The Northern Rivers Times Edition 131

Applications open for Active Ageing Grants

People aged 60 and over in the Northern Rivers will soon have more options to help them stay ft, with applications now open for the ‘Active Ageing’ grants program.

Active Ageing grants are now available to support exercise providers and ftness leaders to provide lowcost exercise programs for people over the age of 60 in the Northern Rivers.

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) is providing eight grants of $500 to support existing group exercise programs and fve grants of $800 to help start new group exercise programs. NNSWLHD Acting Manager Health Promotion Graeme

Williams said preventive healthcare plays a vital role in the health system.

“Having access to affordable exercise programs is one of the key things we can do to support people in the Northern Rivers region to stay active and well as they age,” Mr Williams said.

“Exercise groups are a great way for older

people to come together to build their strength, balance and endurance and to connect with others socially.

“Through the grants program, we are particularly interested in supporting new exercise programs for older people in locations where there may not already be many existing opportunities.” The

exercise programs must be delivered in the NNSWLHD footprint (the areas covered by Ballina, Byron, Clarence, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed Councils).

Applications close 27 January 2023. To apply, or for more information visit: healthupnorth.info/ activeageinggrant

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

The Casino Lions are looking for players to join us for our upcoming 2023 season in the AFL North Coast Competition coming off the back of the club’s first grand final win

Training is on Tuesday afternoon from 6:00pm at jubilee Park, Casino. We welcome new and experienced players to join us.

EOI for a women’s team too, so come along ladies!

BYO drink bottle, joggers, and footy boots. We are also looking to fill some volunteer roles, so if you have any spare time to help out, get in touch.

Message us on our socials for more information or email casinolionsafl@gmail. com

EVERY PERSON IN NORTHERN NSW EXPERIENCING BREAST CANCER IN NSW TO HAVE ACCESS TO A BREAST CANCER NURSE UNDER A MINNS LABOR GOVERNMENT

NSW Labor have today announced a Minns Labor Government will ensure New South Wales will become the frst state in Australia where every person experiencing breast cancer will be able to receive the free care and support of a breast cancer nurse, committing $19.5 million over three years to fund an additional 29 McGrath Breast Cancer nurses to support people right across New South Wales.

This announcement is particularly supported by Member for Lismore Janelle Saffn and NSW Labor Candidate for Ballina Andrew Broadly as this funding will provide an additional nurse for the Northern NSW Health District.

NSW Labor Candidate for Ballina Andrew Broadley

Breast Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in

women, with 20,428 women and 212 men being diagnosed annually in Australia.

Currently, eight Breast Care Nurses are funded by the NSW Government, but there is no certainty of their future funding past this

fnancial year. Eight more were previously funded by the state government but the funding was cancelled in 2021. This included one nurse in Macksville who lost government support. They are now forced to rely on donations.

McGrath Breast Care Nurses are registered nurses, specially trained to provide invaluable physical, psychological and emotional support, from the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment throughout the course of their treatment. To date 48,000 families across New South Wales have been supported by a McGrath Breast Cancer Nurse.

A McGrath Breast Care Nurse in a full-time position supports on average 100 patients per year, with 90 per cent of women in Australia living within 75km of a McGrath Breast Care Nurse.

Research shows that getting early access within the frst weeks to a dedicated nurse signifcantly improves the experience and outcomes of a person

with breast cancer, including a reduction in emergency department presentations, reduction in clinical consulting time, and improved medical appointment attendance.

The key is that patients have access to the same nurse throughout their treatment.

Labor’s commitment today will provide access to this life saving care for all breast cancer patients in Northern NSW and across NSW, and we are proud to be the frst state in the country to make this a reality.

Janelle Saffn, Member for Lismore said: “I am extremely proud of this announcement. We know that the North Coast suffered a diffcult year in 2022, the foods greatly impacted access to essential services and continue to have

devastating impacts on our community’s day to day lives.

‘This announcement offers residents come certainty that if they are diagnosed with breast cancer in Northern NSW, they will have access the specialised care and support.

NSW Labor Candidate for Ballina Andrew Broadley said: ‘We know that the care that McGrath Breast Care Nurses offer is life changing.

‘Not only do they play an integral role informed by their medical training but most importantly they offer vital emotional support for those enduring cancer.

‘I’m proud that if a Minns Labor Government is elected, that support will be offered to Northern NSW cancer patients.