (02) 9334 1980.

Cancer Council, both directly and through partnership agreements, helped over 1,800 passengers travel more than 960,000 kilometres during the last financial year.

Susan Fong (pictured left) is the volunteer coordinator for the Great Lakes Transport Service, and she manages 10 drivers. Over the last 12 months, these drivers donated more than 325 hours of their time and helped more than 110 cancer patients on the Mid North Coast in the communities of Forster, Tuncurry and surrounds.

“I have been doing this for about six years and find it rewarding”, Susan said.

“It’s a great program and we feel privileged to work closely with Susan and her team, who make a difference to the lives of cancer patients in our community,” said Mid North Coast Regional Manager, Patty Delaney.

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Volunteer Voice | Winter 2010

Push for smoke-free outdoor areas smoke-free outdoor policy in Parramatta, particularly for alfresco dining areas.

They collected 1,023 signatures from local residents supporting the bans and recently presented this petition to Parramatta City Council, sparking intense debate and firmly placing the issue on the agenda, as shown by local press coverage on the issue.

Recent bans on smoking in alfresco dining areas in Leichhardt, Waverley and Greater Taree council areas have all given the group hope that eventually Parramatta Council will follow suit.

Overwhelming evidence shows that exposure to second-hand smoke indoors can cause serious diseases, including cancer.

Recent studies suggest that a person’s exposure to second-hand smoke can be just as high in particular outdoor settings as it is indoors. In 2007, Cancer Council NSW formed a coalition with the National Heart Foundation, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and other organisations, to encourage local governments to adopt a smoke-free policy in outdoor areas.

Since 2007, the number of councils in NSW that have introduced a

smoke-free policy in certain outdoor areas has more than doubled to 66 (43 percent of councils). Significantly, 14 councils now have smoke-free outdoor dining areas – a sphere where vested interests often oppose the bans.

Empowered with skills gained from Cancer Council’s advocacy training, volunteers from the Western Sydney Cancer Advocacy Network (pictured above) are involved in lobbying for the introduction of a

In the Hunter Region, five councils now have smoke-free outdoor areas.

Two volunteers from the Hunter Regional Advisory Committee – Barbara Gaudry (a former local government councillor) and Bruce Petersen (a current local government staff member) – have assisted Cancer Council by bringing invaluable knowledge of council processes and protocol to the task of lobbying for these changes.

Interested volunteers can contact Rory Alcock at rorya@nswcc.org.au or (02) 9334 1859 to enquire about becoming an advocate.

Regional training update The Learning and Development team recently recruited volunteer Jeff Harrison to review our current regional training strategy. Jeff (pictured right) will support us in developing the tools and processes to evaluate the effectiveness of the strategy. The evaluation will be implemented over the next couple of months and should highlight our successes and identify any opportunities for improvement.

There are still regions in need of qualified trainers who are willing to volunteer to deliver training to staff and volunteers. We have a suite of training resources – including facilitator and participant guides, training activities and presentations – packaged and ready to go!

Anyone who is a qualified trainer and would be interested in considering this volunteer opportunity can contact Thuy Giang on thuyg@nswcc.org.au or (02) 9334 1812 – or talk to your regional manager. page 3

Volunteer Voice | Winter 2010

Update

from the CEO, Dr Andrew Penman

As I read this edition of Volunteer Voice, I’m struck again by the vast array of talents we hold in our volunteer workforce, and the wonderful ways in which you apply them in our organisation.

In this edition, we showcase people offering skills from diverse vocations, including radio presenters, photographers, trainers, managers, teachers and event organisers. It’s an amazing spread, and only a few examples of the skills brought to Cancer Council by our 2,781 regular volunteers.

As I’m sure you know, working to beat cancer is one of the main reasons people choose to volunteer

at Cancer Council NSW. However, my conversations with volunteers and feedback more broadly, show how important it is for you to utilise your abilities within our organisation.

That is one of the reasons why we always strive to find valuable ways to harness your experience, skills and passion within our programs, events and campaigns.

Another key theme in this edition is the focus on volunteers liaising with various tiers of government. Cancer Council has a strong and long-term commitment to advocating for change in society, policy and practice to advance cancer control. Our volunteers and advocates, including

those we profile in Volunteer Voice, enable us to undertake this work.

You extend and reinforce our links to councils, Members of Parliament and local interest groups, and within the community – and through these, work towards our vision of cancer defeated.

As always, thank you for your commitment to our organisation and the vital work we all do together.

Positive action for cancer prevention Sydney’s three-day Tet Festival (Vietnamese New Year celebration) provided the perfect positive environment to engage the local Vietnamese community in a vital cancer-prevention initiative on 20 February 2010.

Three Cancer Council staff and seven volunteers canvassed the festival – attended by 50,000 people – as part of our ‘B Positive’ Project.

They worked the crowds, starting conversations to build awareness around hepatitis B’s significance in liver cancer development.

The ‘B Positive’ Project targets communities with high incidence of hepatitis B, encouraging early detection of the virus by a simple blood test and follow-up monitoring to prevent the onset of liver cancer.

The festival provided a great opportunity to inform the many residents of South-East Asian origin, as studies indicate Australia’s page 4

Left to right: Paul Lee (CCNSW staff), Lana Vo, Ti Vo (President, Vietnamese Community in Australia), Vidyadhar Putha (CCNSW staff), Kristina Keneally, Steven Tipper (CCNSW staff) and volunteers Mai Vo and Vivian Vo at the Tet Festival.

Vietnamese and Chinese communities have 6-12 times higher likelihood of liver cancer death compared to Australian-born residents. This is due mostly to untreated hepatitis B infection.

Volunteer Lana (Thoa) Vo appreciates the optimism of the project and the chance to deeply touch people’s lives. “The name of the project implies positivity, helping to eradicate any stigma associated with

the virus. People are more inclined to stop and listen – you never know whom you may have helped,” she said. Another highlight for Lana was meeting the NSW Premier, Kristina Keneally, who visited our information booth to learn about the project.

For more information, visit www. cancercouncil.org.au/bpositive or contact Vidyadhar Putha at bpositive@nswcc.org.au or (02) 9334 1445.

Volunteer Voice | Winter 2010

Central and Southern Sydney Local News

Huge milestone for Sutherland Relay When award-winning volunteer Rod Coy – Co-Chair of the Sutherland Shire Relay For Life – spoke to Volunteer Voice earlier this year, he expressed the hope that this year’s Relay would break the $500,000 mark for the first time.

He was not to be disappointed. The event, which took place on the weekend of 1-2 May 2010, was an outstanding success. Latest figures suggest that the $500,000 target will indeed be reached: the first time this amount has been raised by a Relay within NSW. There were more than 2,500 registered participants, and more than 200 teams. The day was jam packed with great entertainment, including an appearance by Australian band Dragon. The event also featured a Fight Back Expo, with presentations on complementary therapies, massage and other health-related activities. The Candlelight Ceremony provided a moving interlude, to allow attendees to remember those lost to cancer.

Congratulations to the volunteer committee members for their tremendous achievement!

Pictured right, top: Rod Coy (foreground, left) and Flo Denning (foreground, middle) leading off the survivors and carers at the Sutherland Relay 2010.

Pictured right, bottom: Sutherland Shire Relay For Life Committee.

Helping children to be SunSmart We recently welcomed volunteer Karly Abrahams to our team. Karly is the SunSmart Primary School Program volunteer for the Central and Southern Sydney Region.

Her role will be to raise awareness of the program, by making contact with schools in the region via telephone.

effective sun protection policy. With such a policy in place, primary schools can play an important part in reducing children’s exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation that causes most skin cancers. A similar Cancer Council program operates to target early childhood centres.

Through the SunSmart Program, Cancer Council NSW aims to develop collaborative partnerships with primary schools to assist them to develop and implement an

As part of its commitment to sun safety, Cancer Council gave a $3,000 regional grant in 2009 to SunSmartaccredited Toxteth Kindergarten in Annandale, to help fund a permanent shade sail for the centre – to replace an awning that had been declared unsafe to use. Without a suitable canopy, the children would not have been able to play outside in summer, or whenever the UV rating was greater than three. The official opening of the structure earlier this year was attended by Central and Southern Sydney Regional Manager, Julie Callaghan, local dignitaries and many of the families who use the centre.

Julie Callaghan (second from left) and Mayor of Leichhardt, Jamie Parker (third from left), at the shade sail launch at Toxteth Kindergarten in Annandale.

Visit www.cancercouncil.com.au/sunsmart for information on the SunSmart Program. page 5

Volunteer Voice | Winter 2010

Volunteer Profile

Far North Coast Local News

Lismore clowns boost Relay success Peter Watson What is your role at Cancer Council?

I assist the Project Coordinators with fundraising events. My duties include organising details of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea launches, such as venues, guest speakers and entertainment. I also look for new sites and team leaders for Daffodil Day and Pink Ribbon Day, and coordinate these events. I am also part of the Guest Speaker Program.

What does your role mean to you?

I have known many whose lives have also been touched by cancer, including my own mother, who was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 80, when she was my father’s carer. Fortunately, Mum survived, although Dad passed away 12 months later.

Mum is now 97 and continues to enjoy good health.

Two of my friends lost their battles with the disease. When I retired, I decided I would like to donate a few days a week to help to beat cancer.

What have you enjoyed about volunteering at Cancer Council?

It gives me great satisfaction to see so many wonderful volunteers helping to make a difference.

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Volunteers Don Campbell (pictured below right) and Jenni Ruane are members of the Lismore Relay for Life Committee and they took an unusual approach to getting support in the lead-up to the event held on May 1-2.

Despite both leading very busy lives with numerous commitments, they spent each Tuesday dressed up as clowns, visiting businesses and schools to encourage greater participation in Lismore’s Relay.

range of fun activities at the event to keep children amused.

As a result of all the efforts of the volunteer committee, Lismore’s Relay was a huge success, with 600 participants involved and funds raised of at least $80,000, well above the estimated target. Reports suggest all the teams involved are keen to return next year.

Both are very dedicated to their Relay. Don is its Chair and works very hard organising and overseeing all aspects of the event, including the fundraising activities. Jenni helps with Relay sponsorships and donations, and she coordinates a

Help required Volunteers are needed in our region to help on Daffodil Day, Friday 27 August. We also need more volunteers for the Lismore Cancer Council Information Centre.

Phone (02) 6627 0300 if you can help.

Diff and Daff on the road for Relay Two of the stars at this year’s Grafton Relay For Life, held on 27-28 March, were Diff (Kathy Smidt) and Daff (Daphne Rose).

In the weeks leading up to the event, they walked the streets of Grafton, recruiting new teams.

Diff and Daff have been active volunteers for Cancer Council for more than 10 years, having also been involved with Daffodil Day and Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. Their spruiking for the Grafton Relay was very successful: 57 teams participated in the event and to date, a fantastic $68,000 has been raised.

Pictured left: Daphne Rose (left) and Kathy Smidt (right).

Volunteer Voice | Winter 2010

Greater Western Sydney Local News

Meet volunteer Judy Field Judy Field started to become involved with Cancer Council’s Community Hub at Casula when it first opened in May 2008.

Judy was no stranger to volunteering at that time. She and her partner, Graham, had volunteered with the Lions Club, and they had held Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea (ABMT) events for Cancer Council for several years, raising money in many creative ways.

One year, Graham painted a wooden rocking horse, and at the ABMT event at their home, guests paid a couple of dollars to have a photo taken while on the horse!

Volunteer Profile

Judy now volunteers as a craft group facilitator at the Casula Hub, a role she has performed for the past 16 months. The craft group members make a variety of

“crafty” items and then donate them back to be sold at the ABMT function held in May each year at the Hub. Cancer Council sincerely thanks Judy and Graham for their support, energy and enthusiasm.

is from them that our children learn beyond the secular – in sport, community understanding and cultural pursuits. There can be no greater role to play in a community than ensuring its future by the education of its young,” she said.

Beth Finn Beth Finn is a volunteer with Cancer Council’s Community Hub at Penrith.

After 30 years as a teacher, working in nine schools in Sydney’s west and south-west areas, Beth completed her career as principal of Parklea Public School in Sydney’s north-western suburbs. She has a huge respect for teachers. “It is to teachers that we present minds thirsting for knowledge and learning, and it

“I am amazed at the number of people who volunteer their time ... in the pursuit of contributing and making a difference.”

After enjoying the many pursuits she had planned for her retirement – which included spending one day a week with her preschool-aged granddaughter, travelling with her husband, and taking up golf – Beth found she was missing the satisfaction and rewards that her work in a school community had provided.

So she decided to volunteer with

Pictured above, left: Judy at work at the Casula Hub. Pictured above, right: Judy in action this year at the Casula Hub Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea event, drawing the raffle with Cancer Council’s Steven Tipper.

Cancer Council to fulfil this need and to be with like-minded people who strive to make a difference in the lives of others.

Beth volunteers every week as an office assistant – organising and ordering resources for Cancer Council’s presence in the Nepean/Hawkesbury region, maintaining local displays, and collecting resources for and implementing the Community Speakers Program. She also assists with local Cancer Council fundraising events.

“Being a volunteer for Cancer Council is satisfying and worthwhile. I am amazed at the number of people who volunteer their time on a regular basis in the pursuit of contributing and making a difference, and I am pleased to be a part of it,” Beth said.

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Volunteer Voice | Winter 2010

Hunter Local News

Volunteer trainers Cathy Cole and Teresa Turner joined Cancer Council NSW as volunteer trainers in 2009, and recently facilitated a DiSC session for Hunter Region staff. They used a profiling tool to provide beneficial insights into behavioural tendencies and to suggest ways to improve team culture and performance.

Cathy and Teresa both left full-time work in order to have more time for their families, but also wanted to volunteer and utilise their valuable skills from the workforce.

Cathy (pictured right) has over 20 years’ experience in engineering and management.

“Like many people, my life has been touched by cancer in family, friends and colleagues,” she said. “Cancer Council gives me the opportunity to help in a tangible and enjoyable way.” Cathy also ran a successful trivia quiz during the Christmas party after the Hunter Region’s Connecting Communities Forum.

Teresa (pictured right) has a background in human resources, and since joining Cancer Council as a trainer, she has also been working with the SunSmart Program, initially with early childhood centres and currently with primary schools.

“This has been a great experience and allows me to use some of my past skills,” she said.

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Salute to Relay Chairs The closing ceremony of the third Cessnock Relay For Life in March was an emotional moment for outstanding volunteers Ian and Sue Howson.

This was their last event as Chairs of the event’s organising committee and it had been a great success, raising more than $103,000 and attracting over 600 local residents.

Ian and Sue (front row) with other members of Cessnock’s Relay For Life Committee.

Four years ago, after attending other regional Relays, Ian and Sue approached Cancer Council with a desire to hold one in their home town. Eighteen months later, the inaugural Cessnock Relay was held, raising more than $85,000! The

organising committee comprises 30 volunteers, and an impressive total of more than $284,000 has been raised by them over the past three years.

Ian and Sue have been successful both in fundraising and in uniting a community to help to beat cancer.

International Children’s Cancer Day Cancer Council joined forces with Canteen, Red Kite, Camp Quality and the Leukaemia Foundation on 21 February 2010 to celebrate International Children’s Cancer Day at the TreeTop Adventure Park at Blue Gum Hills National Park, Minmi – a climbing obstacle challenge, suspended high in the trees.

It was a fantastic day for the children and their families, with around 100 people attending.

Many thanks to TreeTop for sponsoring the day, and to the volunteers involved in organising, promoting and hosting the event – and cooking a great BBQ lunch! Volunteer enquiries: Dana Buzinec on (02) 4923 0705.

Volunteer Voice | Winter 2010

Mid North Coast Local News

Volunteer extraordinaire!

Kath Derrett is a Mid North Coast Regional Office volunteer – and costume artist extraordinaire. Kath does “dress-up” in style and creates most of the costumes that staff and volunteers wear for events ranging from launches to Christmas parties.

She also dresses our window displays for Daffodil Day, Relay For Life, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea (ABMT) and Pink Ribbon Day events.

Kath and our media volunteer, Jennifer Lock, made wonderful costumes for our recent Mad Hatter’s Tea Party launch of ABMT in Coffs Harbour. Kath sources materials and clothing from secondhand shops and fabric stores, then takes them home and transforms them into the most fantastic outfits for various regional events and office functions. She is truly a talented volunteer.

Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, with Kath Derrett as the White Rabbit.

Local radio presenter supports Relay Joe Mace, community radio presenter with 2AIR-FM, has been very involved with fundraising for Cancer Council for a number of years. He has motivated his listeners and work colleagues at the radio station to raise money for such events as Relay For Life and Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. Joe (pictured left) even allowed his wife to shave his head live on air as a fundraiser for Coffs Harbour’s Relay!

He has been the MC for Coffs Harbour’s Relay for several years, and participants delight in listening to his smooth voice as they walk around the track. This year, Joe has taken on a bigger volunteer commitment as Coffs Harbour’s Relay Chair. With a goal of attracting 110 teams, 110 survivors and 1,100 participants, and raising $110,000, he is just the man for the job.

New Community Speakers A Community Speakers training day was held in Taree for seven new volunteers in March. The volunteers came from the Taree and Forster areas, and spent the day learning about the role of a Community Speaker.

Community Speakers are trained volunteers who represent Cancer Council NSW at speaking engagements, health displays and sporting events, giving educational sessions about prevention and early detection of cancer.

The day included learning skills related to successful presentations and public speaking, and gaining information about Cancer Council services.

The small but enthusiastic group will now represent Cancer Council at functions in their local area, including Relay For Life and Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea events.

Congratulations and welcome to the new team of speakers.

Back row (left to right): Max Lambert, Elizabeth Doorey, Leanne Wood, Robyn Dobbie and Peter Ryall. Front row: Colleen Moran and Phil Rodham. page 9

Volunteer Voice | Winter 2010

Northern Sydney and Central Coast Local News

A peek at life as Relay Chair Having a Diploma in Event Management has enabled Becky Banfill to make a significant contribution to Cancer Council: firstly, with her volunteer role in the Events Administration Centre, and now as Chair of the Northern Harbour Relay For Life Committee.

“When I heard about Relay, I knew it was just what I wanted: a community event that would enable me to use my skills in event management while doing something to help beat cancer,” Becky said.

“As Chair, you coach and motivate the committee, run the meetings and oversee all aspects of the event. It has been a great experience and I get to work with a very dedicated group of people, who willingly volunteer their time and all have one thing in common: the vision of a world where cancer no longer affects our quality of life.”

Becky was delighted to have the opportunity to attend the Relay For Life Summit, held in February this year, where she met volunteer Relay

committee members from all over Australia. “It’s hard to put into words the feeling you get from meeting people who have such an amazing passion and give so much of their heart and soul to make Relay what it is. It was inspiring, and provided fantastic tools and ideas for our Relay,” she said.

“As Chair, you coach and motivate the committee, run the meetings and oversee all aspects of the event. It has been a great experience and I get to work with a very dedicated group of people ...”

Volunteer Profile

Bea Mangalindan Bea Mangalindan is our region’s talented volunteer photographer, as well as being an assistant to Kim Leecroft, Events Administrator at the Northern Harbour Relay and other Cancer Council events.

Bea’s wonderful photographs help us to raise awareness of our mission and to educate the community.

Bea moved to Australia in 2006 and works as a change and project management professional. She is passionate about working with and

Becky Banfill (right) with fellow committee member Stacy Hutchinson (left) at the Relay For Life Summit.

This year’s Northern Harbour Relay, held on the weekend of 27-28 March, was a great success.

As a result of the volunteer committee’s hard work, there were more teams and participants this year and an increase in the funds raised. Congratulations to Becky and her team.

helping others, being able to contribute to the community, and living life to the fullest.

She chose to volunteer with Cancer Council because she wanted to use her skills to help us to beat cancer. “Cancer Council provides hope and support for people affected by cancer, and their carers,” Bea said. “Volunteers and staff are very passionate about what they do. I am both proud and humbled to be a volunteer for this fantastic organisation.”

“Volunteers and staff are very passionate about what they do. I am both proud and humbled to be a volunteer for this fantastic organisation.”

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Volunteer Voice | Winter 2010

North West Local News

Small effort, big impact Cancer Council is encouraging local people to volunteer at our busy Information Centre located in Tamworth Hospital’s Oncology Centre. Volunteers provide cancer patients and carers with a relaxed space in which to learn about their diagnosis, treatment and local support services.

Hundreds of people have visited the centre since its opening six months ago, and at least 15 new volunteers are needed to help meet current demand. We need

friendly people who are willing to give a few hours a week.

No experience in the health sector necessary, as Cancer Council provides all training. It is only a small commitment, yet one that can make a huge difference to people affected by cancer in the local community.

If you are aged between 18 and 80 years old, and would like to volunteer at the Tamworth Cancer Council Information Centre, contact Lorrayne Riggs on (02) 6763 0905 or at lorrayner@nswcc.org.au.

New volunteer projects

Left to right: Dr Andrew Penman; Anne Weekes, MP Liaison volunteer, Barwon electorate; Kevin Humphries, State MP for Barwon and co-host of program launch; Professor Graham Colditz, guest speaker at launch; and Anita Tang, Cancer Council.

MP Liaison Program Anne Weekes, Lorna Dunstan and Jo Porter are Cancer Council’s three MP Liaison volunteers in the North West Region. In this new role, the volunteers will build ongoing relationships with local MPs to inform them about Cancer Council and keep them up to date with our events.

The volunteers will also ensure MPs are able to access Cancer Council structures and groups, such as

Staff news

We farewell Kristy Reading (pictured above), as she leaves to pursue her passion for journalism. Our Community Relations Coordinator for three years, Kristy was supported by numerous volunteers in the many successful events she organised in the region. Kristy will be missed, and we wish her all the best.

We welcome Lorrayne Riggs (pictured below), who joins us as Regional Programs Coordinator, Supportive Care.

Lorrayne brings great experience from previous roles involving communication and collaboration with the community and working with volunteers to deliver programs.

Lorrayne will work on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, focusing on the Information Centre (including volunteer coordination), patient transport and other practical support programs in the region.

Community Cancer Networks and Advisory Committees.

SunSmart Program Joan Bailey is our new SunSmart volunteer. Her role is to increase primary schools’ participation in our SunSmart Program. This program helps schools to develop and implement an effective sun protection policy. Joan is also a regular volunteer at our Cancer Council Information Centre. page 11

Volunteer Voice | Winter 2010

Southern Local News

Young male volunteers sought Telstra Illawarra’s Best Catch is a community project celebrating the positive contributions of young men in the Illawarra region and encouraging them to continue volunteering.

The project aims to find males with the most to offer the community and develop them into mentors for other young men.

Andrew Horne (pictured right), from the Illawarra Relay For Life Committee, was a finalist in last year’s Best Catch. Andrew is studying for a Masters of Nursing Research at the University of Wollongong. He started volunteering at high school, which led to his involvement in Relay For Life.

“Best Catch allowed me to establish lasting friendships and create many networks,” Andrew said. “I have been able to meet many like-minded people striving for one goal, a world without cancer. I believe it is important for men – particularly young men – to volunteer, because it allows them to broaden their perspective on life, and to make a positive impact within their community. Young men who volunteer are gaining life skills that

Kay Lewis: ‘A fire in my belly’ Kay Lewis is a Southern Region Community Advocacy volunteer. She recently attended an advocacy training session run by Cancer Council and the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, to learn more about the lack of access to adequate services for cancer patients in rural areas.

“This started a fire in my belly,” Kay said. The training gave her the confidence to take on issues and the passion to make change happen. She began to tackle the inadequacies in the government’s Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS).

“I have attended meetings, sent emails, and continually phoned my local MP to improve this scheme,” Kay said. “If you have a passion to make a difference in

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Kay Lewis (left) and Andrew Constance, State MP for Bega and Shadow Minister for Ageing and Disability Services (right), talk about bowel screening.

health services to your area, keep an eye out for the next advocacy workshop and attend. The workshop ensures you can have your say!”

Kay has previously been involved in Relay For Life and the Get Behind Bowel Screening advocacy campaign.

Refer to the newsletter calendar on page 16 for advocacy training dates.

will enable them to be more confident and develop into tomorrow’s leaders.”

Our Southern Region has recently partnered with Best Catch to be part of their 50 Top Blokes scheme, which aims to recruit 50 young men in 50 days and get them involved in volunteering. Visit www.bestcatch. com.au for more information.

Forum news Thirty-five people from Boorowa, Harden and Young attended the Connecting Communities Forum held in Young in March. From discussions, a report was prepared which laid the foundations to establish a Community Cancer Network – an exciting prospect for our team. Through the Community Cancer Network, volunteers and other community members will initiate collaborative action to address the priority issues identified in the workshop.

For these local government areas, the issues include access to transport, and creating awareness around cancer support and information available to the community.

Volunteer Voice | Winter 2010

South West Local News

Volunteer duo making a difference Meet our husband-andwife volunteer team, Kevin and Lyndall Watts.

Having had family and friends whose lives have been touched by cancer, they are very passionate about helping to beat it. Being retired, they decided to make a difference by volunteering their time to Cancer Council.

Kevin became a volunteer in 2005 when he joined Wagga Wagga’s Relay For Life (RFL) Committee, concentrating on sponsorship and media. In 2007, he became its Chair for a three-year stint.

In 2008, Kevin was invited to join the RFL NSW Taskforce. He

undertook Regional Advisory Network (RAN) training and assisted in the forming of the South West Region RAN Committee. He began volunteering in the regional office this year, coordinating our Community Speakers Program.

Lyndall became a volunteer in 2006, assisting with administration for RFL and helping at the event in the registration tent. In 2007, she joined the RFL committee as secretary, performing administrative duties for the event, managing the registrations on the Wagga Relay weekend, and coordinating all the volunteers. She also undertook RAN training 2008, and helped Kevin in the set-up of the regional RAN committee.

Left to right: Kevin Watts; South West Regional Manager, Annemaree Binger; and Lyndall Watts.

This year, Lyndall began volunteering in our regional office one day a week – or more if required!

We thank Kevin and Lyndall for their exceptional contributions.

Three fantastic Relay events • Corowa Relay started with a torrential downpour, but more than 500 undeterred local residents joined the fight against cancer by walking around John Foord Oval over the weekend of 27-28 February, raising approximately $46,000 for cancer research, prevention and support. There was a wonderful atmosphere, with all participants showing great dedication whilst having a fabulous time at the event.

• Wagga Wagga’s ninth Relay came and went in a frenzy of colour, excitement and major milestones on the weekend of 20-21 March. More than 130 teams and 1,800 participants came together at our new venue – the recently renovated Equex Centre. This year’s Relay surpassed its biggest milestone yet, with a cumulative total of $1 million now raised since the event’s inception, thanks to the continued generosity

of the local community. This year we introduced a youth zone where the under-18s could hang out and get involved with activities such as salsa classes, yoga and gumbootthrowing competitions. Other highlights included the Miss Relay pageant, and the Undies Sundie 500-metre dash at 2am to keep the late shift of Relayers entertained!

• Deniliquin’s second Relay was held on 27-28 March, uniting many members of the community and raising $15,500. The volunteer committee was recognised for its achievements at the recent Relay For Life Summit in Sydney, receiving awards for Outstanding Results for a First Year Relay 2009, Highest Percentage of Population Registered 2009 and Highest Number of Survivors Per Capita 2009. page 13

Volunteer Voice | Winter 2010

Western Local News

Inspirational young volunteers Kodi Brady and Danielle Miller are two fantastic young community-minded people with a mission – to help those with cancer. Both have taken on leadership positions for Relay For Life in their respective home towns in our region.

Kodi, 28, is Chair of the Coonabarabran Relay For Life and has been a Cancer Council volunteer for three years. “I am motivated by knowing that what I am doing is helping people with cancer directly, by raising funds that will be used for research into cures, for helping patients out with day-to-day expenses, and for advocating for make our world a cancer-free environment,” he said.

Kodi, who works in human resources, likes to hang out with friends and family in his spare time and enjoys playing tennis and touch footy.

Danielle, 24, is Chair of the Cowra Relay For Life this year, and with the mentoring skills of her grandfather behind her, she has great plans for the event.

For Kodi, the most enjoyable aspects of volunteering are meeting new people and learning their backgrounds, and knowing that he is making a difference to cancer patients and their families. “My passion to make the world a better place, step by step, and my favourite quote is from Martin Luther: ‘I have a dream’,” he said.

She was invited to become a member of the Cowra Relay organising committee in 2009 after she held two lawn bowls days to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

“I thought it was a great opportunity to work with like-minded people towards a goal of a cancer-free world,” Danielle said. “My grandma passed away in 2006 and it motivated me to make a difference, no matter how small it may seem.

Kodi Brady (right) gets sustenance from Relay catering committee volunteer Michelle Goode.

Kodi Brady (back row, left) with Relay committee members and Sid Seagull promoting the event.

I just felt like I had to do something – not sit back and do nothing.”

Danielle’s role as Chair provides her with valuable opportunities for public speaking, developing organisational skills, and getting to know the people in her town. She hopes to inspire them and encourage them to make a difference too. “I get a great sense of achievement from my role, and my confidence has grown. I know that I can make a difference,” she said.

She has received support and guidance from Cancer Council staff.

“They are always there to offer advice and guide you in the right direction, but also allow you to make decisions for yourself,” Danielle said.

Danielle is currently working two jobs to save for a US holiday. We hope she has an incredible time!

Captain Danielle Miller (right), preparing the aircraft and crew for the 18-hour, long-haul flight: Cowra Relay 2010.

Positions vacant The Parkes and Wellington Relay For Life events will be held in late 2010, and we are looking volunteers for the organising committees. If you would like to make a difference and be a part of a fantastic community event, please contact the Western Regional Office on (02) 6392 0800.

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Volunteer Voice | Winter 2010

Relay MCs reach Summit Award-winning radio promotion specialists Karen and Daryl Egan have performed for amazingly varied audiences: ranging from mums and dads, multinational corporate executives and civic leaders – through to brain surgeons and the terminally ill.

This is because the Relay For Life events where they volunteer as MCs attract people from all walks of life.

For the past four years, they have volunteered their professional compere act – Kaz ‘n’ Daz – to turbo-charge Relay events in Muswellbrook, Port Stephens, Singleton and Newcastle.

They are funny and energetic, tell jokes, interview cancer survivors and supporters, and motivate the walkers.

They coordinate all the activities – and with decades of experience in city and regional radio, they play music that appeals to the diverse crowds.

The husband-and-wife duo (pictured below, left) went to the next level when they not only became active members of Muswellbrook’s Relay, but also compered the annual Relay For Life Summit held in February, adopting an international journey theme as Captain Kaz and First Officer Daz. This conference provided an opportunity for more than 100 volunteer committee members from across Australia to learn new and inspiring ways to make their events even more successful, and to network and share ideas.

“We have found the whole experience of Relay very rewarding, with the uniting of people who want to contribute to beating cancer,” Daryl said.

Visit www.relayforlife.org.au for information on Relay For Life.

Book review

Recipe corner

Italian roast vegetables Ingredients • 4 garlic cloves, unpeeled • 1 red onion, peeled and cut into thick wedges • 1 red and 1 yellow capsicum, deseeded and cut into 2cm squares • 2 medium zucchini, sliced thickly • 1 large eggplant, cubed • 2 baby fennel bulbs, quartered lengthways • ¼ cup olive oil • 250g cherry tomatoes • ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Take Off Your Party Dress by Dina Rabinovitch

Journalist Dina Rabinovitch based this book on articles she wrote for The Guardian newspaper in England, charting her breast cancer journey. Through frank descriptions of her treatment, including a mastectomy, she depicts the complicated realities that confront women with the disease. She reveals the anguish and struggles involved in carrying on with work commitments and coping with a blended family of eight children, including a toddler. She also tackles many downto-earth issues, such as finding suitable clothing to wear after a mastectomy and dealing with hair loss. Proceeds from the sale of the book go to cancer research.

• 100g low-fat feta cheese, crumbled

Directions • Preheat oven to 200°C. Press garlic cloves with the side of a knife to flatten.

• Place all vegetables except tomatoes into a large roasting pan; drizzle with olive oil and season.

• Bake vegetables, tossing once, for 30 minutes.

Add tomatoes and bake a further 10 minutes.

• Sprinkle with parsley and feta cheese.

page 15

Volunteer Voice | Winter 2010

Events calendar General events Every Wednesday, 5-6pm: Daffodil Choir rehearsals, Level 6, Head Office. All Cancer Council staff and volunteers – along with members of the community – with a love of singing and ability to hold a tune are welcome to join the choir (pictured right). No previous experience is necessary. Enquiries to Choir Director, James Emmerig, at daffodilchoir@ gmail.com or 0400 118 043, or visit www.daffodilchoir.org 13-14 August and 15-16 October 2010: Cancer Council’s advocacy training, Head Office. Enquiries: (02) 9334 1748 27 August 2010: Daffodil Day 25 October 2010: Pink Ribbon Day

Hunter Region

23-24 October 2010: Goulburn Relay For Life

30-31 October 2010: Singleton Relay For Life

South West Region

6-7 November 2010: Newcastle/ Lake Macquarie Relay For Life

Mid North Coast Region

14 July 2010: Scone Men’s Cancer Support Group

8 August 2010: Pipe Fest at Coffs Harbour: a gathering of all the pipe bands in NSW, with fundraising activities for Cancer Council

22 July 2010: Cessnock Prostate Cancer Support Group

18-19 September 2010: Macleay Valley (Kempsey) Relay For Life

28 July 2010: South Lakes Cancer Support Group

6-7 November 2010: Bellingen Shire Relay For Life

30 August to 24 September 2010: Fruit ‘n’ Veg Month

Southern Region

11-12 September 2010: Maitland Relay For Life

18-19 September 2010: Illawarra Relay For Life

18-19 September 2010: Muswellbrook Relay For Life

16-17 October 2010: Southern Highlands Relay For Life

1 July 2010: Premiere screening of the movie Eclipse, the third instalment in the Twilight saga.

Our screening last year of New Moon was an overwhelming success, leaving “Twi-hard” fans with a cliffhanger of an ending.

Enquiries: (02) 6937 2600

Western Region September 2010: Wellington Relay For Life November 2010: Parkes Relay For Life

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For volunteer enquiries please email volunteersydney@nswcc.org.au or call the Volunteer Hotline (02) 9334 1773 Central and Southern Sydney (Woolloomooloo): 153 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011

(02) 9334 1754

Far North Coast (Alstonville): 101-103 Main Street, Alstonville NSW 2477

(02) 6627 0300

Hunter (Newcastle): 22 Lambton Road, Broadmeadow NSW 2292

(02) 4923 0700

Mid North Coast (Coffs Harbour): 121 High Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450

(02) 6659 8400

North West (Tamworth): Shop 2, 218 Peel Street, Tamworth NSW 2340

(02) 6763 0900

Northern Sydney and Central Coast (Gosford) Community Hub: The Hive, Erina Fair NSW 2250

(02) 4336 4500

South West (Wagga Wagga): 1/37 Tompson Street, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

(02) 6937 2600

Southern (Wollongong): 1 Lowden Square, Wollongong NSW 2500

(02) 4223 0200

Western (Orange): 75 Kite Street, Orange NSW 2800

(02) 6392 0800

Western Sydney (Parramatta): 43 Hunter Street, Parramatta NSW 2150

(02) 9354 2000

Casula Hub: Casula Community Centre, 39 Ingham Drive, Casula NSW 2170

(02) 9354 2050

Rouse Hill Hub: Level 2, 29 Main Street, Rouse Hill NSW 2155

(02) 9354 2070

Penrith Hub: Community Connections Building,114-116 Henry Street, Penrith NSW 2750

(02) 9354 2060

CAN3001 06/10

Regional offices and hubs

5 July 2010: Myeloma Support Group

16-17 October 2010: Scone Relay For Life