Volunteer Voice - Autumn 2011

A Cancer Council Publication

INSIDE

ACHIEVEMENTS of our dedicated volunteers

VOLUNTEERS assisting cancer research

OPPORTUNITIES for volunteer involvement

EVENTS

breaking fundraising records

Volunteer Voice A newsletter for volunteers

www.cancercouncil.com.au

Halfway there... and you can help deliver the next half With less than eleven months till the end of this year, Cancer Council is putting the call out for volunteers to join the CLEAR Study.

Participant Wendy Cox (pictured above right) became involved with the study after hearing about it from a friend.

Wendy, who was diagnosed with breast cancer, recognised the unpredictability of who cancer affects and so she wanted to help. “As I was not a typical candidate for cancer, it bothered me and still bothers me as to why we get cancer.”

Wendy’s reasons also extend beyond that. Sadly, like many people, Wendy lost someone to the disease. “I lost my best friend to cancer and I have always wanted to do whatever I could to support anything to do with cancer research.”

Fortunately for Wendy, supporting cancer research via the CLEAR Study was as simple as filling out a questionnaire, with the option of also submitting a blood sample. The questionnaire evaluates factors including physical activity,

Volunteering with Cancer Research Division Not eligible for the CLEAR Study but still want to help? No problem! Cancer Council’s Cancer Research Division offers a wealth of opportunities for anyone interested in volunteering.

So far 5,000 participants have taken part in the NSW Cancer, Lifestyle and Evaluation of Risk (CLEAR) Study and Cancer Council seeks another 5,000 by the end of this year.

The CLEAR Study is the largest of its type in NSW and promises significant results in our mission to defeat cancer. Since 2006 it has sought to provide researchers with the information required to unlock the mystery of what causes cancer.

Autumn 2011

smoking and dietary patterns and remains completely confidential. “It’s a very simple process. Some of the questions are very personal, but the information is kept privately,” said Wendy.

With Wendy and the other 5,000 wonderful participants involved, we’re halfway there. We say a huge thank you to all those who have participated in the study so far – every single one of you has made a difference in the fight against cancer.

From assisting with data cleaning, translating reports to languages other than English, literature reviews or project support, there are opportunities to complement any interest or skill set. Volunteer every week or once a month, the choice is yours.

To see what opportunities are available, please visit www.cancercouncil. com.au or, for those who are interested in joining a research study, turn to page 16 for more details.

So far 5,000 participants have taken part in the NSW Cancer, Lifestyle and Evaluation of Risk (CLEAR) Study.

Could you, or someone you know, be one of the next 5,000 in the CLEAR Study? Please visit www.clearstudy. org.au or call the CLEAR Study Hotline on 1800 500 894. You can help if you or your partner have been diagnosed with cancer in the past 18 months, live in NSW and are aged over 18.

Editor: Andrew Cook.

Contributing volunteers: Rebekah Hendrickson and Amelia Butler.

Feedback and contributions to andrewc@nswcc.org.au

Volunteer Voice | Autumn 2011

Update

from the Volunteer Development Advisor, Marion Carroll

This year 2011 has been declared the International Year of Volunteers + 10. The theme for this event is ‘inspiring the volunteer in you’ and so I hope this issue of Volunteer Voice will do just that.

The Australia Day Awards were a good start for inspiring volunteers.

Australian of the Year, Simon McKeon, is a social entrepreneur, recognised for his support of Australian charities and his ongoing commitment to volunteering. Simon

demonstrates how work and volunteering often go hand in hand, and he gives his tremendous time and energy to many organisations.

Congratulations Simon.

During this special year for volunteers, I also want to reflect on the question ‘what is volunteering?’.

There are various definitions and many different reasons why people volunteer, but I believe that volunteering is the practice of people working on behalf of others or a

Getting Connected Cancer Council’s Connect program conducted its third annual update training event for volunteers recently.

The Connect program, a one-to-one telephone peer support program, links a person diagnosed with cancer to a volunteer who has experienced the same type of cancer and undergone similar treatment.

The Connected 2010 training event (pictured below) brought together 62 Connect volunteers from throughout NSW. Volunteers attended a variety of workshops that focussed on subjects including communication

and interpersonal skills. The event also updated volunteers about the Connect program; enabled them to network and share experiences with one another; increased their knowledge of common topics raised during peer support calls; and reinforced to volunteers just how important they are to Cancer Council.

Six guest speakers from varying professions were also present at the event to provide advice and insight. One of the highlights was the interactive session from Frances Boyle, Director of the Patricia Ritchie Centre for Cancer Care and Research, about improving communication in cancer support.

The fantastic reception of Connect 2010 showcased the enduring passion of our volunteers who, in the last year, made 648 successful matches for Connect clients. We send our thanks to the guest speakers for giving their time to present at Connected 2010, and of course to all the volunteers – your tireless contribution makes the Connect program the successful peer support service it is today.

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particular cause.

It is generally considered that people volunteer for altruistic reasons but many also volunteer for their own skill development, to meet others, to make contacts for employment or just to have fun.

So volunteering takes many forms and is performed by a wide range of people and, to me, that’s inspiring.

Mud Run fun The second annual Mud Run held at Glenworth Valley on 4 December more than lived up to its name, with heavy rain setting the valley up well for the unique cross country event.

Spirits were high as 3,000 registered participants took to the muddy course – including many in fancy dress. Among them were super heroes, native tribesmen and costume winners: the three little pigs.

Competitors of all ages ran, and also slid, slipped and squelched their way along a stunning 5km or 10km trail, through native forests and across obstacles including hills, creeks, mud flats and the final 20-metre mud pit that finished the course.

Cancer Council NSW was pleased to be the event’s official Charity Partner. We thank and congratulate our six staff and 176 volunteer supporters who together raised $31,671 through their participation. Well done!

This year’s Mud Run will be held on 3 December 2011.

Visit www.maxadventure. com.au.mudrun.

Volunteer Voice | Autumn 2011

Eat It To Beat It Cancer Council NSW’s Eat It To Beat It program recently conducted a gold-standard study with the Fruit & Veg $ense program. The study, involving 300 parents, was conducted from April 2009 until October 2010 and achieved excellent results, thanks to the volunteers who helped make it happen.

Fruit & Veg $ense delivers an educational session with accompanying resources and newsletters to parents with primary-school-aged children to help increase the amount of fruits and vegetables they eat.

The program aimed to improve: the parents’ knowledge and attitudes about fruit and vegetables; confidence in being able to increase the amount of fruit and vegetables their family eats; and the parents’ own consumption of fruit and

vegetables. To achieve this 40 community volunteers, dietetic students and health and welfare professionals were trained as program facilitators to deliver the sessions within the community.

Study participants were divided into an intervention group who attended the Fruit & Veg $ense sessions and a control group who had to wait to attend the sessions once the study was completed.

The results showed a significant increase in the amount of fruit and vegetables eaten by the intervention group compared to the control group. The intervention group also demonstrated greater gains in their knowledge of appropriate fruit and vegetable serving sizes and were also more confident in increasing the amount their family eats.

After attending the sessions, the intervention group were less likely

to state that barriers such as cost, lack of knowledge in preparing vegetables and not enough interesting ways to serve vegetables prevented their family eating more fruit and vegetables.

The success of Fruit & Veg $ense speaks for itself and the results will be submitted for publishing as evidence on the effectiveness of educational fruit and vegetable programs. Cancer Council thanks all those who participated, especially the volunteers who assisted in making the intervention such a great success.

Volunteers rally for smoke-free dining The breadth and strength of volunteer involvement in our mission was highlighted in December and January during a frenetic campaign that urged the NSW Government to develop legislation for smoke-free outdoor dining areas. Responding to a government discussion paper canvassing the possibilities of legislated smoking bans in outdoor areas, which provided only a twomonth public consultation period, Cancer Council volunteers across the state helped generate media stories, wrote submissions and encouraged others to get involved in the campaign.

Western Sydney volunteer Lyndel Walsh (pictured far right) approached her local cafés and

restaurants about the campaign and encouraged them to be involved in a local media story to raise the profile of the issue. This helped to give a voice to café and restaurant owners who are backing a smoking ban in outdoor eating areas.

Communications volunteer Bobbi Klettke helped draft a media strategy, media statements and worked with staff and volunteers to organise photo opportunities and stories for suburban and regional media across NSW. Other volunteers contacted local media to ask them to run a story on the campaign, or provided on-air comments during radio programs covering the campaign. Volunteer advocates wrote their own personal

submissions during the consultation period and some also contacted their local MP about the issue.

The closing date for comments on the discussion paper has now passed but we’d like to thank all our volunteers who help with this campaign. It’s clear that there is a lot of energy amongst our volunteers to push for smoke-free dining.

If you would like to know how you can help with smoke-free dining or want to help with other campaigns, visit www.canceraction.com.au. page 3

Volunteer Voice | Autumn 2011

Update

from the CEO, Dr Andrew Penman

As you may know, a wide variety of wonderful volunteers come to Cancer Council NSW with many different skills, backgrounds and motivations for volunteering.

We have just farewelled a corporate volunteer, Wendy McMullen, who spent one month working full-time on our Living Well After Cancer program. Wendy had an interesting reason for working with us: Firstfolio, her employer, has a Staff Dreams Grant that covers a staff member’s salary and costs for a one-month volunteer commitment anywhere in the world.

We’re honoured that Wendy chose to come to Cancer Council in

Woolloomooloo (not anywhere else in the world!) due to her experience whilst undergoing treatment for colon cancer. Many of our staff members and volunteers left a long-lasting impact on Wendy when she accessed our Helpline, Connect and counselling programs.

“Cancer Council is the most supportive organisation I have ever come across, providing care and consideration throughout my cancer and chemotherapy and recovery process,” said Wendy.

Wendy has also become a volunteer Living Well After Cancer facilitator, so that she can have a positive impact on other survivors. She and 12 other

Living Well After Cancer facilitators recently attended our annual intake and refresher training. They all support a program which would not be possible without volunteer commitment.

Wendy’s story illustrates that our volunteers come from all different walks of life but are united in the desire to do something positive. It also reinforces the influence of organisations which, through their employee volunteering programs, help support our mission to beat cancer. We thank you all for your contribution.

No bridge too far On Sunday 31 October, Cancer Council hosted its fifth annual Seven Bridges Walk. The 25km walk, which spans across seven popular bridges in Sydney, including Anzac Bridge, Iron Cove Bridge and the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge, aims to promote health, fitness and to raise awareness of cancer.

For the past four years over 34,000 participants have made the effort in walking the circuit and this year the walk was as popular as ever with 10,000 registered walkers getting involved, including over 20 Cancer Council staff.

The day kicked off at 8am, with walkers having the choice to begin their journey from any of the seven villages which were placed around the circuit. This allowed participants to choose either walking the entire

25km or just a part of the circuit. In addition to providing the starting and finishing lines, the villages also offered information, refreshments and entertainment.

When the day wound down to a close at 5pm a whopping total of $280,000 had been raised! This is a remarkable achievement and we owe a huge thank you to The Pedestrian Council of Australia, Cancer Council staff, volunteers and walkers who got involved on the day.

...this year the walk was as popular as ever with 10,000 registered walkers getting involved, including over 20 Cancer Council staff.

Cancer Council staff and volunteers get involved with the fifth annual Seven Bridges Walk.

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Volunteer Voice | Autumn 2011

Central and Southern Sydney Local News

New Cancer Council Information Centres coming soon The Central and Southern Sydney team is excited to see the development of its first Cancer Council Information Centre (CCIC) at the St George Cancer Care Centre.

Both the hospital and Cancer Council regional staff are thrilled to be working together to launch the centre early this year. The centre aims to provide access to high quality information and support services for cancer patients, their families and carers during their cancer journey.

The CCIC will also enable well-trained volunteers to offer social support and help to guide visitors towards relevant information resources and to support services such as Connect, support groups and Helpline.

Recruitment of volunteers will take place early in the year and those selected are required to undertake three days of training before commencing work within the CCIC. For those who are interested or seeking more information please contact Jess Payne on (02) 9334 1711.

Cancer Council Information Centre at Bowral.

Leichhardt and Inner West community to host Relay For Life Leichhardt Council and the surrounding Inner Western suburbs are joining forces with Cancer Council NSW by hosting the inaugural Leichhardt Relay For Life in October 2011.

For the past eight years Canada Bay has been the host for the annual Inner West Relay For Life. By bringing the event to Leichhardt this year, we hope to engage the wider community and increase support and awareness in more Inner Western suburbs.

Local volunteers are also being

urged to join the organising committee for this local event with a wide variety of roles available for people looking to get involved.

Caroline Loton (pictured below left) is a local volunteer who has been volunteering with Cancer Council for over nine years and cannot express enough how meaningful it is to be involved with Relay For Life.

“Being part of the Relay For Life Committee is a great way to contribute to a really important local event that is both fun and positive. It also has a very important and serious role in supporting Cancer Council in its fight against cancer and those currently facing cancer – either personally or through family or friends.

“Being on the committee is a great way to meet lots of locals, get to know local businesses and to really feel you belong in the area. If you have been touched by cancer, being involved on the committee is a really positive way to do something.”

The Leichhardt Relay For Life will be held on 8 and 9 October 2011 at King George Park.

For further information on Relay For Life and how you can help, please visit or visit www.relayforlife.org.au.

Alternatively, you can contact Becky Banfill, Relay For Life Coordinator at Cancer Council NSW on (02) 9334 1921 or email beckyb@nswcc.org.au. page 5

Volunteer Voice | Autumn 2011

Far North Coast Local News

A wonderful year!

We’re thrilled to report that 2010 was filled with many successful Cancer Council events within the Far North Coast region. Events such as Daffodil Day, Pink Ribbon Day and Girls Night In, continue to be made possible thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of the region’s loyal band of event volunteers.

In addition to the event volunteers, the Far North Coast boasts another group of volunteers who regularly coordinate essential local services, including the shuttle service to and from Lismore Base Hospital and the Cancer Council Information Centre at St. Vincent’s Private Hospital.

That’s not all either: the Far North Coast office keeps on running smoothly due to the help of yet another lot of volunteers – the cheerful and friendly office volunteers! These volunteers willingly take on any challenge or task that comes their way, always with a smile on their face, and make it possible for the region to meet its targets and deadlines.

A very big thank you to the entire Far North Coast volunteering family! Please contact the Far North Coast office on (02) 6627 0300 if you, or anyone you know, would like to start volunteering with Cancer Council in 2011.

Scott Woolfe steps up for a challenge Scott Woolfe has participated in Relay For Life events since 2003 and has been a fantastic ambassador for the events ever since. Scott has completed Relays in Lismore, Murwillumbah and his home turf, Ballina, and always makes time to assist with the pre-event preparations.

To raise awareness for the October 2011 Relay For Life, Scott completed an 18 hour walk on Alstonville PS Oval in December 2010. Scott is now busy planning a ‘Tennis Relay’ which will involve him and his friends playing tennis over an extended period of time to raise money for Cancer Council as well as training for this year’s Relay For Life at the same time.

Scott also lends a hand distributing and collecting merchandise for

Congratulations to Sylvia Kilroy Far North Coast stalwart, Sylvia Kilroy, was recently awarded the NSW Centre for Volunteering’s 2010 Northern Rivers Volunteer of the Year Award.

Sylvia has supported Cancer Council for over ten years and has organised Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea at the Evans Head Bowling Club since 2000. Other Cancer Council fundraisers hosted

by Sylvia include Melbourne Cup luncheons and bowling days.

Sylvia also volunteers with the Salvation Army, Mid-Richmond Lions Club, the Westpac Life Saver

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Daffodil Day and Pink Ribbon Day. Thank you Scott – your enthusiasm and commitment is truly appreciated!

Rescue Helicopter and the SES. And, if that wasn’t enough, Sylvia finds time to make tea and coffee at her local Pacific Highway Driver Reviver and regularly visits the Coraki Retirement Village.

Sylvia has supported Cancer Council for over ten years and has organised Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea at the Evans Head Bowling Club since 2000.

A well-deserved recognition for Sylvia and her tireless efforts to her community. Congratulations Sylvia!

Volunteer Voice | Autumn 2011

Volunteer Profile

Greater Western Sydney Local News

Exceptional volunteer effort

Beatrice Atwell (left) with Cancer Council staff member Janice Low.

Beatrice Atwell For over 17 years Beatrice Atwell has volunteered with Cancer Council by helping out at various events and fundraisers. Every year she holds Daffodil Day and Pink Ribbon Day stalls in the Campbelltown area. Not only that, but Beatrice also is a member on the Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea Committee at Casula Hub and has even referred two volunteers to Casula Hub.

The Greater Western Sydney office wants to congratulate the Hills Relay For Life Committee and surrounding community for raising over $250,000.

Each year the volunteers involved with the Hills Relay For Life work hard to organise various fundraisers in the lead up to the Relay. In 2010 the committee, with the help of 1,425 registered participants, managed to raise an amazing total of $252,918. The money has already gone towards cancer research as well as buying beds for palliative care needs.

The achievement is also a testament of the enduring passion of the committee members, many of whom have held their positions since the committee’s inception. This year they will see a new milestone for the Hills Relay For Life, as it enters its tenth consecutive year running and continues to grow.

We give our heartfelt thanks to the long-standing commitment of the Hills community and Relay Committee whose help towards our mission of defeating cancer cannot be overstated.

We’re not only indebted to the fantastic work of Beatrice, but also to her family as there are an incredible three generations of volunteers from the Atwell family! Thank you to Beatrice and your wonderful family for all your hard work and support.

Volunteers enjoying another successful Hills Relay For Life.

Christmas celebration The Greater Western Sydney team spread some Christmas joy with their volunteers as they together celebrated a year of hard work and fantastic achievements.

The Greater Western Sydney team held the silly season celebration in Parramatta to say a huge thank you to all the hardworking volunteers.

Both long-standing and new volunteers were treated to a fun night of food, drinks, laughter, reminiscing and even a magician!

Jonas the Magician, who is also a dedicated Hills Relay volunteer, had the Greater Western Sydney crowd in awe with his amazing and breathtaking magic. It was a fabulous night and a great way for the team to show their appreciation to all the volunteers who help us each and every year!

We want to give a big thank you to the Albion Hotel who donated the room and food and also to Jonas for his magnificent show. page 7

Volunteer Voice | Autumn 2011

Hunter Local News

Floating in a seven-storey billboard

Pink Ribbon fundraising morning tea

Since October 2010, Wine Country Ballooning has been flying the flag for Cancer Council in spectacular style.

The beautiful new gold and blue hot air balloon cost over $60,000 to build, and all of the building and running costs were generously funded by Wine Country Ballooning in support of the Cancer Council Helpline. The balloon can often be seen attending various balloon events where it displays and distributes Cancer Council information and resources.

As Wine Country Ballooning enthusiast Daren Pallett says, “What better way to help raise awareness of Cancer Council’s Helpline than a seven-storey billboard flying over your head?”

Thanks to Wine Country Ballooning for all their kind support.

A Pink Ribbon fundraising morning tea held late last year was proudly hosted by the staff from the Aboriginal Health Unit for Hunter New England Health, Greater Newcastle.

The function was held at the Wallsend Health Campus in Longworth Avenue where approximately 50 staff attended.

Tony Martin, Director for the Aboriginal Health Unit, and Carolyn Bailey, Director of the Community Health Strategy Unit, supported the event.

After a deliciously pink morning tea, attendees went outside where they released pink balloons with tributes to loved ones who had passed away due to breast cancer. At the end of the day the event had managed to raise almost $200 for Pink Ribbon Day. We thank all those who were involved and especially Jenny Forbes, the Marketing and Recruitment Manager for BreastScreen NSW, for attending

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and supporting the event and generously providing guests with gifts.

Pictured above, left to right: Tina Pidcock, Coordinator, Aboriginal Health Unit, Hunter New England Health; Jenny Forbes, Marketing and Recruitment Manager for Breast Screening Unit; and Elizabeth Griffith, Aboriginal Cancer Project Officer, Hunter New England Health. Pictured below: Balloons released with messages.

Volunteer Voice | Autumn 2011

Mid North Coast Local News

Dancing with Coffs Coast stars Angela Van Den Bosch, Marketing and Promotions Manager at the Pet Porpoise Pool in Coffs Harbour, has been a wonderful asset to Cancer Council during her role as a volunteer for the Mid North Coast’s inaugural gala event, Dancing With Coffs Coast Stars.

Angela (pictured above) helped arrange sponsorship agreements with the local radio and newspaper, securing a double-page spread in the local paper and on-air interviews on two local radio stations’ morning shows. To help gain even more coverage for the gala event, Angela also organised promotional events in local shopping centres.

Fiona Foulkes, Do Your Thing Coordinator at the Mid North Coast office, said of Angela. “We would have never gained such good publicity without Angela’s inside knowledge.”

Thanks Angela for all your wonderful support and expertise.

New MP Liaison Program Volunteers The Mid North Coast now has three trained volunteers who are able to enhance our relationship with our local MPs. Colleen Moran, Warren Taylor and Maura Luxford each represent the Myall Lakes, Port Macquarie and Oxley electorates respectively.

Left to right: Colleen Moran (Myall Lakes), Warren Taylor (Port Macquarie), Vanessa Crossley (Cancer Council) and Maura Luxford (Oxley).

With their help, three of our four state electorates now have a trained volunteer to liaise between Cancer Council and the electorate’s local MP. These volunteers will provide a vital link between our organisation and local government representatives and will be able to approach their MP about local and state-wide issues concerning cancer patients and services.

Colleen, Warren and Maura will also be able to present issues relevant to the upcoming State Election when it’s held in March.

Australia’s biggest Girls Night In event Leanne Wood and her committee of nine local women were once again responsible for organising Australia’s biggest Girls Night In, raising an incredible $38,643 in one night.

Every year the team regularly take time out of their busy lives to play host to the event, which is considered a ‘must do’ celebration of life, community spirit and a time to raise awareness of women’s health issues. The 2010 event was also lucky enough to have a very funny special guest, comedian Fiona O’Loughlin Leanne Wood was overwhelmed by the local support, with 450 women attending the 2010 event. “2010 was the biggest year in the six years we have been hosting this event. The support of the local business community was fantastic with over 100 items donated.”

Cancer Council thanks Leanne and her hard working team of volunteers for their fantastic work in organising such an enjoyable and memorable night.

Taree Girls’ Night In organising committee (left to right): Lee Walters, Leanne Newman, Melinda Oirbans, Melinda Allan, Leanne Wood, Michelle Cole, Janine Stephen, Amy Hogan, Tracie Rushworth and Sue Allport. page 9

Volunteer Voice | Autumn 2011

Northern Sydney and Central Coast Local News

Tickled Pink – a huge success research and support services. The Avoca Beach Surf Life Saving Club hosted the event, which featured theatre sports, trivia, silent and live auctions and entertainment from local band, The Cover Up. A wide variety of local women make up the committee and their eclecticism was reflected by the broad age range of the 320 enthusiastic women who attended the event. Event tickets sold out on the day of release, in a continuation of the event’s popularity in 2009, when it raised $23,000.

According to Tickled Pink Committee representative, Jodie Myers, this year’s event was particularly significant as one of their committee members had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Left to right: Tickled Pink Committee members Jodie Watson, Maureen Fyffe, Sonya Walters, Jodie Myers, Kelli Wilson, Rebecca Brunnengraber and Alicia Stone.

Volunteer Profile

A group of dedicated Avoca Beach local ladies held their second annual Tickled Pink event on Friday 29 October, raising over $38,500 for breast cancer

David Sloan David Sloan has been volunteering with us for nearly six months, providing administrative duties to all team members whilst also conducting front-desk support.

David has so far led an incredible life, including studies in classical dance, first in Australia, London and eventually Russia. His dancing experience has led to work in theatres, nightclubs and television around the world, including Paris’s famous Moulin Rouge.

His remarkable achievements don’t stop there however; David has also worked in the hospitality industry, where he ran a successful restaurant in London during the sixties and seventies with clientele ranging from pop

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“As a committee, we were moved and inspired by our friend and fellow committee member who had recently gone through her breast cancer treatment, whilst managing a young family. She is truly an amazing woman and her message is very much about being aware of changes in your body, checking them out and seeking the answers you need,” Jodie said.

stars to members of the English Royal Family.

Now retired and once more back in Australia, David is volunteering with our office in Erina Fair. He’s proven to be a great addition to our team with an infectious enthusiasm and cheerfulness that brightens up our office.

“I chose to volunteer for Cancer Council as I have lost many friends and relatives to one kind or another of cancer,” David said.

And his favourite quote? “Together we can beat cancer.”

Cancer Council Information Centre at Northern Sydney We have had a fantastic response from volunteers to work in our newly opened Cancer Council Information Centre at The Sydney Adventist Hospital in Wahroonga.

The centre will offer cancer patients and their carers a relaxed space to learn more about their diagnoses, treatment and local support services.

The centre will work with the Cancer Support Centre at the hospital’s Jacaranda Lodge to provide care to patients and their families.

Volunteers will provide informal support to patients and help visitors find cancer resources such as DVDs, booklets and internet access to useful websites.

Welcome and thank you to our new Information Centre volunteers.

Volunteer Voice | Autumn 2011

North West Local News

Tamworth Country Music Festival & Cancer Council was once again present at this year’s annual Tamworth Country Music Festival. This year we had a stall in the main street attended by dedicated Cancer Council volunteers and a number of Queen of Country Music Entrants.

Volunteers offered free cancer information and sold various merchandise as well as raffle tickets for themed gift packs by country music star, Melinda Schneider.

SunSmart messages were a primary focus for Cancer Council this year and were promoted by volunteers offering a free pump of sunscreen on the main street.

Anders Mykkeltvedt, Bill and Pat Dennis, Judy Lewis and Heather Benning.

A special thanks to Landmark Tamworth for the kind donation of a drench pack which the volunteers used to hand out sunscreen; and of

course a huge thank you to all volunteers who endured the heat and assisted Cancer Council in our mission to beat cancer.

Are you ‘Tough Enough To Wear Pink’?

Are you ‘Tough Enough To Wear Pink’? This was the question asked of competitors in the Australian Bushmen’s Campdraft and Rodeo Association Ltd’s (ABCRA) National Rodeo Finals that were held in January in Tamworth.

The day kicked off at 8am with a breakfast for all the campdrafting cowboys and cowgirls from near and far. The pink-themed breakfast was to raise awareness and support for breast cancer research. Country

music star, Melinda Schneider, was a special guest at the breakfast and mingled with campdrafting participants.

By the evening volunteers and staff had turned the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre into a bright shade of pink for the rodeo finals. The colour was prevalent throughout the crowd too, with competitors, spectators, ABCRA and Cancer Council staff and volunteers getting into the spirit.

Above left: Kylie Dewhurst, Melinda Schneider, and Bek Hooley with Tough Enough To Wear Pink cowboys. Above right: Tough Enough To Wear Pink branded horses.

As well as helping to raise breast cancer awareness at the event, ABCRA generously donated a percentage of ticket sales to Cancer Council. Auctions, raffles and a blanket drop also made up several of the activities conducted on the night that helped contribute to fundraising.

The opening of the National Rodeo Finals was particularly emotional as a champion barrel racer and wellrespected competitor, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, rode into the centre with a flag made especially for her and this occasion. The pink flag was screen printed with the ‘Tough Enough To Wear Pink’ and Cancer Council logos.

The night was a huge success and would not have been possible without the dedication of ABCRA staff, Cancer Council staff and volunteers, and the huge hearts of competitors and spectators. page 11

Volunteer Voice | Autumn 2011

Southern Local News

Volunteer of the Year Awards 2010 Last year Southern Region staff were thrilled to nominate a number of volunteers for the 2010 NSW Centre for Volunteering Awards.

Wendy Ducasse, Frank McNamara, Noel Dare, Fay Fellinga, Darrell Swadling, Jill Ingram, Greg Whitby, Forrest Preston, Jonathon Purvis and Lynn Hornbrook were the ten volunteers nominated by the staff.

Volunteer Profile

Of the nominations, we were particularly excited when it was announced that Darrell Swadling had won the 2010 Illawarra Volunteer of the Year award at the regional awards ceremony held at

the Corrimal Community Centre in November.

Over the past eight years Darrell has demonstrated commitment, enthusiasm and passion to his numerous volunteer roles including being a community speaker, Relay For Life Committee member, cancer advocate and fundraiser.

Congratulations Darrell for your remarkable achievement.

Pictured top right: Darrell Swadling, Illawarra Volunteer of the Year 2010.

Pictured bottom right: (left to right): Noel Dare, Frank McNamara, Wendy Ducasse and Fay Fellinga accept their Volunteer of the Year nomination certificates.

Ashleigh Common Ashleigh Common joined Cancer Council in December 2010 and moved swiftly into the General Practitioner Engagement role.

Working on the General Practitioner (GP) Engagement project, Ashleigh is responsible for putting together a cancer resources package for general practitioners to use in their practice on a regular basis. It is hoped that this tool will improve the ways in which doctors receive cancer information and distribute it to their patients.

Ashleigh’s background is in graphic design and, after gaining a personal insight into how important GPs are in the community, she wanted to volunteer her time to help Cancer Council with this project.

“Volunteering on this project has been really rewarding. It has allowed me to get involved in a new project for the region and to use my skills to help get it off the ground.”

Ashleigh hopes to continue working with Cancer Council in promoting our resources and programs throughout the year.

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New Cancer Council Community Centre in Young On 9 November 2010 Cancer Council NSW staff launched a brand new community centre in Young. At Young Cancer Council Community Centre locals will have access to cancer support and information. The centre will also be used

by Cancer Council to conduct programs, services and fundraising events in Young and the surrounding areas.

One of the centre’s volunteers, Kate Cockburn, said “It is a great place for me to give back to my local community, to help and support local people by lending my time as a reception volunteer. I thoroughly enjoy my time in the centre and being able to work with fellow volunteers.”

For those interested in visiting, the Young Cancer Council Community Centre can be found at Suite 8 Millard Centre, 192 Boorowa St, Young or contacted on (02) 6382 3426.

Volunteer Voice | Autumn 2011

South West Local News

Saving Life in the South West region

Daryl is very aware of the difficulties cancer patients face and was very supportive of the campaign. During the meeting he was presented with signed postcards from Wagga Wagga residents, which showcased significant local support for the campaign. In addition to the already strong campaign support, the meeting was also covered by Prime and WIN News and the Daily Advertiser.

RAN members continue to be active in promoting better outcomes for cancer patients. As well as holding monthly meetings to discuss current campaigns and how best to get results, they will soon meet with the local MP for Griffith, Adrian Piccoli.

Photo courtesy of The Daily Advertiser.

The South West Regional Advocacy Network (RAN) is meeting local MPs and spreading the word on the importance of Cancer Council’s state-wide Saving Life campaign. Our RAN Chair, John Knight, contacted Wagga MP, Daryl Maguire, and organised for Mr Maguire to visit Cancer Council offices. There he met some of our RAN members, including Maureen Dietmann and Ted Wolfe, to discuss the campaign.

Daryl Maguire, Member for Wagga Wagga (left), and John Knight, Chair of South West RAN Committee.

If you would like more information on how to be part of the RAN, please contact the South West Regional Office on (02) 6937 2600.

Sun Sound launch Keden Montgomery, one of the newest volunteers at the South West Regional Office, was quick to put her hand up in assisting the launch of Cancer Council’s Sun Sound at the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre in Wagga Wagga. Sun Sound, a short yet catchy jingle, is designed as a friendly reminder for people to be sun smart.

schedule. As well as studying nursing at Charles Sturt University, she also managed to wow a crowd of 120 council workers at a breakfast meeting with a presentation on healthy living, demonstrating once again, just how invaluable she is.

Thanks Keden!

The Wagga Wagga office was also lucky to have work experience students helping throughout November. One of the students, Zoe Schipp, attended the Sun Sound launch and helped Keden to set up umbrellas, hang banners and tattoo as many as 100 high school students, all the while smiling and being sun smart.

Launching Sun Sound hasn’t been the only thing on Keden’s busy

Can you help us?

With current vacancies in our region, we are seeking dynamic and skilled volunteers to enhance the work of our team and improve our services to the community: • To volunteer for administration, programs and events, please contact Kaylene Wilson on (02) 6937 2600.

• To volunteer as a committee member for Wagga Relay For Life, please contact Annabel Macdonald on (02) 6937 2604.

If you can help us we would love to hear for you.

Keden Montgomery (right) and Zoe Schipp (left) at the Sun Sound launch. page 13

Volunteer Voice | Autumn 2011

Western Local News

Regional Programs Coordinator Jocelyn ‘Jocie’ Johnston joined us in January as the Regional Programs Coordinator in Supportive Care.

highlight gaps in transport services before, during and after a cancer diagnosis.

Drawing from a background in communications and community engagement, Jocie will tackle a complete audit of Western NSW’s transport-to-treatment corridors in preparation for the opening of the new Orange Base Hospital, the region’s first radiotherapy service west of the mountains, in MarchApril 2011.

“We want to hear what the real transport situation is across our region,” said Jocie.

Volunteer Profile

Transport providers, support groups, community organisations, patients, survivors, carers and family will be canvassed to

“We want to hear what the real transport situation is across our region.”

Jocie will work with volunteers, reinvigorating support group connections, and improving the number and reach of our Understanding Cancer and Living Well After Cancer workshops.

Another key project for Jocie is establishing the first Cancer Council Information Centre in Western NSW at Daffodil Cottage in Bathurst.

The Western Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) provides regional leadership and support for the strategic direction, mission and vision of Cancer Council.

RAC member Nevin Hughes, a two-year Cancer Council volunteer, already has strong community networks through his many roles such as the Weddin Shire Councillor, farmer and Rotarian. He also has over 30 years volunteering for the Rural

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These positions are Orangebased, but expressions of interest are welcome from elsewhere across the region.

• Regional Advisory Committee Secretary: produce and distribute minutes; oversee administration of the regional cancer control grants process.

• Communications and Media Assistant: assist development and implementation of a local communications and media plan; maintain databases; monitor media and production deadlines.

• Community Speakers Coordinator: manage Community Speakers program, liaise with speakers, finalise engagements.

• Data Coordinator: collect and update regional/local data and cancer statistics.

Nevin Hughes

Ten volunteer committee members represent and provide feedback from their communities by meeting quarterly to identify and commit to milestones for development, review progress and provide guidance on regional plans and challenges.

Positions vacant

• ‘Do Your Thing’ Event Assistant: assist coordination, implementation and marketing of the fundraising program.

Fire Service and 12 years as a Rural and Remote Mental Health Advisory Committee member.

Nevin (pictured above) believes community volunteers offer a different perspective to those working at the coal face. He says cancer is a social issue, and that getting together to discuss wins and challenges is the secret to success. Cancer Council thanks Nevin for his contribution.

• Finance and Administration Assistant: assist accounts payable and end-of-month processing.

• Relay For Life Event Assistant: administration, coordination and delivery of Western Region events.

For those interested, please contact Annella Powell on (02) 6392 0800.

Volunteer Voice | Autumn 2011

Our most remote volunteer

Recipe corner

to Australia and begun work at the organisation. When the position of an English-to-Russian translator became available, Julia immediately leapt at the opportunity.

Year after year Cancer Council is fortunate enough to have thousands of registered volunteers organising and attending local and state-wide events in the mission to defeat cancer. Today, however, Volunteer Voice looks beyond state borders to talk to one of our more remote volunteers who contributes to that mission from across the globe.

Living in Omsk, Russia, Julia Zhidkova is a volunteer working in Cancer Council’s Cancer Research Division. Julia (pictured above) first became aware of Cancer Council through a friend who had immigrated

Book review

As a translator, Julia has worked on Cancer Council’s CLEAR Study, helping translate materials such as the CLEAR questionnaire and other corresponding documents. When asked what first drew her to volunteering, the fulltime sales representative said that she recognised the importance of the work done by Cancer Council and that she simply wanted to be involved.

Julia also reminds us that there’s always an opportunity to help, no matter where you are located.

“Being a translator, I don’t have to go to office to do my job, so there’s not much difference where you live.

And, of course, the problem of cancer is not limited by any borders or nationalities. Everyone who worked with me is very helpful and friendly. I enjoy it very much.”

The Encore Effect by Mark Sanborn

“I believe,” writes Sanborn, “that a worthy goal in life is to have people shouting for more of whatever it is we do.”

The Encore Effect is only small but well written and easy to read. Originally written for performers, the messages throughout the book translate to all parts of our lives: work, family and community.

Mark identifies the traits that extraordinary performers have in common: passion, preparation, practice, presence, polish and the ability to overcome pitfalls. All these traits can be applied to all aspects of our lives. Chapter seven was my favourite chapter. “Practice: it won’t make you perfect, but it will make you better.”

He advises that we should reframe the words ‘imperfection’ and ‘mistakes’ to helpful feedback. A mistake is an opportunity to focus and practise.

Everyday we all take to ‘the stage’ unaware. This book outlines how to make everyday remarkable. Remarkable performance isn’t just about what we do; it’s also about how we do it. Passion is the fuel that lets us ‘set ourselves on fire.’

Reviewed by Marion Carroll.

Vegie Spring Rolls Rolls • 2 tsp olive oil • 1 clove garlic, crushed • 100g portabello or shitake mushrooms, chopped • 4 spring onions, sliced • 1 medium carrot, grated • 3 cups Chinese cabbage, shredded • 1 tsp reduced-salt soy sauce • 1 tsp hoisin sauce • 1 tbsp chilli sauce • 12 spring roll wrappers • 1 egg white, lightly beaten

Dipping Sauce • ¼ cup reduced-salt soy sauce • 2 tbsp sweet chilli sauce • 1 spring onion, chopped

Directions • Preheat oven to 200°C. Heat oil in a pan and stir-fry garlic, mushrooms, onions and carrot until lightly cooked. Stir in cabbage and cover until wilted.

• Remove from heat and tip into a colander to drain any liquid. Return vegetables to pan, add sauces and toss.

Divide mixture between wrappers.

• Fold in sides and roll up.

Brush rolls with egg white and place on a tray lined with baking paper. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

• Combine all dipping sauce ingredients. Serve spring rolls hot with dipping sauce.

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Volunteer Voice | Autumn 2011

Events calendar General events

North West Region

2 April: POSH Auction, to be held at the Westin Hotel Sydney

2-3 April: Liverpool Relay, No 2 Showground, Henry St, Quirindi

26 May: Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

7-8 May: Manilla Relay, Chaffey Park

Every Wednesday, 5-6pm: Daffodil Choir rehearsals, Level 6, Woolloomooloo.

Enquiries: 0400 118 043

13-14 May: Mungindi Relay, Mungindi Oval

Northern Sydney and Central Coast Region 26-27 March: North Shore Relay

Central and Southern Sydney Region

13 May: Volunteer Expo, Niagara Park

30 April to 1 May: Sutherland Shire Relay

South West Region

21-22 May: Eastern Suburbs Relay 8-9 October: Leichhardt Relay, King George Park.

Far North Coast Region 2-3 April: Yamba Relay 30 April to 1 May: Casino Relay

Greater Western Sydney Region Every second Tuesday: Craft Group, Casula Hub. Enquiries: (02) 9354 2051 14-15 May: Hills Relay

April: Understanding Cancer, West Wyalong (date TBA) April: Living Well After Cancer, Tumut (date TBA) May: Understanding Cancer, Albury (date TBA) 24-25 September: Hay Relay 22-23 October: Border Relay

Southern Region 26-27 March: Ulladulla Relay, Shoalhaven Relay

From time to time, Cancer Council conducts research studies on people drawn from the New South Wales population. These studies range in type from questionnaire-based surveys, focus groups and interviews to other types of research.

Your help is vital to our research to defeat cancer. By helping us now, you can help us defeat cancer in the future.

You can register online at www.cancercouncil.com. au/joinastudy by providing a few relevant details, or call the special Join a Research Study number on (02) 9334 1398.

Please note that study participants will not necessarily be cancer patients.

2-3 April: Bega Relay, Young Relay 30 April to 1 May: Cooma Relay 30 April to 1 May: Kiama Relay

2-3 April: Hastings Relay

Western Region

14-15 May: Nambucca Valley Relay

2-3 April: Bathurst Relay

28-29 May: Coffs Harbour Relay

30 April to 1 May: Cowra Relay

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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 03/11

Regional offices and hubs

Mid North Coast Region

9-10 April: Griffith RFL

Help us defeat cancer – join a research study