VolunteerVoice For and about volunteers with Cancer Council NSW
Winter Edition June 2015
cancercouncil.com.au | 13 11 20
cancercouncil.com.au/60years/
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF CANCER COUNCIL NSW Thanks to the support of our community, we’ve come a long way and have many reasons to celebrate, but we’re not done yet. More than ever, we are committed to achieving a cancer-free world. A world in which 1 in 2 people diagnosed with cancer becomes 2 in 2 people surviving cancer. View more of Cancer Council NSW’s achievements over the past 60 years at cancercouncil.com.au/60 years/ Read 60 inspiring supporter stories covering 60 years at cancercouncil.com.au/60-stories/
1955 IT STARTS WITH SEVEN
1957 FIRST FUNDS FOR CANCER RESEARCH
1976 OUR REGIONAL NETWORKS BEGIN
The NSW State Cancer Council is established by an Act of Parliament and its founding seven pioneers take up office.
Cancer Council NSW funds fifteen research grants totalling £24,500. Today we invest $14.2 million each year, funding 266 researchers in 77 institutions working on 149 projects.
Cancer Council NSW’s first regional office opens in Newcastle. Our regional networks now cover all 152 local government areas across the state.
1984 CALLING FOR VOLUNTEERS The call for volunteers goes out and 50 community members show interest. Currently, more than 32,500 volunteers and community supporters work across every area of our organisation working alongside our staff and within communities.
1993 TRANSPORT ASSISTANCE TO TREATMENT Transport assistance to treatment is introduced. Today, Cancer Council NSW helps nearly 6,000 patients and their carers travel over 620,000 kilometres to treatment annually.
1986 DAFFODIL DAY’S FIRST BLOOM
1988 AUSTRALIA GETS WISE TO SUNSMART
Daffodil Day is introduced in NSW to raise funds for cancer research and patient services. Today, it’s the largest national fundraising event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, raising over $50 million in NSW alone since it began.
Cancer Council Victoria and the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation fund SunSmart, a program to educate Australians about sun protection. It’s since been rolled out to childcare services and primary schools across every state and territory.
2001 RELAY FOR LIFE
2006 CLOSING THE GAP IN ABORIGINAL CANCER MORTALITY RATES
Cancer Council NSW hosts its first Relay For Life in Campbelltown. Today, the event is held across Australia in every state and territory, with more than 134,000 participants raising over $24 million each year.
Cancer Council NSW creates the Aboriginal Patterns of Cancer Care (APOCC) Project, which explores why the death rate for Aboriginal Australians is more than three times higher than non-Aboriginal Australians and investigates the cancer journeys of Aboriginal people across NSW.
2007 SMOKING BANNED IN PUBS AND CLUBS Under the lead of Cancer Council NSW, 45,000 people show their support for smoke-free pubs and clubs under the banner Go Smoke-Free Coalition. As a result, the NSW Government bans smoking in enclosed areas of pubs and clubs from July this year.
2014 NSW SOLARIUMS SHUT DOWN Cancer Council NSW puts pressure on the State Government and, as a result, solariums are banned in NSW.
2015 CELEBRATING 60 YEARS TOGETHER We have come a long way and we couldn’t have done it without our community – thank you. More than ever we need your continued support to help achieve a cancer-free world.
VolunteerVoice | June2015
Update
from CEO, Jim L’Estrange
This year, Cancer Council NSW is celebrating 60 years since we first began. We have achieved so much over this time and everyone involved in our work should be proud of the influence Cancer Council NSW has. This would not have been possible without the commitment and contribution of our volunteers.
I would just like to share with you where we’ve come from and highlight some of our successes. We were first established in 1955 and began our work with just seven members, who were committed to discovering what causes cancer. They set out to begin funding research, with an initial investment of £24,500. Today, we commit over $14 million to funding cancer research each year. In 1976, we established our first regional office in Newcastle. Today, we have a network of 17 offices across NSW. Our volunteers contribute to every aspect of our regional program delivery, working in our offices, transporting patients, providing in-home support and assisting people affected by cancer in one of our 23 volunteer information services in hospitals and treatment centres. In 1984, we first called on community members to volunteer with us. Today, more than 32,500 volunteers and community supporters work across every area of the organisation – from operational areas such as HR, Finance and IT to mission delivery areas, such as program development, program delivery and community engagement. Since the early 1980s, our Slip Slop Slap Seek and Slide campaigns, our
SunSmart programs and other sun protection campaigns have helped educate people about skin cancer prevention. 86 per cent of childcare services and 76 per cent of primary schools now participate in our SunSmart Program. In 1986, we held our first Daffodil Day. Today, it is the largest national fundraising event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Last year, 4,400 volunteers took part at over 600 locations across NSW, raising $3 million to fund our work. Together with our CanAct Community, we called on the Government to legislate for public areas to be smoke-free and the NSW Government banned smoking in children’s playgrounds, sporting fields, covered bus shelters and taxi ranks, with a ban in outdoor dining areas due to come into effect in 2015. Together with the CanAct Community, we called for a ban on solariums and they were banned in 2014. And as a result of our Saving Life 2015 campaign, the NSW Government announced their commitment to the removal of chemotherapy co-payments.
to prevent cancer, empowering and supporting people affected by cancer, and ensuring that governments take action to reduce cancer risk. We have only been able achieve all of this by working with our community. As our vision states, ‘Together we will beat cancer’. Thank you for all your support and I would like to invite you to join us as we celebrate our 60th birthday.
“In 1984, we first called on community members to volunteer with us. Today, more than 32,500 volunteers and community supporters work across every area of the organisation” Jim L’Estrange
During the last 60 years we have seen great success, and we have created great change. We are now the only cancer charity that works across the whole cancer journey, conducting and funding world-class research, working
This is the final printed edition of Volunteer Voice. Thank you for sharing your stories and support over the years. We look forward to continuing to tell your stories in the new online version of Volunteer Voice, which will be accessible on Cancer Council NSW’s website at cancercouncil.com.au. If you would like to receive an email when each edition of Volunteer Voice is available, please forward your email address to volunteervoice@nswcc.org.au Editor: Michael McGennan. Please feel free to forward your feedback and contributions to volunteervoice@nswcc.org.au
VolunteerVoice | June2015
Desk Notes
from Volunteer Unit Manager, Emma White
As we celebrate Cancer Council NSW’s 60th birthday, I feel truly proud to lead the Volunteer Unit at a time when we can not only look back and reflect on all of our achievements over the years, but also look forward to the many feats that we will undoubtedly achieve together in the future. The stories in this special edition of Volunteer Voice only scratch the surface of the extraordinary impact that our volunteers have made, and continue to make, on our mission to lead, empower and mobilise the community to beat cancer. From the first 53 volunteers who joined Cancer Council NSW in 1984 following a public appeal to support our fundraising efforts, to the 2,500 regular and 32,000
one-off volunteers today, each of them has made a unique contribution to our mission. These remarkable individuals have ensured that we have realised major advances in cancer treatments, prevention, and screening.
“...remarkable individuals have helped save 61,000 lives in the last 20 years alone. Thank you, every single one of you.”
And these remarkable individuals have helped save 61,000 lives in the last 20 years alone. Put simply, we just couldn’t do what we do without them. Thank you, every single one of you.
Shop online and donate to Cancer Council NSW for free Shopnate is a new online shopping portal which donates a percentage of sales to Cancer Council NSW. Here’s how it works: • Register online with Shopnate – it’s free and simple. • Browse their website to visit the hundreds of online retailers listed on their site. • Make a purchase, and they will donate a percentage of the sale amount directly to us.
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There are hundreds of big name Australian and international online retailers to shop with, such as: The Iconic, asos, Styletread, Berlei, Marks & Spencer, Booktopia, Bookworld, Hotels.com, Expedia, Webjet, Budget, Avis, Strawberrynet, Priceline, Adairs, Estee Lauder, Rebel Sport, Surf Stitch, Microsoft and Sony.
are still shopping at exactly the same stores with exactly the same prices.
If you are not currently an online shopper, then there’s never been a better time to start. With Shopnate you
Go to cancercouncil.com.au/ shopnate to see how it works and register.
Our loyal volunteers – we need your help. Tell your friends and family about Shopnate, and visit then “like” the Shopnate Facebook page. The more shoppers the better. Help us raise awareness about this great way to shop online.
An extract from Research Highlights 2013/14
turning research into outcomes for aboriginal people diagnosed With cancer
Aboriginal people are 60% more likely to die from their cancer than nonAboriginal people.
Lead researchers: Professor Dianne O’Connell and Mr Rajah Supramaniam, Cancer Council NSW
Aboriginal people are usually diagnosed at a more advanced stage of cancer.
Research team: Ms Jennifer Rodger, Ms Joanna Jarrald, Ms Erin Dooley, Ms Veronica Saunders (to January 2014), Ms Alison Gibberd (to January 2014) and Ms Kristie Weir (to October 2013)
Culturally appropriate print and online resources can build awareness in the community.
The Aboriginal Patterns of Cancer Care (APOCC) project, after making a number of pivotal discoveries in Aboriginal health, is now working with Aboriginal communities to improve cancer awareness and education. We now have a better understanding of the differences in cancer diagnosis, surgery and survival between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians, and the need for more culturally relevant information and education. The APOCC team is developing print and online resources that will help anyone working with Aboriginal communities. the need
highlights
impact
Aboriginal people are 60% more likely to die from their cancer than non-Aboriginal people. The APOCC project has revealed that Aboriginal people suffering from some cancers are diagnosed at a more advanced stage than non-Aboriginal Australians, can be less likely to have surgery, and often have other health conditions which can make their cancer more difficult to treat. In addition, a number of barriers can hinder appropriate cancer care for Aboriginal people, including the perception that cancer is a ‘death sentence’, and the fact that mainstream cancer services are often culturally inappropriate for this group. Aboriginal communities may be unaware of the potential impact of cancer on their people, and may face practical obstacles such as their distance from major cancer treatment centres.
This is the largest project to date looking at cancer care for Australian Aboriginal people.
APOCC has provided a detailed understanding of the depth and breadth of the gap in cancer care for Aboriginal people. The differences in survival and the likelihood of surgery between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians demonstrate that there is much to do to close this gap. The lack of information within Aboriginal communities and the cultural challenges for the healthcare system reveal a need for more education. By telling people about the research findings and what they mean, the researchers will begin to raise awareness of the issues. This is the first step in a campaign to improve Aboriginal cancer care.
APOCC studies have documented gaps in cancer care received by, and the survival of, Aboriginal people with cancer; interviewed Aboriginal cancer survivors and carers; examined patterns of care; and investigated the pathways to diagnosis. To raise awareness and promote change, a number of clear and simple print and online resources are being developed specifically for Aboriginal communities. These will target the knowledge gaps identified by the research findings, in readily accessible and culturally appropriate formats.
Research Highlights 2013/14 15
VolunteerVoice | June2015
Healthy Living After Cancer Have you completed treatment for cancer within the last five years or know anyone who has? Adults who have completed treatment for cancer within the past five years are invited to take part in a free telephone health coaching program run by Cancer Council NSW. Getting back to a healthy lifestyle after cancer is one of the most important things you can do for your health.
Healthy Living after Cancer can help you to get active, eat better and feel better, so that you can do more of the things that are important to you.
your overall health. You will receive feedback in the mail or via email following each of these surveys so that you can monitor your progress too.
What does the program involve?
Who’s involved?
You will receive up to 12 health coaching calls over a period of six months from a Cancer Council NSW Health Consultant.
Healthy Living after Cancer is a partnership research project between Cancer Council NSW, Cancer Council Victoria, Cancer Council South Australia, Cancer Council Western Australia, and the Cancer Prevention Research Centre, School of Public Health, University of Queensland, along with a large team of Australian and international investigators.
The health consultant will work with you to make healthy lifestyle changes by setting goals for exercise and healthy eating, and will help you reach these goals by giving you support, helpful tips, and motivation. So that the health consultant can help you set and reach your healthy living goals you will be asked to complete a survey over the phone at the beginning and again at the end of your program about your exercise and diet, and about
Interested in finding out more? Then call 13 11 20 and speak to a health consultant.
Healthy Living After Cancer can help you to get active, eat better and feel better, so that you can do more of the things that are important to you.
Dan’s long walk to beat cancer Late last year, University of Sydney Master of Business Administration student, Dan Watson, decided to walk from Perth to his hometown of Sydney, doing it to raise money for Cancer Council NSW and SANE Australia. Why? 6
“My mum was suffering from lung cancer, which put my problems with depression into perspective, and just made me realise I wasn’t truly suffering. Someone I truly care about is suffering.” Dan quit his job, took out his savings along with two credit cards, and, armed with a trolley full of essentials, on 20 October set off on the 5,000
kilometre trek from Perth to Sydney, which he concluded right on schedule during the first week of March. Read Daniel’s weblog diary of the four and a half month trek here: mycause. com.au/page/81921/inbetween drinks. His story attracted local media attention all along his route. Search Dan Watson walk online for articles.
Supportive Care over the years
Over the last four decades the Supportive Care area of Cancer Council NSW has developed programs to assist cancer patients and their loved ones to deal with the impact of cancer in their lives. You can read more about how each of these programs help beat cancer online at cancercouncil. com.au/get-support/practical-support-services/
1984 Cancer Connect
2005 Call Back
The Cancer Connect program provides telephone peer support for people affected by cancer through matched connections with a trained volunteer with similar experiences.
The Call Back program uses specially trained volunteers to make outgoing calls to people affected by cancer and their family and friends, to ensure that program clients feel connected to Cancer Council NSW.
1985 Cancer Council NSW 13 11 20 Information and Support Cancer Council NSW 13 11 20 Information and Support is a confidential service where you can speak to a specialist cancer professional about anything to do with cancer.
1992 Understanding Cancer Resources The Cancer Information Unit produces the Understanding Cancer series, which comprises more than 60 free resources for people with cancer, their families, carers and friends.
1993 Transport to treatment Travelling to and from medical appointments is difficult for many people affected by cancer. Cancer Council NSW helps by operating transport services, by providing funding support to external services, and training volunteers who wish to use their own vehicles.
2003 Telephone Support Groups Telephone support groups offer support and information to adults affected by cancer, reaching rural or unwell participants unable to attend any face-to-face support.
2004 Cancer Support Group Leaders program Cancer Council NSW offers support, information, guidance and training to people involved in new or existing cancer support groups via the Cancer Support Group Leader Program.
2006 Financial Assistance The Financial Assistance Programs consist of one off emergency assistance payments (2006 onwards), Financial Counselling (2010 onwards) and No Interest Loans Scheme (NILS) (2011 onwards )
2007 Home Help Cancer Council NSW operates volunteer run Home Help programs across New South Wales to help people deal with household tasks like light housework, dog walking, light cooking, transport to treatment or shopping, carer respite, or simply providing some friendly company.
2007 Cancer Connections Online since 2007 and revised in 2009, Cancer Connections is a moderated, online peer support community where patients, partners, family and friends, young adults and survivors can share their stories, meet and connect with others, discuss tips and experiences and find, give and receive support.
2008 Living Well After Cancer The Living Well After Cancer program is open to all cancer survivors, their carers, family and friends, seeking practical information, discussion and ideas about adjusting to the changes following cancer treatment.
2008 Cancer Council NSW Information Centres Cancer Council NSW is helping to
connect cancer patients, their carers and their families with information and support services, by establishing Information Centres within hospitals and treatment centres around NSW.
2010 Legal and Financial We can help you if you or someone in your family has cancer, and you need legal, financial, workplace or small business advice. Assistance is free for eligible clients.
2010 ENRICH (Exercise and Nutrition Routine Improving Cancer Health) Studies report that healthy eating and physical activity can protect survivors against cancer recurrence. ENRICH, a six week program, brings together strategies to help participants improve their quality of life and self-esteem and reduce fatigue and the risk of recurrence.
2014 Webinars In 2014, Cancer Council NSW introduced a webinar (live online seminar) series to provide information to people about cancer related emotional and practical issues; to provide strategies to deal with these issues; and to offer opportunities for engagement with others who have been through similar experiences.
2015 LGBTI Support Cancer Council NSW aims to improve the way the LGBTI community affected by cancer accesses support through the adoption of a more inclusive approach to the development and implementation of supportive care programs.
VolunteerVoice | June2015
Metro Sydney
Metro Sydney team accomplishments over the years As Cancer Council NSW celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, the Metro Sydney team also observe a key milestone: our regional model of working was introduced just over ten years ago. It’s opportune to pause and reflect on a few of our accomplishments over this period. Significantly, three Cancer Council NSW Information Centres have been established to connect cancer patients with information and support services. This led to the creation of two innovative meal services that have provided an impressive 9,000 meals to cancer patients at St George Hospital. We’ve recruited a whopping 333 local primary schools to become SunSmart, and have
Volunteer Profile Gary Musgrave is Volunteer Coordinator of the Community Speakers Program for the Sydney Metro Region. He organises volunteer speakers to talk to community groups and businesses on the prevention and screening of various cancers. Before he retired, Gary worked as an Actuary and he still maintains his involvement in this field by
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arranged for the Sun Sound to be played at local pools and beaches each summer. There are now over 3,000 CanAct community members and two strong local Cancer Advocacy Networks in Metro Sydney. Amongst other victories, our advocacy efforts led to the vast majority of local councils and then the NSW Government to introduce smoke-free outdoor areas. Consistent with our ambition to mobilise and enable communities to support Cancer Council NSW, all of the above mentioned work has been undertaken by and with teams of incredibly talented and dedicated volunteers. Presently, we have over 400 such volunteers working together to beat cancer.
volunteering as Chair of the Board of Examiners for the Institute of Actuaries of Australia. He is also a member of Dynamic North Shore Toastmasters Club in North Sydney. When asked what part of volunteering at Cancer Council NSW he enjoys most, Gary said, “The feeling that I am giving something back to the community, by interacting with various community groups and companies in spreading the cancer awareness and prevention message through cancer talks. I also appreciate the responsibility and the degree of independence I have by being the Coordinator of Cancer
These and other wins were also only possible thanks to our amazing fundraisers, including Relay For Life committees. Our Sutherland Relay Committee deserves special mention for repeatedly organising one of the biggest and best Relays anywhere in the world. Their work, together with that of many other community fundraisers, enables us to fund more programs and undertake more research. Though ten years old, this is just the beginning. The current Metro Sydney team – staff and volunteers alike – is more committed than ever to extend the reach of Cancer Council NSW prevention, advocacy, information and support through local program delivery and community engagement in the years ahead.
Council NSW’s Community Speakers Program. “A memorable moment at Cancer Council NSW was when I undertook a marketing campaign targeting various community organisations, seeking their interest in having speakers present cancer talks. I felt a sense of achievement when there was an excellent response by community groups requesting speakers.”
VolunteerVoice | June2015
Greater Western Sydney
Volunteers training volunteers On February 19 we organised our first training session for new Community Speakers run by our long-term volunteers Ken and Marj Freeman. Ken and Marj (pictured right) are a fantastic couple and team. Married in 1963, they have supported each other during good and bad days, and now have two children, six grandchildren, and saw the arrival of their first great grandchild in May. When it comes to presenting one of our Community Talks, their knowledge and passion for the cause of beating cancer, and ability to work in a team, is reflected in their capacity to educate and engage others on critical cancer issues. The outcomes have been sensational. Ken and Marj further cemented their involvement with Cancer Council NSW working in a more leading and educational role in the Community Speaker Program. New volunteers have had the opportunity to get insights on what it really means to become a
Cancer Council NSW speaker, and how important it is to empower others to achieve common goals. Asked about their activities over the years with Cancer Council NSW, Ken and Marj were able to list the following: “Speaking with groups of people (adults as well as children both Englishspeaking and non English-speaking when we work with interpreters); sitting at tables at Festivals to answer questions about Cancer Council NSW as well as handing out brochures; fundraising; helping with trying to improve transport for people attempting to get to therapy for their cancer treatment. Acting on the organising committee for the Blacktown Relay For Life from 2003 until 2012.” In overview, “We have a number of roles – Community Guest Speakers (eight years) in Western Sydney, Relay For Life in Blacktown (12 years) and Blacktown Community Cancer Network (five years).”
Asked ‘What work have you done at Cancer Council NSW that you are most proud of or excited about?’, Ken and Marj agreed that “watching the Blacktown Relay For Life grow from a small event in 2003 into a multi-million dollar fundraiser and a wonderful celebration of life today with more and more younger people becoming involved. They are our future.” Read more of Ken and Marj’s own words about their involvement with Cancer Council NSW online at cancercouncil.com.au
Medallion winner, Volunteer of the Year Sinilia Radivojevic started volunteering with Cancer Council NSW 30 years ago. She helped translate information on cancer issues into Spanish. Pictured below (L-R): Michael Radivojevic (Sinilia’s husband), MP Nick Lalich, Sinilia Radivojevic, MP Guy Zangari, Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone.
In 1994, she organised an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea locally for the Spanish speaking community, and has organised one every year since. She joined the Fairfield Relay For Life organising committee in 2008. She is also a community speaker for us. In 2014, Sinilia joined the MP Liaison program and is the MPL for Member for Fairfield, Guy Zangari. She organised a Saving Life 2015 campaign launch in Fairfield and had three MPs attend the event from the Liverpool, Fairfield and Smithfield electorates. The public support given by the Member for Fairfield on the day resulted in Kathy Chapman, Anita Tang and Aruni Ratnayake meeting the Shadow Minister for Health, Walt Secord, at New South Wales parliament. The Spanish community nominated her for the Volunteer of the Year in Fairfield City. She is the medallion winner, and we congratulate her on her fantastic achievement.
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VolunteerVoice | June2015
Hunter Central Coast
15 Years of Relay Mingara Relay For Life, one of Cancer Council NSW’s premier events, has grown from its first year raising $63,000 to a whopping $2.7 million over 14 years of fundraising. Mingara is unique, being the only Relay in NSW named after a registered club. The support from Mingara, both in providing a safe, well-equipped venue, through to financial support, plays an integral part in the success of this event, and one that we are very thankful for. Now in its fifteenth year, we take a moment to thank both the volunteer committee and the Central Coast community for their commitment and support for the cancer cause. Over the last decade and a half, we have seen this Relay go from strength to strength, a feat made possible thanks to the dedicated volunteers of the Central Coast who are working behind the scenes year after year. “Their passion, excitement and desire to join together and beat cancer is the defining factor to this event. I could never thank the volunteers and the community enough for their commitment, whether it be over the past fourteen years or just this last year. The amount that has been raised is phenomenal, but more than that is the role we have all played in beating cancer,” said Sarah Russell, Community Engagement Manager.
Power to the Volunteer This year we celebrate three Central Coast volunteers’ commitment to Cancer Council NSW and also volunteering: Ayalah Nesti, Alan Phillips and Maureen Saggus. Between them they have given 30 years’ volunteer service and more than 15,000 volunteer hours. Their work has had a huge impact on what we have been able to deliver in our local community, such as the establishment of new support groups, a new Relay event, and a regional volunteer program.
Go to www.cancercouncil.com.au/ get-involved/volunteer/volunteervoice/local-volunteer-news/huntercentral-coast/ to read the full story online.
Central Coast volunteers (L-R): Ayalah Nesti, Alan Phillips and Maureen Saggus.
Dancing the night away A keen volunteer has decided to step out of his comfort zone this year. Phil Williams is one of 12 leaders from the community that make up our newest event, A Night out with the Stars of Newcastle. This is a great concept, a dancing event incorporating local celebrities and businesses with an aim to raise $100,000 to go towards cancer research, support services and information in the Hunter region. Phil Williams recently retired from full-time work as the Business Manager with the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. Prior to this position he was a Regional Manager with Cancer Council NSW, firstly for the Metropolitan Sydney Region, and
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Most recently they have volunteered in roles that include: Patron for the Central Coast; Information Centre Coordinator for two centres; Graphic Design which enables us to produce a number of marketing material inhouse; and administration assistance to our support group leaders.
then the Hunter Central Coast. Phil was responsible for initiating many of the region’s first Relay For Life events as well establishing the Central Coast office. In retirement Phil keeps active by participating in ocean swims, teaching adults how to swim, gardening, and some part-time work. He is also a member of Cancer Council NSW’s Regional Advisory Committee. Phil is a prostate cancer survivor who used the services of the Cancer Council NSW’s 13 11 20 to help his decision-making during that period.
VolunteerVoice | June2015
Northern NSW
Interns deliver great results
Chairperson stands up
In the Northern Region Cancer Council NSW has developed a strong relationship with Bond University’s Master of Nutrition and Dietetics Practice Program. This partnership has resulted in rolling intern placements from January to April this year, which will see a total of eight students supporting the Eat It to Beat It program.
Just days after joining, Amy Walker, Ash Worldon, Dale Nixon, Trish Lawty, Robyn’s daughter was Amanda Wales and Chairperson, Robyn Faber. diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer. Robyn says, unfold and know you are making a “I felt I was meant to be involved contribution to helping people. We can because of this.” all be touched by cancer, it is the great Robyn has once again taken on the issue of our time. There is nothing better top job for the 2015 Namoi Valley than to see all the survivors, carers, Relay. She says about volunteering families and friends walking around that with Cancer Council NSW: oval, displaying their courage and showing that we can beat cancer.” “Being a volunteer is a commitment which has a very rewarding Thank you, Robyn, for your hard work, outcome. It is a great feeling on the dedication and commitment to the fight weekend of the Relay to watch it all against cancer.
Abigail Villanueva (pictured above, left) and Caitlin Anderson, recently completed their placement in the Byron Bay office. The girls were an asset to the team, showing great communication, a high level of autonomy and fantastic organisational skills. They managed to book approximately seven schools and visit around fourteen in their short time with us. The schools were very pleased with the workshops, and one even wrote to us saying, “the girls did a great job of the workshop this morning, all the parents were very happy”. When asked if they would recommend interning at Cancer Council NSW to others, Abigail and Caitlin enthused, “Yes! It’s a great opportunity to work with an established not-for-profit organisation and to gain experience in public health nutrition. It’s a privilege to be able to share our nutrition knowledge whilst advocating Cancer Council NSW’s Eat It To Beat It’s aim of increasing fruit and vegetable consumption amongst primary school children.”
Without the support and hard work of our Relay For Life chairpersons, Relay events would not be where they are today. Robyn Faber became the chairperson for the Namoi Valley (Narrabri) Relay back in 2011. At the time she joined the committee she was also the Narrabri Shire Mayor. Namoi Valley Relay For Life Committee members (L-R):
Top driving team Husband and wife team, John and Susan Thomson (pictured right), volunteer drivers in Port Macquarie, tell about their experience with Cancer Council NSW: John: This program provides a necessary service for people who have deep concerns about their health. They do not need the additional worry of transport to and from treatment. Susan: John has had two brushes with cancer in the past 10 years so I know very well the worries that arise. The concept of the transport service relieves at least one of those worries.
Visit www.cancercouncil.com.au/ get-involved/volunteer/volunteervoice/local-volunteer-news/ northern-nsw/ to read the rest of John and Susan’s comments online. 11
VolunteerVoice | June2015
Southern NSW
Great Ocean Pool Crawl “We’re back, and ready to make our biggest splash yet!”
Photo courtesy of The Illawarra Mercury.
This is the tagline for the 2015 Great Ocean Pool Crawl, a Do It For Cancer event started by Wollongong real estate agent Phil Murray in 2002. This year marks the twelfth for the event, with Phil having helped coordinate over $165,000 in donations. The event takes advantage of the beautiful Illawarra coastline, delivering participants to swim two laps in seven different ocean pools via a bus, in the style of a traditional pub crawl. It is Phil’s enthusiasm and dedication to his community that has kept the event running and successful. The launch of the event, held on 5 February, was one of the most successful yet, attracting local MP Ryan Park and Ben Creagh, captain of the Illawarra Dragons NRL team. Amongst others, they helped Phil to swim his 61,000th lap in the Towradgi Ocean Pool in front of local newspaper, television and radio media.
Ryan Park, Karl Hayes, Ben Creagh, Glen Saville, Paul Erickson and Phil Murray at the launch of the 2015 Great Ocean Pool Crawl.
Phil’s 61,000th lap was even more special, coinciding with the release of a recent Cancer Council NSW study,
Phil says, “It could not have worked out more perfectly! A lap for each life saved.”
Volunteer Profile
concluding that 61,000 lives have been saved in the last 20 years due to improvements in cancer prevention, screening and treatment.
helping others and has cemented his place within Cancer Council NSW. Andrew’s father sadly passed away from lung cancer, he cared for his niece while she successfully battled leukaemia, and his wife and sister have been diagnosed with breast cancer. But this has just continued to inspire him in all areas of his life. Working as a hospital chaplain, Andrew makes himself available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for those that need him. “I usually break the ice by offering chemotherapy patients a cup of tea or coffee. This gives them the opportunity to talk about anything they want to talk about. It can be a great outlet for these patients,” Andrew says.
Andrew Simpson is no stranger to his local community. Motivated by his personal family history of cancer, Andrew has dedicated his life to
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This is already an extension of his natural compassion, but he doesn’t let his busy work schedule deter him from doing more.
Currently, Andrew is the Volunteer Coordinator at the Information Centre within the Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centre, providing support to those suffering and their families and friends. It is his experiences combined with his empathetic and kind nature that make him irreplaceable in the Centre. Andrew is also a keen advocate of the Saving Life 2015 campaign, encouraging the NSW government to continue to work towards the prevention and treatment of cancer. After volunteering for six years, Andrew has decided to try something new this year, participating in his first Relay For Life, and agreeing to be an ambassador for the 2015 Nowra event. “It’s a big event. I’ve always wanted to get involved, this is my chance. I would encourage everyone to join or register a team and walk a few laps with me on my first Relay,” he says.
VolunteerVoice | June2015
Western NSW
Old Relay Shirt Day On Friday 14 February, the Griffith Relay For Life Committee held Old Relay Shirt Day. The day calls for the community to show their support and commitment to Relay by pulling on their Old Relay Shirts, or even just something purple.
way to get everyone excited as the countdown began to the big Relay. Pictured below, back row (L-R): Denise Hearn, Wendy Mackerras, Nicola Schneller, Allan Johnston, Lindsay Brown. Front row (L-R): Gaynor Castellaro, Gary Workman, Ros Bonomi, Rachel Serafin.
Many teams, businesses, schools and local community members look forward to the day, to share in showing Griffith’s long history of Relay For Life events stemming back to 2002 when the first event was held. The day created a sea of purple amongst the Griffith community and was a fantastic
Transport to Treatment The long awaited Transport to Treatment program has officially been up and running since early March. Two new Cancer Council NSW vehicles have helped to overcome the tyranny of distance for cancer patients living throughout the Central West. Thanks to a $66,500 grant from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, the new Transport to Treatment service provides a free shuttle service for eligible cancer patients living across this wide area. Over twenty volunteers from local communities have put their hands up to help out those in need across the Central West. Cancer Council NSW training for the volunteers took place late January.
Then defensive driver training was held in partnership with Panorama Road Safety from Bathurst, which saw the drivers take to the streets and suburbs of Orange to learn some defensive driving techniques. Three launches of the Transport to Treatment program were held in Orange, Bathurst and Mudgee, with volunteers supporting us all the way. Media channels from across the region were present resulting in new found stardom for our aspiring volunteers. Representatives from Newcastle Permanent’s Charitable Foundation, local cancer service workers, MPs, town mayors, Cancer Council NSW staff and volunteers, were present.
The mighty duo from Griffith Deanna Marriott and Jan Newman, organisers of Western NSW’s highest funds-raising Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, undertook another successful morning tea in May this year, to coincide with Cancer Council NSW’s 60 year celebrations. The mighty duo started hosting their morning tea in Griffith over 20 years ago, and due to their success the event has now turned into an annual event for the Griffith locals. Last year saw their biggest year yet with huge queues, and raised a massive $9,625! There is no stopping Deanna, Jan, and their team of volunteers, as every year they happily put on their aprons and bake thousands of scones, brew copious amounts of tea and coffee, and provide a warm and happy atmosphere for the Griffith community to come together to show their support and contribute towards the cause. Thank you, ladies, for all of your wonderful work, commitment and support for this great event. You are an inspiration to many! Pictured below: Deanna Marriot and Jan Newman gearing up for another successful morning tea.
Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers involved as we look forward to the progress of our Transport to Treatment program. Pictured left at the Bathurst Transport to Treatment launch (L-R): Volunteer drivers Jane Cox and Tim Cox; Paul Toole, Minister for Local Government; Fiona Markwick, Community Programs Coordinator; and Michael Slater, Chairman of the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
Photo by Anthony Stipo, The Area News.
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VolunteerVoice | June2015
Beating cancer together across gener Patricia’s story Patricia Totman has been volunteering with Cancer Council NSW since 1992 in a variety of roles. She is a cancer survivor and proud supporter of Cancer Council NSW. When asked what ‘contribution’ means in relation to Cancer Council NSW Patricia said: “Giving of my time in whatever way I am able to in an endeavour to beat cancer”.
ring 13 11 20 for information. Being part of a team, one forms a special bond, as I have experienced with the Packing Team and participating in workshops.”
What volunteer roles have you loved most at Cancer Council NSW? “Volunteering on Cancer Connect is rewarding in supporting ladies after breast surgery – I have the opportunity to encourage ladies to
“There have been many events over the years, and many great memories. Daffodil Day, decked out in yellow, and Pink Ribbon Day in pink, draws people to the stall to purchase, and I am now known as Dame Edna Everage’s sister!”
Sally’s Story
“...you must take risks, challenge yourself, never stop learning, together in order to move forward.” Sally Hudson
My name is Sally Hudson. I have been with Cancer Council NSW a little over three years in various capacities. I graduated from Wollongong University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Public Health. With little public health experience up my sleeve I knew I would have to work hard to find employment.
Advocacy Team in head office and coordinating local volunteers to complete randomly selected postcode audits across the Southern Region.
I applied for the Policy and Advocacy Volunteer position in Wollongong, thinking to myself, “What is advocacy?”. It’s a term I’d heard in a lecture or read in a text book, and now it was the title of a position I had to fulfill. During this time I was also working on events for the Heart Foundation, which provided the perfect balance. I began my work as the lead volunteer on the Tobacco Retail Audit Scheme, liaising with the
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What events have you really loved? “Years ago I was invited to a Daffodil Day breakfast where a survivors badge was going to be ‘launched’. Quite an occasion for us volunteers pinning a badge on each other and sharing our story.
During quiet periods I would take on other projects to help out wherever possible. This led me to work on the SunSmart Program, where I would meet with school principals to encourage them to update their sun protection policies. In December 2012 an Events Administrator position became vacant – although it did not have a public health focus, I knew I could use this position to build upon a skill-set I had not yet developed, so I applied. January 2nd, 2013, was my first day in my new role and I remember being so excited. My new colleague, who was only a month into her role, sat me down with a pen and paper to ask
What made you attend the first Hornsby Relay in 2003? “As a survivor and volunteer living close to Rofe Park (where Relay is held) there was an opportunity to be involved. Having lived in Hornsby since 1959, I have had the social contacts to advertise the event. I have already been giving my little reminder notes to survivors for the date this year.” What are your Relay highlights? “Renewing friendships of regular survivors, carers and team members, encouraging new people to join the survivor’s lap, then enjoying the morning tea, exchanging stories and the strong bond that is felt. Other Relay activities are amazing – the
what I knew. The page remained blank as I explained to her that I had only worked on programs and not events. She smiled and said, “Well, I guess it’s the blind leading the blind.” That was the beginning of a great bond. Not only did we work closely to learn the role, we took on additional projects, improved systems and processes, mentored numerous volunteers, and worked closely with our Community Relations Coordinators to ensure that they were well supported. In June 2014 yet another opportunity presented itself – the role of a Community Programs Coordinator for the South West and Tablelands Region. At first I was a little unsure as I had worked hard to perfect the role of Events Administrator, but knew that I would be crazy not to give it a go. I began my new role a short time after.
VolunteerVoice | June2015
erations enthusiasm, eye-catching costumes and young teenagers with their boundless energy.” What are your most memorable Cancer Council NSW experiences? “Completing my volunteer training in 1992 and receiving my certificate started my being a volunteer; and supporting women before and after surgery was a very humbling experience. Years ago on a trip in New Zealand I chatted to a lady who said she remembered me in hospital helping her after her breast surgery. She spoke of her appreciation of my time spent with her as did her husband. She gave me a warm, fuzzy feeling.”
, and most importantly work Now it’s mid-2015 and I am still learning, still learning the programs, still meeting people, and still determined to be good at my job. What I have learnt from my experience so far at Cancer Council NSW is that you must take risks, challenge yourself, never stop learning, and most importantly work together in order to move forward. I have a great team that has always supported me and motivates me to be the best I can. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to grow.
Book Review
Recipe Corner
Everything Changes: The Insider’s Guide to Cancer in Your 20s and 30s by Kairol Rosenthal
Kairol Rosenthal is a healthcare writer, blogger and patient diagnosed with thyroid cancer at age 27. Her book Everything Changes: The Insider’s Guide to Cancer in Your 20s and 30s (Wiley) is the culmination of her five years of research with patients and health care professionals in the young adult cancer community. Her essays on cancer have appeared on radio and in numerous books. A prolific blogger, her site www.everything changesbook.com is a destination for candid conversation among cancer patients. “It’s not the nitty-gritty details of how we were diagnosed or what treatments we are taking that interest me as much as what we do with our lives after the big cancer bomb is dropped in our laps. “Cancer did not make me brave, outspoken, or grateful. I’ve always known you only have one shot at life, and you have to work hard and take chances to try to get what you want. What I wanted was real conversation. “I wanted to know if other young adult cancer patients cried themselves to sleep at night, wrote their wills on scrap paper while riding the train, or lied to dates about their scars. I wanted to know if other cancer patients still ate greasy hamburgers, stayed out way too late, and put their dream jobs on hold. I wanted to get inside the heads of these patients and to not feel so alone.”
Apricot Custard Flan Serves: 6 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Ingredients Olive or canola oil spray 1/4 cup plain flour 11/2 tbs caster sugar 2 eggs 1 cup low-fat milk 1/2 tsp vanilla extract 825g canned apricots in natural juice, drained well 1 tsp ground cinnamon Method Preheat oven to 200OC (180OC fan forced). Spray a 22cm diameter shallow ovenproof dish with oil. Combine flour, sugar, eggs, milk and vanilla in a bowl and mix well. Place apricots cut side down into dish, then pour egg mixture on top and sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake for 30 minutes or until custard is set. Stand for 5 minutes before serving. Hint: Alternatively bake individual serves in four small one cup capacity ovenproof dishes for 25 minutes. Ingredients for the custard batter can be put into a blender jug or food processor bowl and process for 30 seconds. Variation: Use 600g of any kind of fresh seasonal fruit or canned fruit (drained of natural juice) including peaches, plums, pears, apples, pitted cherries or frozen berries. LiveLighter © State of Western Australia 2013, reproduced with permission.
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VolunteerVoice | June2015
Events Calendar Relay For Life Maitland: James Street, Maitland, 5 September Manly: Keirle Park, Manly, 5 September Illawarra: Beaton Park, Gwynneville, 19 September Yass Valley: Yass Showgrounds, Yass, 10 October
Help us beat cancer
Nominate a Star Volunteer Help recognise and highlight the amazing work of our volunteers in helping us to beat cancer. Nominations for Star Volunteers are currently being accepted at cancercouncil.com.au/ starvolunteer. Winners are announced on the first Wednesday of each month. For more information visit the Cancer Council NSW website and search Star Volunteer Award.
Monday 26 October An excellent way to get involved in Pink Ribbon Day is to volunteer your time to help sell merchandise.
Register to join a research study today! Cancer Council NSW and other academic bodies conduct research studies to do with cancer. These studies may be questionnaire based surveys, focus groups and interviews or other types of research. Study participants will not necessarily be cancer patients. Please register your interest to be included on our database. Your story or the story of someone you know will help us find the answers. Register at cancercouncil.com. au/joinastudy or call the special Join a Research Study number, (02) 9334 1398.
Register your interest to Pink Ribbon at pinkribbon.com.au/register_ interest
Your local Cancer Council NSW contact details Metro Regions: Metro Sydney 153 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011 (PO Box 572, Kings Cross NSW 1340)
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Northern Sydney Community Office Crows Nest Regional Office, Level I, 117 Willoughby Rd, Crows Nest NSW 2065
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(02) 9334 1754 (02) 9334 1600
Greater Western Sydney Parramatta Regional Office, Rotary House, 43 Hunter St, Parramatta NSW 2150 (PO Box 3426) .. (02) 9354 2000 Casula Community Office 39 Ingham Drive, Casula NSW 2170 (PO Box 287)
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Penrith Community Office 114-116 Henry St, Penrith NSW 2750 (PO Box 4379)
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(02) 9354 2050 (02) 9354 2060
Regional and Rural offices: Hunter & Central Coast Charlestown Regional Office, Unit C1.2, Level 1, Landmark Building, 215 Pacific Hwy, Charlestown NSW 2290 .................................................................................................................................................................................... (02) 4923 0700 Upper Hunter Community Office 69 John St, Singleton 2330 (PO Box 570) ................................................................................................ (02) 6571 2899 Erina Fair Community Office The Hive, Erina Fair, Erina NSW 2250 (PO Box 5102)
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(02) 4336 4500
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(02) 6639 1300
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(02) 6659 8400
Northern NSW 8/130 Jonson Street, Byron Bay NSW 2481 (PO Box 2620) Coffs Harbour Office 121 High St, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Southern NSW Wollongong Regional Office, Suite 7 Ground Floor, iC Enterprise 1, Innovation Campus, Squires Way, North Wollongong NSW 2500 (PO Box 21, Fairy Meadow NSW 2519)
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(02) 4223 0200
Bega Community Office Shop 8, Auckland Plaza, 81-83 Auckland St, Bega NSW 2550 (PO Box 772)
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(02) 6492 1805
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(02) 6392 0800
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(02) 6937 2600
Western NSW Orange Regional Office, 4a/122-124 Kite Street, Orange NSW 2800 (PO Box 1977) Wagga Wagga Office: 1/37 Tompson St, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 (PO Box 1164)
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Tamworth Office Shop 1, 218 Peel St, Tamworth NSW 2340 (PO Box 1616) ................................................................................................. (02) 6763 0900