VolunteerVoice Celebrating Commitment at Cancer Council NSW
Summer Edition December 2012
Share, discover, connect Cancer Connections Online Support Community
Cancer Council NSW offers many places of support for people living with cancer, survivors, and their family and friends. One of these places is open 24/7, with no appointments necessary. A place for all those affected by cancer to connect, vent, share their experiences, and explore their challenges together. Cancer Connections is an Australia-wide online community with active discussions, support groups and blogs where members can give and receive support and advice. Cancer Connections, running since 2009, and relaunched in November, is now even easier to use. Last year there were over 45,000 visits to the website, the numbers growing every year. Felix Ratcliff, Cancer Connections Coordinator, says the website is “where people share what’s really going on in their lives…they can do it anonymously, confidentially, and so become aware of what they have in common with their fellow online community members”. Unsure about sharing your cancer experiences online? Don’t be. Cancer Connections provides a safe haven professionally moderated by Cancer Council staff. A first-time visitor to Cancer Connections can browse the public forums, and gain a sense of the supportive, respectful atmosphere of
the site. Few questions go unanswered, and regular posters are welcoming and encouraging to newcomers.
users share their authentic experiences, in a raw and candid way.
To participate in the discussions, visitors need to register with a user name and an email address. A new member can immediately ask a question on the forums, join a group, or begin a personal blog. There are also private groups available for people with specific types of cancer, run by trained psychosocial professionals, offering specialised support.
Sharing experiences ultimately contributes to our mission to defeat cancer. If you think Cancer Connections could be a useful resource for you or somebody you know, visit www.cancerconnections. com.au and find out how easy it is to share, discover and connect with other people whose lives are touched by cancer.
Some topics are hard to discuss face-to-face or even over the phone. The online world dissolves boundaries and social stigmas that prevent many people accessing support. The confidentiality of the website is valuable for those seeking empathetic and non-judgmental responses to their queries. Users can also control whether their posts are visible to the public or only to specific people or groups who will best understand their experiences. Cancer Connections is particularly valuable and convenient for people living in remote areas, or for those whose illness or responsibilities as a carer mean they cannot access other services. Many men and young adults in particular see Cancer Connections as an ideal way to find support. The updated website makes it simple to find which groups are going to be most relevant to you, whether you are a cancer patient, a carer, or a friend or family member of somebody with cancer. Communicating with others in similar situations allows people to rediscover a feeling of normality. Felix says it helps “to hear it from someone who’s been there”. Rather than just solutions-focused medical advice,
www.cancercouncil.com.au | Volunteer Hotline: (02) 9334 1813
Cancer Council faces the world On page seven learn more about Cancer Council’s first major advertising campaign, which asks “What will you do today to help beat cancer?”. Find out how you can help. Holding this newsletter in your hand, reading these words, you’ve already started.
Editorial team: Michael McGennan and Lucy Mowat. Feedback and contributions to volunteervoice@nswcc.org.au
VolunteerVoice | Summer2012
Update
from Volunteer Development Advisor, Meghan Hermann
Andrew Penman, recently retired Cancer Council NSW CEO, was a great inspiration during his 14 years as the head of this organisation. In particular, his enthusiastic support for volunteers directly contributed to why many people selected Cancer Council NSW as their “charity of choice”. The dedication shown by Cancer Council volunteers is extraordinary, often delivered for many many years in various capacities, from helping at our Relays for Life, on major events such as Daffodil Day, Pink Ribbon
Day, at Australia’s Biggest Morning Teas, or participating in research to help find a cure for cancer. Volunteering Australia reported in 2010 that all around the nation, 6.4 million people volunteered, doubling the number from five years prior to that. That report shows at least 30 per cent of volunteers have an ongoing commitment to an organisation, if not multiple ones. Volunteers are also more likely to be involved in other aspects of community life than those who have not volunteered in the last 12 months.
Demonstrating that volunteering is good for volunteers every bit as much as the good they bring to the community by volunteering. Without volunteers, Cancer Council’s effectiveness would be a fraction of what is it today. Thank you, and we salute you.
Without volunteers, Cancer Council’s effectiveness would be a fraction of what is it today
Thank you to all our research volunteers Pink Ribbon Day, Monday 22 October, a volunteers-powered event dedicated to raising funds to defeat breast cancer, was an outstanding success. Every event this year has set new records for Cancer Council. Thanks to all who took part, congratulations to everyone who assisted in making it happen. Resoundingly!
Help us solve the puzzle
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Cancer Council NSW’s 2012 consumer research training, undertaken in collaboration with Cancer Voices, was hugely successful. Twenty-nine cancer survivors, carers and family members, completed a two-day course covering the various types of research, as well as how we govern research to ensure it is conducted in an ethical manner that treats all participants with respect and dignity. The training included talks from leading researchers, a panel discussion, and hands-on activities for participants. Special thanks must go to James Butler, Chair of the Cancer Council NSW Consumer Review Panel, Dr Kathy Willowson of the University of Sydney, and Dr Cleola Anderiesz of Cancer Australia, for their guest appearances. Extraordinary dedication was demonstrated by these survivors and carers – spending two days being trained in research is a substantial commitment. Their enthusiasm emphasised the essential contribution consumers make to cancer research.
Research training equips consumers to help Cancer Council NSW decide which research to fund each year. Research consumers have equal input into the research we fund as the expert academics who judge the scientific merit of the applications for funding we receive. The knowledge consumers gain through training also prepares them to work directly with researchers on specific projects, ensuring that research has the greatest possible impact for cancer patients and their carers. You too can have a have a say in deciding which research we should fund. If you would like more information or are interested in becoming a research volunteer, contact Sam Thorp at research@nswcc.org.au.
Extraordinary dedication was demonstrated by these survivors and carers – spending two days being trained in research is a substantial commitment
VolunteerVoice | Summer2012
Taking action to create change sectors. He is a Dhungutti man who grew up in Western Sydney.
Participants at Unite 4 Change, with Michelle Collins (front row, centre).
In November the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AH&MRC) partnered with Cancer Council NSW (CCNSW) to run a free training workshop for Aboriginal community members. The training was open to all Aboriginal people who have an interest in learning how to influence and improve services that are provided to their communities. This training was aimed at developing practical skills and strategies that could be applied to create positive change in Aboriginal communities, particularly in relation to improving cancer prevention, treatment and support. Cancer is the second biggest killer of Aboriginal people, with the mortality rates for some cancers more than three times higher than for non-Aboriginal people. Aboriginal people in NSW, compared with non-Aboriginal people, have a 60 per cent higher mortality from all cancers. November’s training was facilitated by Justin Noel. One of Australia’s most respected Indigenous communications, research and facilitation consultants, Justin has over 20 years experience in the health, training and community
Advocacy training is a comprehensive two day program that is a combination of theory and practical. A far-ranging review of the structure of government and the key players in the health system is intertwined with practical activities like ‘telling our stories’, ‘campaign planning’ and ‘working with the media’. Throughout the course a number of different presenters shared their experiences in community action, lobbying, and working with the media. One of those presenters was Michelle Collins, from the Mid North Coast Region, an Aboriginal woman and a Cancer Council volunteer. Michelle joined Cancer Council as a volunteer in May 2007, when she established her first Relay For Life team (The Galambila All Blacks). Michelle is the Executive Assistant at Galambila Aboriginal Health Service Inc., and is a member of the Mid North Coast Regional Advocacy Network. Michelle joined after completing Cancer Council’s Advocacy training held at Lismore in February 2008. In May the same year, Michelle attended Cancer Council’s Lead the Way Conference, and led a delegation of volunteers to State Parliament to meet with the Hon. Andrew Fraser MP (Coffs Harbour). Since starting her volunteer journey with Cancer Council, Michelle says she has improved her social and personal skills, met heaps of lovely and interesting people, and also gained professionally, as Cancer Council has provided training opportunities that she may otherwise have never experienced – and the journey has only just begun. But this journey is a two-way street, and Michelle feels that she has given
valuable administrative and organisational skills, as well as providing key staff at Cancer Council with important insights and skills required to engage Aboriginal people in advocacy. Her favourite quote is “from little things, big things grow”. Want to know more about assisting your community? Turn to page seven for how you CanAct in the fight against cancer.
Aboriginal research volunteer trained For the first time, a cancer carer from the Aboriginal community, Liesa Clague (pictured below, on the left), has been trained to help Cancer Council NSW decide what research to fund. This is part of a larger drive to make our research more relevant to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
What will you do today to help beat cancer?
Gary Ardler appears in Cancer Council’s new advertising campaign. Can you guess his message?
Artwork by Georgina Altona (Kamilaroi People).
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VolunteerVoice | Summer2012
“Nothing endures but change” Heraclitus This past September we bid farewell to Dr Andrew Penman AM as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Cancer Council NSW after nearly 14 proud years of service. Andrew, a passionate and visionary leader, has been instrumental in developing Cancer Council NSW into an organisation with an enviable reputation in cancer research, prevention and support, and an industry-leading fundraising portfolio. We’d like to thank Andrew for his passion, integrity, vision and courage over the years, and we wish him all the best for the future.
To take over the helm, we welcomed Regina Sutton to the role of CEO on 2 October. Regina comes to Cancer Council NSW with a background in management and leadership in the corporate sector, having held senior management positions at major companies such as Kodak, Telstra and IBM. She understands the importance of community needs, with extensive
experience in government and not-forprofit organisations, including being appointed the first non-librarian CEO of the State Library of NSW. Regina is committed to building upon the strengths of Cancer Council NSW and is looking forward to working closely with volunteers across the state, to translate our mission into action and achieve our vision of cancer defeated.
Regina is committed to building upon the strengths of Cancer Council NSW and is looking forward to working closely with volunteers across the state
Chalk your support
Help us collect 1,997 photos of people across NSW chalking their support for sun protection in primary schools, to demonstrate that people in NSW think it’s time the government updated its sun protection policy to include best practice sun protection recommendations. The Department of Education and Communities (DEC) Protection from the
What will you do today to help beat cancer? 4
sun guidelines have not been updated since 1997 and do NOT reflect what is known to be important for optimal sun protection. In fact, the guidelines still suggest that it’s good practice to use SPF15+ sunscreen. If the NSW Government establishes a policy that requires all primary schools to meet best-practice sun protection standards, it will provide much needed
guidance to principals and teachers. It’s that simple! QLD, WA, VIC and ACT have specific, comprehensive sun protection policies. It’s time NSW caught up. If you would like to know more, please visit www.canact.com.au. Time to start your own Cancer Council Timeline at beatcancer. cancercouncil.com.au.
Valerie Ardler participated in the Aboriginal Cancer Journeys book published by Cancer Council. As one of our key Aboriginal contacts, she shared her cancer story through this book. She was diagnosed with breast cancer and as the cancer was found in both breasts, Valerie decided to undergo a complete mastectomy. She says she, “didn’t want any chemo or radiation”. She loves fishing and finds that it makes her relaxed and calm.
VolunteerVoice | Summer2012
Commitment means different things to different people Some Cancer Council volunteers come into the office every week, while others support a cause or annual event to assist when things get busy. However they bring their time and skills, it’s commitment from a broad range of volunteers that helps us to undertake the work we do. The Eat It To Beat It program, rolling out across this state, is a perfect example of program-committed volunteers. Those who tirelessly telephone schools promoting our services, to those who help us take our messages to the community by delivering Fruit & Veg $ense sessions.
These volunteers give their time to promote healthy eating for cancer prevention on an ongoing basis. The commitment of volunteers also looks different in other ways. The ‘typical volunteer’ is no longer a retiree looking to give back to their local communities. We see more and more young people volunteering to gain valuable professional experience. Sometimes these encounters are brief, but just as often young volunteers commit to the defeat of cancer way beyond their initial expectation.
Since inception, Eat It To Beat It has trained over 200 volunteers. Not all of them are still volunteering on the program, but many remain committed to Cancer Council in other ways. Through Daffodil Day, SunSmart, Relay For Life, or just keeping Cancer Council NSW top of mind through the next stages of their life.
...volunteers give their time to promote healthy eating for cancer prevention on an ongoing basis
Christmas cheer without risking cancer With the ‘silly season’ rapidly approaching, it’s a good time to remember that limiting your alcohol consumption is one way you can reduce your cancer risk. Over Christmas and New Year, there are plenty of opportunities to overindulge, and your consumption can quickly add up. Previously it was thought that moderate amounts of alcohol protected against heart disease. The evidence suggesting this is not as strong as it was once thought. The Heart Foundation no longer recommends any type of alcohol to prevent heart disease. While You can’t SEE the alcohol in this drink.
many people tell themselves that alcohol is good for their heart, the reality is that it is not, and alcohol consumption increases cancer risk. Approximately 5,000 cases of cancer (or five per cent of all cancers) are linked to long-term alcohol consumption each year in Australia. Alcohol consumption is linked to mouth, pharynx, larynx, oesophagus, bowel (men) and breast (women) cancers. Even small amounts of alcohol increases your risk of cancer. Cancer Council recommends you should reduce your alcohol consumption, or better still, avoid alcohol all together, as an effective way to lower cancer risk. For people who do drink, the recommendations are: • An average of no more than two standard drinks a day.
• No more than four standard drinks in any one session. • Don’t forget to include some non-alcoholic options in your Christmas celebrations, like mocktails or frappes. Why not try our fruity festive punch? Simply mix together: • 750mL mineral water • 750mL ginger ale • 500mL fruit juice • 1 can of fruit (such as fruit salad or peaches) • strawberries, sliced • pulp of 1 passionfruit • ice and mint leaves. For more information, visit www. cancercouncil.com.au/20432 or contact Lyndal Wellard in the Nutrition Unit on (02) 9334 1771 or lyndalw@nswcc.org.au.
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VolunteerVoice | Summer2012
Peer support volunteers and experts share a cause
Cancer Council NSW also provides the venue for the PeNTAGOn nurse and peer volunteer training. A number of project team members facilitate the peer volunteer training, including Associate Professor Penelope Schofield and Stella Bu (PeNTAGOn Study Coordinator for NSW), together with Annette Beattie from Cancer Council NSW and Maxine Rosenfield (Communications Expert).
A common treatment for gynaecological cancer is radiotherapy, which results in many stressful side effects that have both immediate and late impacts on quality of life.
new program meets women’s supportive care needs, improves psychological well-being, reduces symptom distress, and improves quality of life.
PeNTAGOn is a national, multi-centre Phase III randomised controlled trial to test a new support program for women receiving radiotherapy for gynaecological cancer. The program combines telephone calls from a peer support volunteer (a trained, gynaecological cancer survivor), and consultations with a specialist nurse. This support is offered before, during, and after radiotherapy treatment, and is tailored to an individual patient’s needs.
Peer support volunteers are core to the success of the PeNTAGOn intervention. These women donate their time and experience, and show an eagerness to support other women facing a similar treatment to their own.
The two day workshop provides the peer support volunteers with a clearer understanding of the PeNTAGOn trial, skills in communicating with patients over the phone, and a chance to meet other women also working as peers.
The Cancer Connect program staff from Cancer Council NSW have conducted screening phone interviews with all potential peer volunteers selected from four participating hospitals, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Westmead Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital & Royal Hospital for Women, and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital.
“I feel much more competent in questioning techniques that would facilitate an improved understanding of patients circumstances”
Led by Associate Professor Penelope Schofield from the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Victoria, the PeNTAGOn trial will test whether the
Associate Professor Penelope Schofield, far right and Annette Beattie, Cancer Connect Coordinator, far left, with workshop participants.
After training, peer support volunteers have said: • I felt that the facilitators were very approachable and very informative with the sessions. They covered a lot of ground in an easy to understand way. • What was most valuable was gaining a wealth of information to better assist others. To share our stories. It was healing for the soul. • Every part (of the training) was worthwhile! • I feel much more competent in questioning techniques that would facilitate an improved understanding of patients circumstances and improved capacity to provide appropriate services. • This was the most useful workshop I have attended – on so many levels.
Cancer Council NSW’s Community Speakers Program informs the community of relevant and up-to-date information on cancer.
www.cancercouncil.com.au/40452 6
VolunteerVoice | Summer2012
An empowering strategy to beat cancer
Left to right: Frank Ritchie, Emma Rackebrandt, Paul Abela, Ava Del Tufo and Kevin York.
“What will you do today to help beat cancer?” asks Cancer Council NSW’s new advertising campaign, which premiered in August and features over 70 Cancer Council volunteers and supporters. This fully-integrated campaign includes television, radio, press, cinema, and outdoor advertising, as well as an interactive presence across multiple social media and digital platforms. One of the main aims of the campaign is to motivate and empower people in the community to do something every day to help beat cancer and reduce its impact. The campaign emphasises the need to donate towards vital cancer research, and highlights Cancer Council’s key prevention and support programs, including Helpline 13 11 20 dedicated to offering support and counselling to cancer patients, carers and their families. A remarkable aspect of this campaign was that every person featured had a strong connection to Cancer Council NSW, as well as to the cancer cause, and volunteered their time willingly and eagerly. Talent were selected from a
pool of over 200 staff, volunteers, partners, supporters, advocates and fundraisers, with submissions coming from all across NSW. Sarah McCarthy, Manager of Brand, Marketing and Communications for Cancer Council NSW said: “This campaign will be invaluable to us. We can’t beat cancer alone. We are making great progress in the fight against cancer, but there is still a lot of important work to do in the community. The messaging really sums up this united effort.” In support of the advertisements, seven inspirational stories were produced on video to showcase the impact of cancer on people of different ages and abilities confronting different cancer journeys.
The remaining three profile the efforts of James Freeman, and Ava Del Tufo, prolific fundraisers for Cancer Council who have lost loved ones to cancer, and now raise much needed funds to make a difference to the lives of others, and Angela Aston, a staff member of Cancer Council NSW for more than 15 years and survivor of breast cancer. Since launching in August, the campaign has generated significant interest and publicity about Cancer Council NSW, its work, services and programs. At the time of writing more than 1,700 people have visited the campaign website, with the videos being viewed over 15,000 times, and these numbers continue to grow.
These case studies captured the drive and determination of cancer patients Emma Rackebrandt, a 21 year old paraplegic fighting a rare brain and spinal cancer, and Paul Abela, Royal Australian Air Force Airman, battling cancer for the second time.
As the campaign creatively demonstrates, every day, every one of us can do something to help beat cancer. Some days it might be a big thing like joining a research study or making a bequest in your will, and other days it could be something as small as wearing a hat or supporting a fundraiser.
Two videos explore the contribution of volunteers Kevin York and Frank Ritchie, who selflessly give their time and support to the cancer cause.
To find out what you can do today to help beat cancer, and to view the full suite of videos, visit beatcancer. cancercouncil.com.au.
So you want to be part of our movement for change, but not sure where to begin? Start by joining our CanAct community! We’ll send you regular campaign updates via email and opportunities to get involved – from easy actions like writing emails and attending events, through to engaging with the media and perhaps meeting with your local MP. Simple actions by individuals can lead to big wins in our communities. www.canact.com.au Join now. You CanAct and make a difference. 7
VolunteerVoice | Summer2012
Central and Southern Sydney Local News
Micaela honours her mother’s memory and Carer VIP morning tea on the Relay weekend, 13-14 October.
Micaela Bester is our Survivor and Carer Coordinator for the Inner West Relay Committee. She organised the Survivors Walk as well as the Survivor
She chooses to volunteer at Cancer Council NSW because “My mother sadly passed away in February after a two and a half year battle with a rare lymphoma. I wanted to be proactive in supporting the research, prevention, treatment and support services of Cancer Council”. Micaela (pictured left) is a Linguistics tutor at the University of Sydney, and studies to be a translator. She’s
Volunteer Profile Sarah Dibdin is our Media and Marketing Coordinator on the Inner West Relay For Life event. As a volunteer, she liaises with local media, print, broadcast and online, puts together media releases, and invites local businesses and community groups to take part in the event. Her contributions include updating the Facebook page, organising promotional days for the Relay, and coordinating posters and banners for advertising the event. Sarah chose to volunteer at Cancer Council NSW because “I wanted to be able to use my communication skills in a different way than I do at work, and to do something that really matters. I chose Relay For Life because when communities come together we can achieve so much more than on our own. We are raising money for a cause that I believe in, and unfortunately cancer will affect everybody at some point in their lives. “I have qualifications in Communications and Public Relations, and work for a not-for-profit organisation in
passionate about languages, and tells any of her friends who ask her about volunteering with Cancer Council that “It’s a fun and rewarding experience, and they should all come to the Relay!”. Excited about her first Relay For Life, she loves “the satisfaction of helping to raise awareness and funds for such an important cause”. Involvement with Cancer Council “is helping me to work through my own grief by doing something that I think my mother would be proud of”.
fundraising. Although I have this experience, that doesn’t mean that you need to have this kind of a background to help out in this area. Cancer Council provide really useful Left to right: Ana Luiza Paiva, Belinda guides and materials Wan Sun, Olivia Googh, Sarah Dibdin, to help you along Shane Ditcham and Lisa Smajlov. the way, and we have incredible staff on hand to answer any of the questions we have. You’re never on your own! “You get to work with a fantastic group of people who are committed to the same cause you are. You meet wonderful people you otherwise might not have met, and you get to see the real benefit of the work you do.” Read more about Sarah at www.cancercouncil.com. au/62141.
A message from volunteer speaker, Tony Breinl My name’s Tony Breinl, and I’m a volunteer speaker with Cancer Council NSW. I give presentations on cancer prevention, detection, living with the disease, support for others with cancer, and on palliative care. I volunteer with Cancer Council because I received training and support in my chosen field of medical science from the community in my earlier days, and I guess it is a feeling
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that I can make some form of return by sharing the knowledge I have acquired. Read more about Tony (pictured right) on page 11, and his full Cancer Council story online at www.cancercouncil.com. au/63521.
VolunteerVoice | Summer2012
Central Coast Local News
Daffodil Day, youth disability, and a Duke
TAFE students helping kids get SunSmart During September the Central Coast Regional Office joined forces with the Certificate III Early Childhood Studies class at the Hunter TAFE Ourimbah Campus to help promote SunSmart behaviour in pre-schoolers.
Left to right: Bart Rees, Gerald Murphy, Lucy Caska, Lyndall Gooley and Matthew Ledingham.
The Duke of Edinburgh Group at Response Services participate in three components, ‘Skill’, ‘Physical Activity’, and ‘Community Service or Volunteering’, to obtain a Bronze Award, then Silver Award, in the Duke of Edinburgh Program. This year they decided to participate as volunteers by running a Daffodil Day site on the Central Coast. They chose Daffodil Day as they wanted to increase community involvement for young people with a disability, as part of working towards those awards. Their site’s number one selling item? “The fresh daffodils were a great seller, as well as the small teddy bears.”
The TAFE class developed a talk appropriate for three to five years olds based on the community presentation Save Your Own Skin as an assessment activity for the course. Students then presented their assessments to their peers and Cancer Council staff, and then a few were chosen to be presented to the playgroup held at Ourimbah Campus. Overall the presentations were great, and it was fantastic to work with such motivated students and teachers. The ideas that were generated, not just around the assessment, but about how to communicate to parents and education centres on the importance of being SunSmart, provided a wealth of information that we can now use during summer promotions. Hunter TAFE students. Smart…and SunSmart.
Seeing so many people willing to buy items or donate money for such a worthy cause, the group would love to volunteer again next year, to share again in a great opportunity to be directly involved in the local community.
Volunteers shine on Daffodil Day Maureen Saggus has led a team of Daffodil Day volunteers for six years, and is always remembered for her bright hair, bright personality, and very bright sites. On Friday 24 August she was again a Team Leader at one of 39 sites around the Central Coast.
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Christmas Hamper Appeal
Maureen (pictured second from the right) has another claim to fame, as she appears in Cancer Council’s first advertising campaign as a Daffodil Day volunteer. Thank you to all our Central Coast Daffodil Day volunteers for their hard work, time, and ongoing support.
We are seeking donations to go into hampers for cancer patients. We are looking for items such as toiletries, DVDs, books, trinkets, perfume, make-up etc. Please bring your donations to the Cancer Council Erina Office by 17 December 2012. Thank you.
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Far North Coast Local News
Splendour in the Grass – gumboots essential!
Volunteer Profile My name is Linden Rothwell, and I am the lead Media Volunteer, and a Relay For Life committee member, for the Far North Coast Cancer Council. My volunteer work involves helping to compile information and write media releases for Cancer Council events and promotions, as well as any other task the team throws at me. I chose to work at Cancer Council NSW in order to help increase community awareness of the threats of cancer, specially our regional statistics of risk, and what we need to do to lower them. I was searching for a new experience with motivated, passionate individuals, which is the least I can say for the incredible team at the Far North Coast Cancer Council. I am 22 years old and currently studying final year in Business (Marketing) at Southern Cross University, Lismore.
Perhaps not quite living up to its namesake in 2012, this year’s festival was more of a splendour in the sunshine, rain, hail and mud, with patches of grass occasionally spotted. Splendour in the Grass is an annual Australian music festival held in July at Belongil Fields, just outside Byron Bay. In 2010 and 2011, the festival was held in Woodford, Queensland, due to restrictions at the Byron Bay location, but returned to its original location for 2012. Generally considered to be the country’s largest winter music festival, more than 17,000 ‘gig pigs in mud’ poured into this year’s festival from 27 to 29 July. Far North Coast Cancer Council staff and volunteers were amongst them, poised with sunscreen on hand so that attendees could “Rock Out With Their Block Out”. Setting up a ‘Splendour Beach’ sunscreen station, and also offering totem tennis for festival-goers, Cancer Council were well received and easy to spot. Left to right, Kellie Pinkerton, Luke Venn, Vanessa Wyder, Emma Morrissey, and Lesley Western.
The thing I enjoy most about volunteering is that sense of accomplishment, and knowing that each little thing that you do will help change someone’s thoughts, views or lifestyle, for the better. It is a sense of community, the feeling of being a part of something special that no amount of money would satisfy. The build up for Relay For Life is definitely what excited me most, helping prepare for the event as well as creating a team to do the walk. It’s an incredible feeling to see the event succeed and reach our fundraising goal. I feel very honoured and privileged to work with the members at Far North Coast Cancer Council, and feel personally rewarded with each contribution I make. It really is a good feeling to see a piece of information be constructed and designed before being released to the public eye, knowing that that information may change the life of a reader in one way or another.
Do not miss... Crackin’ Cancer Charity Dinner and Art & Antiques Auction Saturday 8 December, North Byron Events, Byron Bay. For more information please contact our office or visit www.cancercouncil.com.au/62470. 10
VolunteerVoice | Summer2012
Greater Western Sydney Local News
Tenielle’s group volunteer journey It all started for us three and a half years ago when Sue, who is related to people in our group as either aunt, wife, sister, mother or friend, was diagnosed with cancer. We put a team together for the Eastern Suburbs Relay under the name Steel Magnolias, as this was where Sue and her family spent a lot of time, and where she underwent her treatment. By the time we did the Relay Sue had finished her treatment and had been given the all clear, which we were all so grateful for. The candlelight ceremony was obviously very emotional for us all in that first year, and still is. We chose to do Relay at Camden this year, as Sue and family have moved to Narellan, which is closer for all the family. We walked to celebrate Sue’s survivorship, but Nicole (my cousin), and her family, also lost someone close to them from a rare form of brain cancer this year: Peter Veness, a journalist for Australian Associated Press. He was 27. He wrote a really moving piece, but be warned, it made me cry. www.smh.com.au/nsw/journalistpeter-veness--27-dies-of-rare-braincancer-20120116-1q20o.html. Nicole managed to get Snazaroo to donate the body paint for her to create her “Avatar” look (pictured right), as well as some water for the Relay and balloons.
Community Speakers
Greater Western Sydney have long had a strong Community Speakers program. The trained volunteer speakers are invited into Community and Corporate groups to provide them with relevant and up to date information on issues relating to cancer. There are five distinct presentations available: “5 Most Common Cancers”, “Save Your Own Skin”, “Cancer Research and You”, “Healthy Lifestyles” and “All cancers. All people. Cancer Council NSW”. Two of our volunteer speakers, Sue Woodward and Tony Breinl, recently addressed an audience which included local politicians amongst 150 guests for a seminar on “Cancer Prevention and Mitigation”. This was hosted by the Australian Tamil Seniors Association in Wentworthville.
Volunteer Profile
Allan and Sharon Smith volunteer for Casula Hub. Sharon utilises her cross-stitch and knitting skills when attending the Casula craft group. She also collects lots of books and
Sue (pictured above) presented an interesting topic, “Cancer Research and You”. She has been a Cancer Council community speaker for four years, is a Greater Western Sydney office volunteer, has a team in Parramatta Relay For Life, and somehow finds time to work part time for TAFE. Tony (above, left), who we borrow from Central and Southern Sydney Region, is a retired scientist. He delivered the “Save Your Own Skin” presentation, and is very passionate about this subject. Visit www.cancercouncil. com.au/63521 for more on Tony and Cancer Council NSW. Volunteer Community Speakers Sue and Tony are making a difference by sharing their knowledge and commitment to defeating cancer with the wider community.
donations for our silent auction at Casula Hub’s Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. Sharon has made many friends of other volunteers since starting, and enjoys the outings that are organised. Allan began volunteering at Casula after he was asked to take the photos at our morning tea. Just lately he has also been helping out in the office calling organisations for the Arabic consultation that is being put together. Both Allan and Sharon are positive about making a contribution in the local community.
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VolunteerVoice | Summer2012
Hunter Local News
The Brave Shave raises over $20,000 On a breezy May afternoon, Adam Keena bravely put 15 years of dreadlocks under the razor and, along with fellow head shavers, Gordon Keena and Josh Kowalczuk, helped raise over $20,000 for Cancer Council. The Brave Shave for Gordon and Emma was held in Speers Point Park, and attracted an impressive crowd of supporters and onlookers. The event was held in honour of Emma Stedman, who lost her battle with melanoma earlier this year, and Adam’s dad Gordon, who is currently fighting prostate cancer. When the friends lost Emma, they decided to raise funds in her memory. Their initial ideas of organising a small fundraising event quickly changed as the donations flooded in. The day grew to become a family fun day with a large raffle, BBQ, face painting and a jumping castle. The money raised from the Brave Shave will be used to fund ongoing prostate and melanoma research.
Left to right: Regional Manager Hunter North West, Shayne Connell with event organisers, Mitchell Keena, Adam Keena (holding Sienna) and Melissa Smith (holding Brock).
Their initial ideas of organising a small fundraising event quickly changed as the donations flooded in.
Volunteer Profile
I’ve volunteered for Cancer Council for almost four years on the Maitland Relay For Life Committee. This year I took up the internship, and now volunteer in the office on Relay For Life events/fundraisers. I’m enjoying every moment of it. I began volunteering for Relay in 2009 after attending a meeting in 2008. My brother Luke (also a committee member) took me along, saying I would really enjoy the event, and sure enough I did.
My name is Cara Smith. I am 17 years old and doing a volunteer internship with Cancer Council NSW Hunter Region.
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I fell in love with the atmosphere, the passion and strength of the survivors and carers. I found their journeys inspirational. After receiving an invitation to join the committee, I jumped at the opportunity to help. At the beginning of this year I realised just how passionate I am about volunteering. It has become a significant part of my life. I decided to take on the internship.
My internship has been brilliant in allowing me to improve on my skills dealing with people from different situations and experiences. It has also improved my computer, speaking, time management, and organisational skills. I will continue to volunteer with Cancer Council, and would recommend the internship to anyone. I am thankful to everyone at the Hunter Regional office for sharing with me this opportunity to grow my skills, and to be a part of something that’s close to my heart.
“At the beginning of this year I realised just how passionate I am about volunteering. It has become a significant part of my life. I decided to take on the internship”
VolunteerVoice | Summer2012
Mid North Coast Local News
Community Speaker Program update cancer, through presentations to community and corporate groups, and by hosting information stalls at community events. The program helps to build a cancer smart community.
Lleft to right: Nev Hillenberg, Jan McLeod and Annette Davidson at the Ageing Well Expo, Coffs Harbour, in August
The Community Speaker Program provides relevant and up-to-date information on issues relating to
On the Mid North Coast, 12 new Community Speaker volunteers were trained in September, which brings the total number of volunteers in our region to 21. Also, a new Community Speaker Coordinator Volunteer is now in place to look after the bookings of presentations and stalls. If you are interested in becoming a Community Speaker volunteer in the local area, either as a speaker or a stalls volunteer, please give our office a call on (02) 6659 8400 to register your interest in this fantastic program.
Daffodil Day becomes a tradition in Nambucca Roberts Nambucca Real Estate has a wonderful Daffodil Day track record, raising nearly $54,000 over the past ten years. This year alone they have raised $9,700 thanks to the generosity and support of their wonderful community. To help raise this magnificent figure, the indomitable staff of Roberts Real Estate held an all-day barbeque with the meat generously supplied by Turnbull’s Family Butchery and bread by Wild Terra Bakery. The popular Daffodil Club monster raffle, with a first prize of $300, and a myriad of other wonderful prizes supplied by local businesses, including a recliner chair from Beatties Furniture and a large rug from BMW Carpets, was eagerly supported.
Left to right: Pamela Crane, Anna Rosentreter, Donna Phelps and Rod Hardy from Roberts Nambucca Real Estate.
Pam Crane from Roberts Real Estate said, “this day has become a tradition in Nambucca Heads”. Well done, Nambucca.
Volunteer Profile Li Li is an international student at Southern Cross University, majoring in Hotel and Resort Management. She is undertaking her internship at the Coffs Harbour office as an event assistant. “At the beginning, all my friends were shocked by my internship. They could not imagine a hotel management student working at Cancer Council, as we all had a narrow idea of the organisation. I thought Cancer Council was only a place in which people fighting cancer can get together and support each other, nothing else. Since I have worked here, I realised I was very wrong. “My job is to assist the events staff with Daffodil Day, Pink Ribbon Day, and Do Your Thing. Daffodil Day was the first activity I attended. I was a member in a walking group with some high school students, and we did a great group job! I was surprised that almost everyone was very happy to support and donate to Cancer Council. I was very impressed that people were happy to buy a pen, a pin or a key ring. There is a saying in China, ‘Give away roses, hand a lingering fragrance’. I love this coastal city because of this lovely organisation!”.
Do not miss... Dancing With Coffs Coast Stars Date: 2 February 2013 Venue: C.ex Coffs Time: 7pm for a 7.45pm start 13
VolunteerVoice | Summer2012
Northern Sydney Local News
2012’s big event snapshots
More than words can say Top row left: Our Macquarie Team go big and bright for Daffodil Day. Top row centre: Elanora Girl Guides rally for Relay For Life. Top row right: Survivor Suzanne Hayles and Jean Hay, Mayor of Manly, at Manly Relay For Life, 15 September. Middle row, left: Hope can be raised anywhere. Middle row, centre: Ian McDougal (Co-Chair), Jean Hay, and Karen Andrews (Co-Chair) cut the all-important Relay ribbon. Middle row, right: Smashing targets – the donations keep coming in! Bottom row, left: Audra Morrice from Masterchef at the Macquarie Ryde Relay, 21 September. Bottom row, centre: Nix & Johnny broadcast all day for Northern Beaches Radio. Bottom row, right: Volunteer Britta Hüttel working hard at North Sydney Station on Daffodil Day. For more of the pictorial world of Cancer Council, visit pinterest.com/cancercouncil.
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VolunteerVoice | Summer2012
North West Local News
Relay Summit success It was a frosty start in Tamworth for 140 delegates to the NSW Relay For Life Summit on June 23, but the sun shone all day long, making for a wonderful afternoon session in Bicentennial Park. Our North West delegates heard from Cancer Council CEO Andrew Penman before breaking into smaller groups to discuss media and marketing, catering and logistics, ceremonies and teams. After a picnic lunch at the Park, time to talk Fight Back messages. Cancer Council staff spoke to small groups
Cancer survivor, Debbie Willmott.
about our services, research, advocacy and prevention, before delegates had the opportunity to check out activities and fundraisers from other regions during our showcase. We finished the afternoon with a moving candlelight ceremony led by Tamworth survivor, Debbie Willmott. With the sun down, time to put on our dancing shoes and head back to ‘Diggers’ for dinner and an awards presentation, but not before some local (and visiting) line-dancers showed off their heel-tapping skills.
Delegates at the Big Golden Guitar.
Daffodil Day “Thank You” Daffodil Day in the North West attracts over 230 volunteers to help Cancer Council in its fight to defeat cancer. From all over the region, they range in age from 15 to 85 years of age. Longstanding volunteers Joan MacQueen (pictured right) and Harriett Phillips (pictured far right) have worked on Daffodil Day since the first stall was set up in Tamworth in 1995, at the Mammography unit within Tamworth Hospital. Daffodil Day Team Leaders commitment to Daffodil Day each year starts several months before the event, with many attending a “Thank You” function and information session to review merchandise and logistics. Team Leaders this year at the function enjoyed the opportunity to network and share ideas with their peers, including new Team Leaders commencing in 2012. Cancer Council North West would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all Team Leaders and volunteers who assisted on Friday 24 August. You made Daffodil Day 2012 a huge success in the North West region, wonderfully contributing to the day’s nationwide impact in the battle to defeat cancer.
Volunteer Profile Paul Hobson has been the Chairman of the Tamworth Relay For Life Committee for the past three relays. He chose to volunteer for Cancer Council “because cancer has touched my life through various family members and friends. I believe the fight to find cures and better treatments for this deadly disease is one of the most significant battles we need to fight in our community, as it touches so many lives throughout the world.” Paul’s worked for Tamworth Council for 23 years, and is heavily involved, over 30 years now in sports coaching and administration. He plays basketball, AFL and Oz Tag regularly, and attends the local gym every week. “Keeping fit and healthy has always been a priority in my life, and I really enjoy the interaction and camaraderie with others in team sport. “I just love helping others in the community. Knowing you have an ability to make a difference is a real personal drive to continue volunteering. “Get involved in volunteering, you will love it!”.
Do not miss... Tough Enough To Wear Pink Fundraiser Date: 25 January 2013 Venue: Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre, Tamworth Time: 6.30pm 15
VolunteerVoice | Summer2012
Southern Local News
A dedication like no other
Daffodil Ball goes Great Gatsby Photo courtesy of Lisa De Photos.
Julie Davis has worked with Cancer Council Southern Region office since 1996, and is our longest-serving volunteer. Julie has taken on a variety of roles over the years, from advocacy to program coordination and volunteer recruitment administration. Knowing how vital volunteers are to our organisation, Julie’s expertise in social work and administration has been instrumental to the smooth running of the volunteer administration process, and she has assisted in the recruitment of over 200 Southern Region volunteers in the past six years. Julie’s ongoing dedication to Cancer Council also has had her volunteering yearly as a Team Leader for Daffodil Day.
Julie’s expertise in social work and administration has been instrumental to the smooth running of the volunteer administration process, and she has assisted in the recruitment of over 200 Southern Region volunteers Julie’s commitment to her volunteer work has officially been recognised, both in 2009, when she received the Southern Region Cancer Council Commitment Award, and again in 2011, when she won the NSW Illawarra Senior Volunteer of the Year Award. After 16 amazing years of incredible dedication, skill, knowledge, guidance and commitment, Julie has decided that it’s time she bids the Southern Region Cancer Council farewell. Julie will now focus her attention on her active personal life, caring for numerous grandchildren, writing, attending University of the Third Age, and traveling. We wish to thank this wonderful volunteer for her dedication to Cancer Council and in particular our region. Julie, you will be greatly missed by all staff and volunteers.
We “belong to another generation”… Daffodil Ball 2012, The Great Gatsby.
The 2012 Daffodil Ball was a roaring success, with attendance exceeding 250 people, who eagerly embraced the style and elegance of the Great Gatsby theme, and shimmied the night away. Over the preceding 12 months, the 27 members of the volunteer committee worked in sub-committee teams of fundraising, styling, catering, PR and promotions, entertainment, logistics, sponsorship, ticketing and design, to pull together this spectacular event. The night was manned by an extra 23 volunteers, including students from The Illawarra Grammar School (TIGS). All our volunteers’ extraordinary dedication contributed to an enjoyable and vibrant evening, confirmed since by the mass of positive feedback Southern Region Cancer Council has received regarding the event. Due to the ongoing support and contribution from TIGS, a formal partnership has been entered into between Cancer Council and the school. Cancer Council Southern Region looks forward to working alongside TIGS on future events to raise money for our worthy cause. All money raised at this year’s Daffodil Ball will support ENRICH, the new ‘Exercise & Nutrition Routine Improving Cancer Health’ Program.
Do not miss... Regional events in early 2013 including Queanbeyan Relay For Life, 16-17 February 2012, and the Connecting Communities Forum, 22-23 February. Please contact the office for more details in the new year on (02) 4223 0200. 16
VolunteerVoice | Summer2012
South West Local News
TAFE students assist with Relay
Volunteer Profile Emily Gordon volunteers as an Events Assistant at Cancer Council’s regional office in Wagga Wagga. She helps us across all events, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, Daffodil Day, Relay For Life, Pink, Do Your Thing and Call to Arms. With her helpful disposition she is a huge support to all staff members. Whether it be a welcoming smile at a Daffodil Day site, packing Relay shirts, or piecing a new BBQ together, there is no job beyond our Emily! Emily has been volunteering with us for just over a year. She started because of family members who have been affected by cancer.
The team from TAFE.
This year the TAFE NSW Riverina Institute’s Event students have teamed up with the Wagga Wagga Relay For Life Committee to assist with the promotion and running of the event. After a lot of discussions and careful planning, the students organised a window-dressing competition down Wagga Wagga’s main street as a creative and fun way to promote the event. Students painted the main street purple, encouraging and inspiring businesses and community members to get involved and fight back against cancer. To kick off the competition, the students decorated an empty shop front with vibrant purple shoes, yellow daffodils and brightly coloured frames containing Fightback messages, all handmade by the students. Students delivered starter-packs to all businesses, and each business incorporated a Fightback message into their window, to help educate the community and inspire them to take
action. Windows were judged, and The Best Dressed Window Award went to Evans Shoes. Well done to all involved!
“It’s my way of giving back to the local community. It is very rewarding to be working with an organisation that is dedicated to defeating cancer.
Students painted the main street purple, encouraging and inspiring businesses and community members to get involved and fight back against cancer
“Meeting new people, getting involved in all the different events, learning new skills, and the office staff, are just a few of the many reasons I love working at Cancer Council”.
The students were on site to assist with the set-up and pack-down of the event, and ran Fightback activities all day. Students organised for Healthy Harold to come along to the Relay, and ran many other activities throughout the weekend, including hat decorating, a healthy food display, and a guessing competition.
Cancer Council would like to say a huge “thank you” to Emily for all the amazing support she has given us. “We couldn’t do it without you!”.
A huge thank you to all the students and volunteers who helped make the day a great success.
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VolunteerVoice | Summer2012
Western Local News
Carmel helps kids stay SunSmart Carmel Hanrahan has been a valued Cancer Council volunteer in the Western Region for many years. Carmel has volunteered for Daffodil Day, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, Relay For Life, is part of our Community Speakers Program, and has been involved in many of our Advocacy activities. Carmel (pictured left) never shies away from any opportunity to help us in our region, which is why it is no surprise that she jumped at the opportunity to volunteer for our SunSmart Primary School Program in Term 2 of 2012. Volunteering for the SunSmart Program required our volunteers to visit schools to discuss the program, and encourage each school to implement a SunSmart policy that
Volunteer Profile Hi, I’m Jenna Campbell. I am 21 years old and come from the town of Mudgee. I am a student at Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, studying a double degree in Public Relations and Business. For Cancer Council, I volunteer as a Relay For Life Co-Ordinator. The opportunity to create an event bringing together my studies and my volunteering came up as part of my ‘Events’ subject. This event, along with my team, Jerrod Alexander, Sarah Dowling and Ella Dumbrell, meant hosting a mini Relay For Life at my university. We invited the local Bathurst community up to the campus to join students in the ‘mini Relay’. Bad weather on the day drove us all inside our gymnasium and turned it into an indoor event.
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But the weather didn’t dampen the day in the end. Our team had initially set out to raise $2,000, which we were unsure if we could reach. To be able to tell you we raised over $9,000 is incredible. It’s something we couldn’t even imagine! Seeing everyone come together for such a worthy cause raising funds for cancer research is extremely rewarding. It’s not every day that you can make a big difference like that. It’s something that I would love to continue in the future. Although I have not been directly affected by cancer, I feel as though helping raise awareness and funds, and demonstrating the enthusiasm
included Cancer Council’s 10 SunSmart recommendations (see www.cancercouncil.com.au/2901). As an ex-teacher herself, Carmel had lots of key connections that led to some great wins in the Orange area. Without Carmel’s generous commitment, and the commitment of our other fantastic SunSmart volunteers, we would not have been able to achieve the amazing results that we achieved. 63 per cent of primary schools in the Western Region are now SunSmart – that’s well above the state average! Carmel, for all your hard work and dedication to helping us in our mission to defeat cancer, we say a million “thank you’s”.
and commitment from the student body of Charles Sturt University, as well as the Bathurst community in coming together to help find a cure, is a great volunteering message. Cancer Council’s mission to defeat cancer is not only a great cause, being part of it is also a great experience. I think everyone should be involved in one way or another, from buying some merchandise to volunteering, everything we do makes a difference.
“Cancer Council’s mission to defeat cancer is not only a great cause, being part of it is also a great experience. I think everyone should be involved in one way or another, from buying some merchandise to volunteering, everything we do makes a difference”
VolunteerVoice | Summer2012
Field of Hope volunteers This year’s Field of Hope event (pitcured right) was held on the Museum of Contemporary Art Lawn, Circular Quay, on Sunday 19 August, a gloriously sunny day full of hope and support. Enthusiasm, energy and positive attitudes were out in abundance with 35 volunteers, university students and full time workers just wanting to give back on their weekend. We also had volunteer staff doing their part, all giving up their Sunday to represent Cancer Council in growing hope for a cancer-free future. Volunteers, kitted up in Cancer Council’s signature bright yellow, attracted attention wherever they went. Helping out with planting daffodil tributes, unpacking the van, setting up the tent, banners and information tables, and packing down in lightning speed, they were chirpy, kind and considerate. Each took the time to show visitors around the field and locate their tributes. This meant so much to those who had honoured a loved one with a tribute. Passers-by at Circular Quay were offered free tributes to be filled out and planted. This bright idea, which the volunteers came up with themselves, ‘invited’ the general public in to check out the field, with touching results. Prior to the day, 15 volunteers sorted through all of the tributes sent to us by donors, removing them from the response forms, sorting them into postcodes, and attaching them to the plastic forks to be planted in the field. And then assisted in the lead-up to the Circular Quay event. Without the energy and commitment of all our generous volunteers we couldn’t have made the 2012 Field of Hope such a great success.
Book and DVD reviews The following three stories, two told as feature films now available on DVD, 50/50, and Not Suitable For Children, and one an autobiographical book, My Journey by the late Jim Stynes, all explore the impact of cancer on young men, who find that a cancer diagnosis becomes the focus and battleground of their continuing existence. All highly recommended.
Recipe Corner
Mediterranean Pasta Salad Ingredients 1 punnet cherry tomatoes 3 garlic cloves, chopped 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 2 red onions, cut into wedges 1 sweet potato, cut into 2cm cubes 1 tbsp olive oil 1 cup baby spinach leaves, washed 500g pack spiral pasta 100g reduced-fat feta cheese 2 tbsp basil shredded 1/4 cup parsley, chopped Method Preheat oven to 180°C. Place onion wedges and sweet potato cubes on a baking tray. Brush with olive oil. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Place cherry tomatoes on an oven tray lined with baking paper. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and bake for 10-15 minutes. Boil a large pot of water. Cook pasta as directed on the packet. Drain pasta and fold in roasted vegetables and garlic. Add spinach leaves, basil and parsley. Serve into bowls, top with crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese.
TOGETHER WE CAN
DEFEAT
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VolunteerVoice | Summer2012
Cancer Council’s wider wide world Cancer Council NSW now has many digital ports of call. As well as this newsletter, you can keep up with all our news and developments, along with information and links to affiliated organisations, on our website www.cancercouncil.com.au, share your Cancer Council experiences on Facebook www.facebook.com/ CancerCouncilNSW, watch videos about us at YouTube www.youtube. com/cancercouncilnsw1 and Vimeo vimeo.com/cancercouncilnsw/ videos, and follow us on Twitter twitter.com/CancerCouncil. Here are some other useful websites, online links and partnerships: Ask the Question askthequestion.com.au
Cancer Directory cancerdirectory.com.au Cervical Modelling cervicalmodelling.org City Mile Dash www.citymiledash.com.au Clear Study clearstudy.org.au Daffodil Day www.daffodilday.com.au Do Your Thing www.doyourthing.com.au Fat Free TV www.fatfreetv.com.au iheard iheard.com.au
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea www.biggestmorningtea.com.au
Junkbusters junkbusters.com.au
Be Sun Sound sunsound.com.au
Pink Ribbon Day www.pinkribbonday.com.au
Brain Cancer Action www.braincanceraction.com.au
Posh www.poshauction.com.au
Cancer Action www.canceraction.com.au
Relay For Life relay.cancercouncil.com.au
Cancer Connections cancerconnections.com.au
Volunteer Voice web page www.cancercouncil.com.au/48483
Help us beat cancer Join a research study NOW! From time to time, Cancer Council conducts research studies on people drawn from the NSW population. These studies range 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. Register at www.cancer council.com.au/research/ join-a-research-study or call the special Join a Research Study number, (02) 9334 1398. Please note: study participants will not necessarily be cancer patients.
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Regional offices, community centres and hubs Central & Southern Sydney Region: 153 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011 .......................................................................... (02) 9334 1754 Central Coast Region: The Hive, Erina Fair, Erina NSW 2250...................................................................................................................................... (02) 4336 4500 Far North Coast Region: 101-103 Main Street, Alstonville NSW 2477.................................................................................................................. (02) 6627 0300 Greater Western Sydney Region: Rotary House, 43 Hunter Street, Parramatta NSW 2150................................................................ (02) 9354 2000 Hunter Region: 3/215 Pacific Highway, Charlestown NSW 2290................................................................................................................................ (02) 4923 0700 Mid North Coast Region: 121 High Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450.................................................................................................................. (02) 6659 8400 North West Region: Shop 1, 218 Peel Street, Tamworth NSW 2340...................................................................................................................... (02) 6763 0900 Northern Sydney Region: Level 1, 117 Willoughby Road, Crows Nest NSW 2065...................................................................................... (02) 9334 1600 South West Region: 1/37 Tompson Street, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650................................................................................................................. (02) 6937 2600 Southern Region: Suite 7, Ground Floor, IC Enterprise 1, Innovation Campus, Squires Way, North Wollongong NSW 2500... (02) 4223 0200 Western Region: 75 Kite Street, Orange NSW 2800............................................................................................................................................................ (02) 6392 0800 Bega Cancer Council Community Centre: Shop 8 Auckland Plaza, 81-83 Auckland Street, Bega NSW 2550.................... (02) 6492 1805 Upper Hunter Cancer Council Community Centre: 69 John Street, Singleton NSW 2330................................................................ (02) 6571 2899 Young Cancer Council Community Centre: Suite 8, Millard Centre, Boorowa Street, Young NSW 2594................................. (02) 6382 3426 Casula Hub: 39 Ingham Drive, Casula NSW 2170.................................................................................................................................................................. (02) 9354 2050 Penrith Hub: Suite 105, 114-116 Henry Street, Penrith NSW 2750........................................................................................................................... (02) 9354 2060 Rouse Hill Hub: Library & Community Building, Level 2, 29 Main Street, Rouse Hill NSW 2155.......................................................... (02) 9354 2070
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For volunteer enquiries please email volunteersydney@nswcc.org.au or call the Volunteer Hotline (02) 9334 1813