ISSUE
Prostate News
40
December 2009
New PCFA Prostate Cancer Nurses At PCFA’s inaugural national conference, Supporting the Quality of Life, in November 2008 the delegates contributed to a declaration of prostate cancer priorities for PCFA to work to follow up with governments and healthcare decision-makers. These included ‘the development and implementation of a national program of prostate cancer nurses to liaise with patients and provide a point of continuity in multi-carer health teams’. Nurses play a vital role in supporting, educating and caring for men affected by prostate cancer, as well as assisting with clinical treatment. While there are significant numbers of nurses around the country who work to varying degrees with prostate cancer patients, Australia does not currently have a designated specialist prostate cancer nursing position. PCFA is seeking to address this issue by developing a formalised, national approach to prostate cancer nursing, which will detail the training
and educational requirements and support mechanisms available to PCFA-funded specialist prostate cancer nurses who will provide direct patient care and support families following a diagnosis of prostate cancer.
“The role of nurses in the treatment of prostate cancer cannot be underestimated. Overseas there has already been some major steps forward in developing specific cancer nurses. Now, PCFA is committed to working with nurses across Australia to develop the best resources and provide the best support.” Andrew Giles, Chief Executive PCFA As we go to print, PCFA has appointed Julie Sykes, a Urology Cancer Nurse Coordinator with the WA Cancer and Palliative Care Network (WACPCN) to develop a national model for PCFA specialist prostate cancer nurses. CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
FROM THE CEO
National Board
As you read this I will once again be shaving off my moustache after another fabulous Movember event. I remember back to 2004 when we did Movember for the first time and I’m really struck by just how much this great event has developed. To all my fellow Mo-Bros and Mo-Sistas, congratulations on taking up the challenge!
Chairman Graeme Johnson
September was also a time for celebration, with PCFA launching our new media campaign – The Difference is You! I was delighted to hear about so many BBQ’s being held across the country to raise awareness of prostate cancer and raise funds to support our work. This issue of Prostate News highlights just some of the great events that took place across Australia.
Research Chairman Professor John Mills
I held my PCFA BBQ on Fathers’ Day and it was a wonderful opportunity to get the three generations together to have some fun. To all the people who hosted BBQs or turned things blue, or wore blue, or purchased blue pins and blue shoelaces – thank you for making our inaugural year such a success. Thank you all for your support though 2009. My very best wishes to you and your family and friends for an enjoyable festive season and a relaxing New Year.
Deputy Chairman David Sandoe OAM Finance Director Chris Hall
Medical Specialists Associate Professor Phil Stricker, Professor Tony Costello Support and Advocacy Committee Chairman Peter Gebert Rotary John Palmer State Chairmen Tony Sonneveld (NSW), David Curtain, QC (VIC), Jim Freemantle (WA), Jim Hughes (QLD) Directors Professor Dexter Dunphy AM, Anita Ziemer, Patricia Watson, Jim O’Ryan, Steve Callister
Chris Hall - National Board Member PCFA Finance Director Chris Hall, based in Sydney, joined the PCFA National Board in May 2007. He has extensive experience in the banking, finance and funds management industries, and his role involves assisting the Board and CEO in managing and measuring PCFA’s financial performance.
The Giles Clan get together as part of The Difference is You campaign.
Regards
Andrew Giles
2 PROSTATE PROSTATENEWS NEWS
For the last 29 years, Chris has worked for financial services firm KPMG in both Australia and the United Kingdom. He was admitted as a KPMG Partner in 1993 and joined the KPMG Board in 2004. While with the company, he has served as lead audit partner of the Managed Investments Industry Focus Group in Australia and has also been responsible for KPMG Australia’s National Technical Support Group. In 2005 he was appointed to the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board by the Australian Government’s Financial Reporting Council. Chris’s wealth of financial experience makes him a vital asset to the PCFA team. ‘I believe my analytical skill set complements the many and varied skills of PCFA staff at all levels of the organisation,’ Chris said. ‘I feel privileged and quite humbled to see the work being done at PCFA, from fundraising and awareness to the medical and support services areas. It’s very rewarding to be involved in supporting these important activities.’
Another important part of PCFA’s work with nurses will be to improve the information and support available to Australian nurses caring for prostate cancer patients. At present, the Prostate Care Nursing Program, an educational collaboration between the Cancer Council Victoria and La Trobe University, is the only specialised study program that specifically prepares registered nurses to care for prostate cancer sufferers and their families. PCFA has provided scholarship grants to nurses looking to undertake the program, with 173 students graduating since its inception in 2001. PCFA has just launched an Online Prostate Education for Nurses (OPEN) resource to address the need for greater education, collaboration and support within the prostate cancer nursing community. The basis of OPEN is a professionally designed, open-access portal located on the PCFA website or at www.prostatecarenurse.com. Nurses and other health professionals are able to log in to the portal to access evidence-based prostate cancer information, key lectures on relevant topics, nursing updates, notifications of upcoming events and other resources. OPEN was developed by La Trobe cancer education specialists Professor Annette Street, Elizabeth Watt and Ros Rudd.
CONTINUED FROM COVER
During her career in Australia and the UK, Julie Sykes has gained extensive experience in both direct patient care and strategic functions, such as service mapping and planning, research and quality improvement. ‘It is well recognised that specialist nurses play a significant role in providing psychosocial support to patients with chronic illness and their families, and these roles have already been established in other specialities, such as breast cancer care,’ Julie said. ‘The aim of this project is to identify a potential model for designated prostate care nurses, including the function of the role, potential locations and the governance and professional development requirements of the role. The project outcomes will also include recommendations for how such a role could be evaluated.’ Julie Sykes is currently gathering information on the prostate care services that exist around the country, after which she will seek input from key stakeholders within the public and private health sectors of each state and territory. By its conclusion in March 2010, the project will also seek to determine the most appropriate job description and salary for the role, as well as the minimum educational and clinical experience requirements of potential applicants.
Beth Whittaker, a urological nurse with over 20 years’ experience caring for prostate cancer patients, believes such a resource will be highly beneficial in her role. ‘It’s important to have the right information about prostate cancer and its treatment so we can inform not only patients, but also psychologists and rehabilitation departments,’ said Beth. ‘There’s a lot of information available on the internet, but you can’t always be sure that it’s completely accurate and up to date.’ Since August this year, Beth Whittaker has worked as the Acting Clinical Nurse Consultant in the Urology Department of Concord Hospital, in Sydney’s inner west. Her work involves patient case-management, taking referrals from the Cancer Council and other organisations, and educating patients about prostate cancer and treatment options from the time of diagnosis through the treatment and recovery periods. In 2008 Beth received a PCFA scholarship to undertake the Prostate Care Nursing Program at La Trobe University via distance education. She describes the most rewarding aspect of her work as ‘taking patients through the recovery process step by step, and seeing them come out the other side with their greatest fears alleviated’. Although Beth Whittaker works in a metropolitan hospital, she believes having a national prostate nursing network will be beneficial for nurses all over Australia, particularly in regional and remote areas where there is limited access to information, resources and support. ‘I think things will be easier for prostate cancer nurses if there’s a structured system in place like there is for breast cancer nurses,’ she said. ‘It will be especially helpful to have access to information that will allow us to provide the best possible care to men living with prostate cancer.’
PROSTATE NEWS 3
Getting fired up in Prostate September – International Prostate Cancer Awareness Month – was an exciting time for everyone involved in the fight against prostate cancer and demonstrated the remarkable generosity and enthusiasm of the Australian public. The unprecedented success of PCFA’s efforts during September undoubtedly raised the profile of prostate cancer and its impact on the Australian community, as well as raising significant funds for Australian prostate cancer research. Andrew Giles, PCFA’s CEO, and Ralph Norris, CEO of the Commonwealth Bank, officially launched Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in Sydney on September 1st. Guests at the gala event watched the iconic Sydney Opera House turn blue, drawing attention to the issue of prostate cancer. They also previewed PCFA’s national media campaign for September, titled The difference is you. Using a common scenario, a family barbecue, The difference is you media campaign highlighted the impact that the loss of a loved one has on a family unit, as well as its impact on the Australian community. ‘We hope that reminding Australian men how their passing would impact their loved ones, even in small ways, will encourage them to take responsibility for their health and talk to their doctor
Sydney Opera House turns blue for Prostate Cancer
regularly about prostate cancer,’ said Andrew Giles. ‘It’s a simple step, and it can save a life.’ The difference is you campaign also encouraged Australians to be part of the cure by hosting a barbecue for prostate cancer. ‘September is International Prostate Cancer Awareness Month,’ said Andrew Giles. ‘In Australia, September also means Father’s Day, football finals and end of season sports club gatherings. By hosting a barbecue and asking for donations at these events, anyone can help PCFA continue to fund important Australian research into the cause, prevention and treatment of prostate cancer.’ The response to PCFA’s first barbecue for prostate cancer initiative was outstanding, with more than 500 barbecues for prostate cancer held around Australia during September. At the time of publication, funds raised from these barbecues were still being tallied. The difference is you campaign and the barbecue for prostate cancer initiative received excellent media coverage around Australia, including newspapers, free-to-air television and Foxtel. It also screened in metropolitan and regional movie cinemas throughout September. Prostate Cancer Support Groups also hosted barbecues in their area, resulting
in local media attention for many of these groups. ‘The effort from Support Groups not only helped to raise important funds and awareness for prostate cancer,’ said Andrew Giles, ‘it also helped to highlight the invaluable role they play in the local community.’ Many organisations, large and small, generously contributed to PCFA’s efforts during September through the sale of products, hosting a barbecue for prostate cancer or other fundraising activities. Some of PCFA’s corporate supporters during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month include: • • • • • • •
Bonds Bunnings Warehouse Davinci Murrays Coaches RSVP.com.au Simson cards Paramount Home Entertainment Australia • Scarborough Wine Co.
PCFA wishes to extend a sincere “thank you” to all who contributed during Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. It was truly a national effort and you will find a run down of just some of the activities held around the country on the following pages.
e Cancer Awareness Month Commonwealth Bank goes blue for prostate cancer The Commonwealth Bank is a long-time PCFA supporter. As major sponsor of PCFA’s The Difference Is You and barbecue for prostate cancer campaigns throughout September, the Bank again demonstrated its commitment to reducing the impact of prostate cancer on the Australian community. Throughout September 2009, staff at the Commonwealth Bank raised more than $40,000 in support of PCFA and its work. The Commonwealth Bank’s extensive branch network lent its support, with many hosting a barbecue for staff and customers. From Bowen to Penrith, Tuggeranong to Hobart, branches across the country were burning blue for prostate cancer during September. Highlights included barbecues hosted by the Sydney-based Neutral Bay and Mosman branches. With the help of generous patrons, these barbecues raised close to $1,000. Other innovative fundraisers throughout the Bank included the ‘Cooking for a Cure’ charity event hosted by the 2009 Graduates from the Bank’s Institutional Banking and Markets division.
Justin North, 2009 Sydney Morning Herald Chef of the Year and Head Chef at Sydney’s Becasse Restaurant donated his time and resources by creating a dish of cured slow cooked ocean trout with a shaved salad of fennel, tomato and citrus sauce for the 120 guests. The Graduates then auctioned off the unique opportunity to cook side-by-side with Justin. This event alone raised a remarkable $10,000.
PCFA CEO Andrew Giles, said, ‘PCFA is grateful to the Commonwealth Bank for its ongoing support and commends the Bank for its integral role in making the Foundation’s efforts throughout Prostate Cancer Awareness Month an outstanding success.
Commonwealth Bank CEO, Ralph Norris, said the Commonwealth Bank had partnered with PCFA since 2002 and was proud to be the Major Sponsor of PCFA’s 2009 campaign.
‘In fact, PCFA is privileged to have been supported by Commonwealth Bank since 2002. Commonwealth Bank has provided vital assistance in helping raise awareness of prostate cancer, and funds to support important research. Just some of these initiatives have included establishing Australia’s first Australia-wide network of prostate tissue banks; delivering a series of men’s health forums throughout Australia; the Commonwealth Bank’s ‘Hitting Cancer for Six’ campaign, and Commonwealth Bank employees participating in the annual Movember campaign.’
‘We are committed to helping the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia with research, advocacy and awareness relating to a disease that affects thousands of Australian men, including our staff, customers and loved ones,’ he said.
For more information about the Commonwealth Bank’s commitment to the communities in which it operates, and its support for organisations that contribute to the health and well being of all Australians, visit www.commbank.com.au
The Commonwealth Bank also turned its historic Martin Place building blue for the month of September. It was one of a number of key buildings across the country that were lit blue for the month.
PCFA CEO Andrew Giles (left blue apron), Commonwealth Bank CEO Ralph Norris (right blue apron) and 2009 Graduates from the Bank’s Institutional Banking and Markets division at the Penrith branch BBQ.
Getting fired up in Prostate
Bonython Hall on North Terrace, part of Adelaide University.
Goulburn’s Big Merino turns blue for prostate cancer awareness.
Melbourne
Sydney
The Melbourne skyline also featured a blue centrepiece throughout September with the Melbourne Arts Centre spire lit blue in support of PCFA.
The Sydney Opera House wasn’t the only NSW landmark to turn blue during September. For the first time ever, Goulburn’s iconic Big Merino was lit blue at a special ceremony to increase regional awareness about prostate cancer and encourage people to host a barbecue for prostate cancer. Leading crop protection supplier Farmoz and Goulburn Mulwaree Council and guests braved the cold to enjoy a barbecue, the lighting of the Big Merino, and a spectacular fireworks display.
Elsewhere, Shepparton’s biggest ever barbecue was organised by Chris McPherson from McPherson Media, and his enthusiastic committee. This highly successful event drew approximately 500 people, raised $100,000 for PCFA and presented a great opportunity to raise prostate cancer awareness in regional Victoria. Also in Victoria, the Walkinshaw Racing Team competing in the V8 Supercar Series displayed the PCFA logo on its vehicles, pit and pit crew during the Phillip Island 500. While promoting the event on national television program, Sunrise, Holden and Ford drivers discussed prostate cancer, what men need to know about the disease, and the work of PCFA. On 30 September, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month came to a close in Melbourne with a gala event to thank all those who contributed so much to the month.
At the Sydney Market’s 19th annual charity auction fundraiser, the season’s first box of mangoes fetched a record price of $40,000. The money was donated to PCFA and the Westmead Children’s Hospital. Celebrities at the auction also showed their support for PCFA’s barbecue for prostate cancer initiative, including the NSW Premier, The Hon Nathan Rees MP, rugby league player Hazem El Masri, and Channel Nine newsreader Peter Overton.
Western Australia
Dennis Jones and Cate Harman barbecuing in WA.
Shepparton's biggest barbecue cheque handover. Left to right (front row): Allyson Overton, Natasha Boyko, Damian Trezise, Chris McPherson and Laurie Gleeson; (back row): PCFA Victorian Manager David Rhodes, Don McCaffrey, David Hayes, Robert Crow, Peter Bicknell, Jeff Tracy and PCFA national chairman Graeme Johnson.
In Western Australia, Prostate Cancer Awareness Month was launched with a spectacular cocktail function at the Bell Tower. Guests braved the wild winter night to enjoy drinks and canapés, while having the opportunity to see the bell ringers in action and the lights in the spire turn blue. Guests included corporate partners, supporters of PCFA’s September campaign, Support Group representatives, board members, staff and the media. The following weeks were very busy leading up to WA’s Blue Laces Day on Friday 18 September. West Coast TAFE students kindly assisted PCFA’s WA staff to distribute 9,500 pair of blue shoelaces to Friendlies Chemists, participating IGA stores, some Bunnings stores and companies participating in Blue Laces Day.
The day before, WA staff and volunteers walked Murray St and Hay St Malls selling 230 pairs of blue laces and taking the opportunity to raise prostate cancer awareness. Around WA, 53 companies participated in September activities. These included hosting a Barbecue for Prostate Cancer, encouraging staff to dress blue for a day, or participating in Blue Laces Day. September activities culminated with a Barbecue for Prostate Cancer, hosted by WA board member, Dennis Jones for PCFA WA staff, ambassadors, family and friends.
e Cancer Awareness Month South Australia
Queensland
The highlight of September in South Australia was a cocktail party, where Premier Mike Rann launched Prostate Cancer Awareness Month activities in the prestigious South Australian State Library. Approximately 100 people attended, including representatives from the business community, medical organisations and local support groups.
In Queensland, PCFA’s annual September fundraising luncheon was once again a success. Each year, this luncheon not only raises important funds for the work of PCFA, it also highlights the world-class prostate cancer research being carried out in the Sunshine State.
The State Library foyer was lit blue, as was the exterior of the building. Other prominent buildings in South Australia also went blue for the occasion, including the nearby South Australian Museum, Bonython Hall, Rundle Mall features, and many civic and council buildings the length and breadth of the State. There was strong community support for barbecues hosted by Bunnings around South Australia which raised hundreds of dollars for prostate cancer research. The South Australian media also got right behind PCFA in September, including The Advertiser which publishing a three-page story and cover to launch PCFA’s Prostate Cancer Awareness Month activities.
Hobart PCFA hosted a function at Wrest Point Casino, Hobart to celebrate Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. In a first for Tasmania, PCFA was pleased to announce funding of $150,000 to provide support, information and advocacy to Tasmanian families affected by prostate cancer. The Honourable Minister for Health and Deputy Premier of Tasmania, Lara Giddings was present to hear about the prostate cancer funding and PCFA’s The Difference Is You and Barbecue for Prostate Cancer campaigns.
Held in Brisbane’s historic Customs House, this year the luncheon attracted almost 100 of Queensland’s leading business people. By encouraging businesses to support the work of PCFA Queensland, it is hoped that three million dollars will be raised annually to support its commitment to funding of local prostate cancer research.
PCFA Queensland’s annual September fundraising luncheon at Customs House.
Professor Colleen Nelson, Director of the newly established Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre – Queensland and the current beneficiary of the Premier’s Smart State Fellowship, as well as PCFA funding, gave the keynote address. Professor Nelson detailed advances in prostate cancer research in the past 12 months, the implications of the new research centre, and her fellowship work. Throughout Queensland, communities demonstrated their support for PCFA during September by lighting key buildings blue. Just some of the buildings contributing to the blue hue over Queensland included Treasury Casino, the Stefan Skyneedle, Gold Coast Arts Centre, Toowoomba City Hall and the QUT Cube.
Bell Tower turns blue.
Canberra In Canberra, Treasurer Wayne Swan MP joined PCFA at Parliament House to launch The Difference Is You campaign to parliamentarians, ACT media and the general public. At the event, PCFA CEO Andrew Giles said, ‘With support from people who have been directly affected by prostate cancer, like Treasurer Wayne Swan, we look forward to raising as much awareness as possible in Canberra and across Australia.’
PCFA’s Parliament House launch, left to right: Steve Georganas, the Treasurer Wayne Swan, PCFA National Chairman Graeme Johnson and Andrew Giles.
Prostate Cancer Awareness event in Hobart. (left to right) Andrew Giles, David Sandoe, PROSTATENEWS 7 of the Minister for Health and Deputy Premier Tasmania, Lara Giddings and Graeme Johnson.
beyondblue: Caring for the carers
Second PCFA National Conference
‘Being a carer can have an enormous impact on a person’s relationships, work, education and social life, as well as their physical and mental health. Despite this, their commitment and the problems they face often remain unrecognised,’ said beyondblue CEO, Leonie Young. To highlight carer’s needs, beyondblue has launched Carers’ Stories of Hope and Recovery, a new free DVD featuring the stories of people who care for a family member or friend with depression/anxiety or a related disorder. This new resource complements the free beyondblue Guide for Carers – Supporting and caring for a person with depression, anxiety and/or a related disorder. This 40-page guide provides carers with practical strategies, advice and guidance on approaches to deal with the range of situations they might face. The guide also focuses on carers with advice on how to look after their own health and acknowledging the impact that the caring experience may have on them. The new DVD includes interviews with carers including television presenter Jessica Rowe, who speaks about caring for her mother with bipolar disorder and beyondblue Deputy Chairman John McGrath who talks about caring for his sons who battled mental illness. The DVD also features an interview with beyondblue’s Clinical Advisor Associate Professor Michael Baigent with information and advice for carers. Carers’ Stories of Hope and Recovery can be ordered from www.beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 22 4636 (local call cost from a landline). For information specific to young people aged 12 to 25, go to www.youthbeyondblue.com
Planning for the second PCFA National Conference on Advancing Quality of Life for 6–8 August 2010 is well underway. Bigger and better than first anticipated, it will now be located in the world-class Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Opened in 2004, the Centre is located in the heart of the Gold Coast, only 500 metres from those famous white sands and it is surrounded by high quality, reasonably priced accommodation. The Conference will bring together men living with prostate cancer, from across the country, for a meaningful exchange of information and experience with each other, clinicians and researchers. Men with prostate cancer and their families need access to state-of-the-art affordable treatment options, as well as current information regarding the latest prostate cancer research. At PCFA we believe this is the right of every man living with a diagnosis of prostate cancer in Australia. This Conference is designed to enhance our understanding of the issues surrounding prostate cancer, while providing an opportunity to learn from the shared experiences of Support Group members who have travelled this journey. Our goal is for you to leave this conference encouraged by and engaged with the progress being made in prostate cancer treatment and research. Conference registration will open on 1 February 2010 at www.prostate.org.au or call 1800 668 137.
8 PROSTATE NEWS
Movember kicks off
The VB Kangaroos gearing up for another great Movember. Left to right: Cameron Smith and Nathan Hindmarsh.
As we go to press, thousands of men across the globe are ditching their razors and growing moustaches to support Movember. This year, the Movember Foundation hopes to exceed last year’s phenomenal effort, which saw 125,000 Mo Bros and Mo Sistas in Australia join the fun and raise money and awareness in the fight against prostate cancer and depression.
Luke Slattery, co-founder of Movember.
During Movember there will be a range of events throughout Australia, finishing with the hugely successful Gala Parties in all capital cities at the end of the month. Celebrity ambassadors are also getting in on the act: from legendary cricketer and Mo Mentor Dennis Lillee to Australian rock gods Powderfinger and V8 supercar hero Paul Dumbrell, big Australian names are growing their mo’s and doing everything they can to support the cause.
Over the last three years, the PCFA/Movember partnership has allowed PCFA to establish a world-class program for prostate cancer research. The amazing success of Movember 2008 resulted in $8 million being presented to PCFA by the Movember Foundation to continue this vital work. Movember’s other major partner, beyondblue, also received $8 million for its programs focusing on depression, a condition affecting many prostate cancer sufferers.
The Movember Foundation has also joined forces with Australian Rugby League team the VB Kangaroos. During their high-profile match against France in Paris on 7 November, the team’s jerseys displayed the Movember logo and large moustaches. And like the Kangaroos, many Hyundai A-League soccer players are growing facial hair this month to promote Movember as they take to the field.
Movember 2009 was officially launched during October with special events in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. As well as providing an opportunity to showcase some of the PCFA projects that Movember has funded, the launch parties were also a chance for the Movember Foundation to thank their supporters around Australia for their ongoing contributions to the cause and to unveil the 2009 campaign.
‘This year we’re hoping that everyone who has supported Movember in the past will continue to do so, as well as getting lots of new Mo Bros to join the fold,’ Luke said. ‘The other outcome we hope for is to keep people talking about men’s health. As more men discuss their own health problems and learn about prostate cancer and depression, the more people are realising that many men’s health issues aren’t as scary as we once thought.’
‘Each year we introduce a new campaign to keep Movember fresh,’ said Movember co-founder Luke Slattery. ‘This year we’re putting a lot more emphasis on our website, which includes stories about what different groups and communities all around the country are doing to support the cause. We’ve also done some fine-tuning so now it’s easier than ever to register as a Mo Bro or Mo Sista or to make a donation.’
If you’d like to register for Movember, make a donation or find out information about Movember events around the country, visit the new-look Movember website at au.movember.com
PROSTATE NEWS 9
QLD
Clifton Carp for Cancer
Adonis Society The Adonis Society is a group of 20 young professionals who hold an annual ‘Gentlemen's Ball’ in Brisbane – in the last two years they have raised $30,000 for PCFA.
Jacob Kratzman is part of a new generation taking up the fight against prostate cancer.
When 11-year-old Jacob Kratzman’s grandfather died recently from prostate cancer, he decided to try to raise money for PCFA by persuading his family to host the first Clifton Carp for Cancer fishing weekend on their Condamine River property west of Clifton near Toowoomba.
Tim Gunthorpe, Dave Cupit, Xan Richmond, Anton Legh, Chris Mihos, Hamish McIntosh, Jerome Quinn and Adam Quinn.
Blue Ribbon Ride For the third year the Christian Motorcycle Association (CMA) Blue Ribbon Ride was held in September to raise funds for PCFA. Riders participated by donating $10 per person and riding from Logan Hyperdome to Victoria Point for lunch. The Hervey Bay Ulysses MC also ran a Blue Ribbon Ride from Hervey Bay to Woodford and, between the two groups, $8000 was raised for PCFA.
10 PROSTATE NEWS
Generous local businesses sponsored the weekend, including Chris Arnold, proprietor of Fish ’N’ Bits Bait & Tackle in Alderley Street, Toowoomba, who persuaded other businesses, Pure Fishing and Frogley’s Offshore, to contribute prizes for the event. Along with Frogley’s Offshore, Daiwa and Shimano also contributed items to the free children’s sample bags given away over the weekend. Mat Anderson, the Fish 'N' Bits representative offered help and advice with fishing techniques and conducted a free kids fishing clinic that was well attended by enthusiastic children of all ages. Local Clifton company, Cefn Pty Ltd, was also very generous with their support of the event. The major raffle, for an Engel MR40F Eclipse fridge donated by Peter Rosentreter Engel, Queensland, raised close to $1000 and was won by Robert Kuhn of Nobby. The total value of prizes and give-aways for the weekend was more than $4000. Clifton Carp for Cancer aroused great interest locally with 220 people registering to fish and 571 carp caught and measured. The Kratzmanns estimated that 150 to 160 people took the opportunity to camp on their property, enjoying a relaxed, fun weekend which included all meals being catered for by the Clifton Lions Club. Very much a family affair, Jacob’s father assisted every fisher to set up camp and his grandmother managed the registrations. The great generosity and community spirit of this small town struggling with drought saw more than $6000 being raised for PCFA in the fight against prostate cancer.
The Queensland Support Group’s Chapter Council Conference, a resounding success.
Queensland Support Groups State Conference
strategies – to advanced prostate cancer: how to care and support our group members with advanced disease. Feedback from both the workshops and the Chapter Council conference has been very positive with delegates keen to take information back to their groups.
The Chapter Council Conference was held on 22 September, followed by two days of workshops organised by the Cancer Council Queensland. Nearly every one of the 21 Support Groups in Queensland had two representatives at the workshops which covered a broad range of topics from prostate cancer and depression: understanding the disease and coping
Also in Queensland, Peter Keech, husband of local member Margaret Keech, was instrumental in organising an awareness evening in the Beenleigh area with over 50 people attending and generating a new support group. The new group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at the Beenleigh Mt Warren Park RSL at 7pm.
Run Man Run Queensland Police Constable Matthew Grills and his father Stewart took just over two weeks out in September to run as a tag team from Bundaberg to Brisbane and back to raise some $20,000 and awareness for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is a disease which has touched the Bundabergbased Constable’s life, with both his grandfather and father battling the disease. ‘My grandfather died a few years back from prostate cancer, mainly due to him not getting tested early and my Dad got it a few years ago,’ Constable Grills said. ‘My father has since had his prostate removed and is all clear. Since this dreaded disease has touched our family so much, we have decided to do something to help raise awareness of the disease and raise funds for prostate cancer research.’
Both Constable Grills and his father are avid runners and took turns to share the load of the round trip of more than 800km over 17 days. Constable Grills is also a survivor himself. He was diagnosed with a brain tumour which has been successfully treated. He was also recently named the North Coast Region’s First Year Constable of the Year. When Mat and his father arrived in Brisbane on 13 September they were greeted by the Brisbane PCFA office and members from the Brisbane Support Group at a BBQ in the Roma St Parklands. On Monday 14 September, Queen St Mall was host to PCFA, the Run Man Run team and the Queensland Police Commissioner, Bob Atkinson.
PROSTATE NEWS 11
A welcome to the runners at Queen Street Mall. Left to right: PCFA’s Alison Bannan, Stewart Grills, Queensland Police Commissioner Bob Atkinson, Police Constable Mat Grills, and PCFA Queensland Manager Graeme Higgs, with members of the Queen Street Mall police patrol.
NSW
Tour De Cure continue to ride The determined lycra-clad lads and ladies of the formidable Tour de Cure have again raised a remarkable amount in their 2009 tour – bringing their total contribution to PCFA to close to $200,000 to date. Since its inception in 2006, the Tour de Cure has raised over one million dollars towards a cure for cancer.
More than a great night out. Left to right: T4T organising committee Chair Robbie Robertson, along with committee members Cat Dundas and Men’s Health Ambassador Hayes van de Meer.
Table4Ten – Dinners making a difference! The success of this year’s Table4Ten event exceeded expectations with more than $250,000 raised in cash and in-kind for PCFA. Table4Ten once again successfully brought together hundreds of men and women from all walks of life to dine at simultaneous dinners, then converge at a glittering after-party. This year, a selection of 55 of the city’s top restaurants including Tetsuya’s, Bilson’s, Buon Ricordo, Catalina, Quay and Wildfire, plus more unusual locations including the Commonwealth Bank Vault and the Australian Museum bones room were the settings for fabulous food, delicious Glandore wine and company.
Tour de Cure funds enabled the convenor of each of the 73 PCFA Support Groups and their carers to attend the inaugural national conference Supporting Quality of Life in November 2008. For the first time this conference brought representatives of PCFA Support Groups from across Australia together with some of the world's most respected authorities on the disease. Tour de Cure’s 2007 donation funded the development and planning of the national conference and assisted with securing keynote speakers. In May this year, a team of over 50 people rode 1,555km from Brisbane to Cairns with the aim of topping the $600,000 raised the previous year. The successful ride resulted again in much valued support of $35,000 which provided for the assisted travel and accommodation of attendees at the recent NSW Support Group State Chapter Conference. There is also additional funding for the establishment of support services in some of the areas that the Tour route took this year in Queensland. The 2010 Tour de Cure starts on 7 May from Sydney to the Sunshine Coast taking in the Hunter, Tamworth, Armidale and Byron Bay. For more information about the route and dates – visit tourdecure.com.au.
Celebrity guests included Hugh Sheridan and Kylie Kwong and a special surprise visit was put in by Matt Preston from MasterChef who dined at Sean’s Kitchen. Diners were then ferried in Murrays buses to a fabulous afterparty – the secret location being revealed as Astral, Star City – thanks to generous support from Sean Connolly. PCFA thanks the T4T committee for their tireless work in pulling together such a brilliant event. The funds will go towards providing support to the men and their families in regional NSW who are surviving or suffering from prostate cancer, as well as supporting the transport and food costs for the Support Group’s State Chapter Conference in Newcastle in November. For a full list of restaurants and sponsors visit www.t4t.com.au.
12 PROSTATENEWS
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City2Surf 2009
Tex and the famous Bundy, official PCFA champion of fundraising
Vietnam veterans victory over prostate cancer A group of guys on motor bikes have had a great win through the Victory over Prostate Cancer Ride from Murrumbateman, through Koorawatha and Cowra, to Boorowa on Saturday 10 October and raised $20,000 for PCFA.
Voted Sydney’s favourite sporting event for 2009, on 9 August, 47 runners from all over Australia joined together to form the inaugural PCFA Runners Team and take on the Sun Herald City2Surf. Although PCFA has for many years had runners fundraising for us in the famous 15km road race, this marks the first year in which PCFA has made a concerted effort to recruit and run a team to support prostate cancer. PCFA Runners team consisted of a diverse group of people from families (Team Hammo!), individuals, Uni teams (Sydney Uni’s Students for Prostate were our highest fundraisers with a great $4,710) and companies such as our phone network providers M5 Networks who raised $3,053. The total funds raised by our PCFA Runners was a huge $22,318, almost three times the previous highest total and clear evidence that PCFA’s presence at this most beloved of Sydney events is set to only get stronger.
As the 200 riders roared into town, the main street of Boorowa became a sea of leather and metal. The riders were met by enthusiastic locals lining the pavement outside Top Pub, the venue for the evening’s entertainment. Riders included Michael Gorham and Tex and Bundy, the cattledog that rides on his owner’s bike and is an official PCFA fundraising champion having contributed to the raising of thousands of dollars for prostate cancer research. John Field ‘Johno’ of the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club Federal Chapter, who was one of the organisers of the ride said that funds raised will help PCFA’s vital work and hopefully raise awareness about this all-too-common disease. ‘While men are getting better about looking after their health, there is still a long way to go,’ he said. The Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club Federal Chapter Inc is a nonprofit organisation offering assistance and a support network to not only Vietnam Veterans but Veterans and their families of all conflicts. Wendy Farrow, PCFA NSW State Manager congratulated the riders for their successful event and great result which she said would be of great help in the fight against prostate cancer. ‘If detected in the early stages, prostate cancer is often treatable and curable,’ she said. ‘However, because there are initially very few symptoms, diagnosis is often delayed. This is why we encourage men, particularly those aged 50 years and over, not to wait until they think they are experiencing prostate cancer symptoms. Take responsibility for your own health and make talking to your doctor about prostate cancer a priority on your check-up checklist.’
Kristel Burgemeister and Claire Arney of long-time PCFA supporter Farmoz joined other PCFA fundraising runners in the City To Surf and Sydney Half Marathon.
PROSTATENEWS 13
National Men’s He Man with a mission* Brian Marshall is a man with a mission to improve men’s health and increase awareness of potentially deadly prostate cancer. Born in Auburn, New South Wales, Brian and his family arrived in Whyalla, South Australia, in 1991. He was general manager with a state government manufacturing department but spent the last 14 years of his working life managing an office equipment and stationery business until he retired in 2007. Shortly after arriving in Whyalla, Brian joined the Whyalla Mount Laura Lions Club and has been an active member with a special interest in the community’s youth and men’s health promotion. He co-hosted a men’s health forum in 1995 and another in 1997.
When PCFA sought expressions of interest for the Men’s Health Ambassadors program in the Australian Lions magazine in October 2008, Brian applied to cover the regional, rural and remote areas of South Australia. He underwent training in Canberra in 2009 and since then has been actively promoting the message of men’s health. “I’ve presented to industry groups throughout the Eyre Peninsula including OneSteel Whyalla, Santos at Port Bonython and service clubs such as Lions and Rotary Clubs, as well as community health groups in the north of South Australia, Roxby Downs, Andamooka and Woomera,” said Brian. “I’ve given 23 presentations in the last three months, which is very encouraging and shows a great improvement in awareness in men’s health.” Men in regional, rural and remote Australia have a 21 per cent higher prostate cancer mortality rate than men in capital cities which is often due to the problem being addressed too late. “That is unacceptable,” said Brian. ‘Men tend to ignore their health more than women – they think they’re bulletproof and don’t talk about their problems and my goal is to get the message across that it is vital for men to take an active role in preventing the onset of prostate cancer. It is important for men to have an annual checkup with their GP and to fully discuss the results,” he said.
* From an article by Fai Chivell, for Whyalla News 3 September 2009
Please contact 1800 206 700 14 PROSTATENEWS
ambassador@prostate.org.au
www.prostate.org.au
alth Ambassadors Congratulations Ambassadors! The National Men’s Health Ambassador Speaker Program funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing under the National Continence Management Strategy – National Men’s Continence Awareness Project has now been running for 12 months. At the end of September 2009 there were 94 Ambassador Speakers presenting on prostate health and continence health nationally. Our Ambassadors have arranged 812 presentations in advance; they have completed 622 presentations and contributed 7,454.5 volunteer hours valued according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics at $178,085.35. The Ambassador Program's commitment to the Department of Health and Ageing is to reach a national audience of 19,200 people by June 2010 – and we are delighted to announce that this target was reached by 30 September 2009 with total audience numbers of 19,274 – and we still have 9 months to go! Hearty congratulations to all concerned – the Ambassadors, Jo Fairbairn, Erin Woodman, Renee Alexander, Judy Mellor, Wendy Farrow, Deborah Fraser and Helen McQuie. The Ambassador Teams have also been extremely busy with Rural Field Days and other major events and to date event audiences have totalled 88,083 people. In partnership with Palin Communication, a national, rural and remote media drive in August and September to promote the National Men’s Health Ambassador Speaker Program attracted significant media interest, with the World’s Biggest Undies presenting photo opportunities while the Ambassadors were interviewed about the Program. The Big Undies went on a grand Prostate Health and Continence Health awareness raising adventure which included Thursday Island QLD, Deniliquin NSW, Hervey Bay QLD, Alice Springs NT and Darwin NT, resulting in an explosion of requests for Ambassador Speakers in rural areas.
The Ambassador’s personal commitment to the National Men’s Health Ambassador Speaker Program and PCFA is to arrange 12 presentations over the life of the program to June 2010. We acknowledge the following Ambassadors who have achieved their goal well in advance, and are still hard at work. Name
State
Gary Herrett
NSW
Regional
Presentations 42
Paul Kelly
WA
Rural
40
Roy Francis
VIC
Regional
37
Brian Marshall
SA
Rural
31
Elizabeth Allen
NSW
Rural
29
Ian Murray
WA
Metropolitan
27
Ros Male
QLD
Regional
25
John Emdin
NSW
Metropolitan
22
Des Grogan
VIC
Metropolitan
16
Hayes van der Meer NSW
Metropolitan
14
Robert Stirling
QLD
Metropolitan
14
Rodney Lowe
NSW
Metropolitan
12
Tony Sonneveld
NSW
Metropolitan
12
Basil Williams
NSW
Metropolitan
12
The Big Undies in Darwin
Darwin Ambassadors from left: Allan McEwan, James Smith, Tony Bacus, Gweneth Norris and Tony Cole advertising the National Men’s Health Ambassador Speaker Program on Mindil Beach, Darwin NT.
Wide Bay Bikers Ride for Prostate Health More than 200 bikers and their pillions belonging to seven motorcycle social clubs in the Wide Bay, QLD, area recently held a charity and awareness raising ride for prostate cancer and the Ambassador Program. Organised by Alan Dearling of the Wide Bay HOGS, the group was hosted by members of the Prostate Cancer Support Groups from Hervey Bay, Maryborough and Bundaberg, who provided morning tea and lunch, coordinated by Support Group Convenor/Ambassador Leoll Barron and his wife Leonie.
There was considerable interest in the Big Undies brought along by PCFA’s Jo Fairbairn to promote the Ambassador Program. Jo Fairbairn had been a guest speaker at the annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Evening in Hervey Bay the evening before, and the bike riders were more than willing to participate in a photo shoot to further raise awareness of prostate cancer. This very successful event raised approximately $4,500 for prostate cancer research and awareness programs.
PROSTATENEWS 15
Dr Charles ‘Snuffy’ Myers in Australia February 2010 The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is honoured to welcome Dr Charles ‘Snuffy’ Myers to Australia.
Venues: Sydney 8 February, 7pm – 9pm, Garvan Brisbane 10 February, 3pm – 5pm, Queensland Conservatorium Melbourne 11 February, 4pm – 7pm, RACV
Dr Charles Myers opened the American Institute for Diseases of the Prostate in 2001 to provide men with comprehensive treatment of all stages of prostate cancer. The Institute draws patients from all over the world. Dr Myers is the Medical Director of the Institute and President of the Foundation for Cancer Research and Education. He draws upon his wealth of experience as Chief of Clinical Pharmacology at the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health and Director of the Cancer Center at the University of Virginia. He has published over 250 research papers in the clinical and basic sciences of cancer and other diseases. Dr Myers speaks frequently to patient groups and physicians. He is editor of the Prostate Forum and has written several books on prostate cancer.
Topic: Advanced Prostate Cancer – How to Tailor Treatment for Your Disease. Cost: $10.00 (including GST) Booking: Online only at www.prostate.org.au (Due to expected demand tickets are only available via online pre-purchase) Book early to secure you seat at these special events Dr Myers' lecture tour is supported by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia and St Vincent’s Prostate Cancer Centre.
Give some great Xmas presents and support PCFA in the fight against prostate cancer! Gilbert/PCFA Limited Edition Rugby Ball
Hottest Tradie 2010 Calendar All proceeds from the sale of this calendar will be donated to PCFA.
$5 dollars donated to PCFA for every ball sold.
Purchase your Hottest Tradie 2010 calendar at www.smhshop.com.au/ products.php?section=gifts&id=142
Available at all good sporting retailers.
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR DONORS, PARTNERS AND SPONSORS FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT. MEN'S HEALTH PARTNER: MOVEMBER FOUNDATION
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