Tremendous Trek

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colvin
SUMMER 2010
Tremendous Trek
CAN ASSIST ON THE MOVE
FEATURE BRANCH
WERRIS CREEK
*HRUJHªV6WRU\
Getting back on the dirt bike!
OUR BOARD
Mr JHC Colvin
President since Feb 2008. Former Vice President.
Appointed Director 1990.
Solicitor, Son of Jean Colvin
Mr DJ Robertson
Vice President since Feb 2008.
Company Secretary, appointed Director 1990.
Chartered Accountant
Mr N McIntosh
Vice President since Feb 2008.
Appointed Director 2006 Business Manager
Mrs J Beach
Appointed Director in 2007, Joint Publicity
Officer – Dubbo Branch, Manager, Area Health
Mr S Bright
Appointed Director in 2008. Treasurer
Director Valuation & Business Modelling,
Ernst & Young
Dr DN Dalley
Appointed Director 1990, Medical Oncologist,
Member of Medical Advisory Committee
Mr L Frater OAM
Appointed Director 2000, Retired Farmer
Ms S Gilchrist
Appointed September 2009
Dr M Jackson
Appointed Director 2008
Mrs LE Thompson
Former President 1990 – 2008.
Appointed Director 1978
Mr GW Wright
Appointed Director in 1998
Company Director & Management Consultant
about the Colvin Chatter
This newsletter is made possible by the support and contributions of
many people: the country families affected by cancer who share their
stories; our branch members who tell us about their special events
and send in their photographs and our volunteers who write, edit and
compose the Colvin Chatter. Can Assist warmly thanks our volunteer
editor/chief writer, Kate Halley, our talented designer, Kiralie Allan at
Charli Design and the wonderful team at Farrells Printing. Without your
incredibly generous support there would be no “Chatter”.
MESSAGE
FROM
OUR CEO
It is now three months since I joined Can Assist as CEO and, with
Christmas nearly upon us, it is timely to reflect on the incredible
resilience of the many country families I have had the privilege to
meet in my short time here.
Over the last decade, too many country families in NSW have
been separated for long periods because one family member - a
child or a parent - has needed cancer treatment.
George Horder is a 19 year old from Dubbo and an incredibly
brave and likeable young man. For over a year, George was treated
for leukaemia at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. And his
mum stayed with him. As a needle phobic, George’s treatment
is particularly challenging, but now George is being treated at
home, with the support of his family. Their story appears in this
issue. We felt we needed to raise awareness of the different types
of cancers which affect country families. Leukaemia is the most
common form of childhood cancer and recent data shows that
survival decreases with increasing remoteness.
The cancer sector is changing dramatically - and fast! With 50
branches across NSW, Can Assist is well placed to provide a
frontline of support to families in need. There is a clear direction for
us to move our services closer to regional centres and Can Assist
will deliver a strategy that aligns with these directions.
NSW Health estimates that by 2016, over 95% of the NSW
population will reside within 100kms of a regional oncology
treatment centre. This will be a long overdue step towards greater
equity for country families who have suffered much as a result of
the personal and financial distress imposed by a cancer diagnosis.
This will also have a huge impact on the types of services we
will need to provide in order to ensure that the person has the
personal, medical and financial support to undergo their cancer
treatment and recover from that treatment whilst living at home.
Late last year we launched a program of home based support to
help families stay together during cancer treatment. This program
was in line with our commitment to deliver services close to where
people live and the first phase was offered in central west NSW.
In 2011 we will be expanding our Can Assist Community Care
Packages into more regional centres. This bold initiative will help
enable more people to stay at home during and after their cancer
treatment.
The Shire of Gundagai
in
Our first ever Chatter Champions Award
ent in
recognition of outstanding achievem
shire
support of country families goes to the
ting
of Gundagai for organising and suppor
the Tremendous Trek which raised an
ir
astonishing $100,000 in support of the
local Can Assist Branch.
Before I close, I would like to express my sincere thanks and
best wishes to our outgoing joint Branch and Community
Development Managers, Marika Kontellis and Gary Jacobson
who are leaving Can Assist to pursue their own consultancy. We
are currently interviewing final candidates for the role of Branch
Manager and expect to make a decision by the time this issue is
printed.
I wish you all a Happy Christmas and thank our volunteers, our
donors, our corporate supporters and our staff for their wonderful
achievements this year.
This is truly an exciting time to be part of Can Assist!
Sincerely,
Richard Appleby
Chief Executive Officer
Cover image: Gundagai Independent.
P.S. Congratulations Can
Assist Gundagai on your
amazing Tremendous Trek!
Greg, Chris, George and Maree with Godzilla
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George Horder was a typical 17 year old boy, enjoying his first year out of school and doing an apprenticeship in
Dubbo where he lives with his family, mum Maree, dad Greg and younger brother Christopher.
He loved playing sport, catching up with his friends and riding bmx
bikes. Then he began to get sick. He was diagnosed with leukaemia
and spent the next year of his life in a Sydney hospital receiving
treatment.
“After Year 10 of high school I had an apprenticeship working with
electric motors, we fixed motors for mine companies, but I got sick
quickly and by Christmas ’08 I couldn’t get out of bed, couldn’t
breathe properly. I’d been to the doctors who said nothing was
wrong. I was getting bruised all over, my head was spinning. My
girlfriend Rhiannon dragged me off for a blood test.”
George’s blood test revealed he had leukaemia and he was airlifted
to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney: “I wasn’t real happy, I told
Mum I just want to go back to Dubbo.”
George explains that leukaemia is a cancer of the bone marrow and
blood. “I had a year of full on treatment. I was given lots of blood
transfusions, platelet transfusions, chemo through a permanent
line, chemo through tablets and sometimes chemo injected
straight into the spine, sometimes all types of delivery all day and
all night.”
For a teenager with needle phobia, the treatment was challenging
but just before last Christmas, George was able to go home. He is
now being treated at home, supported by his loving family and girl
friend Rhiannon Stevenson: “I’m still taking chemo tablets, its better
than being stuck in hospital. I have blood tests every two week’s, I
can’t go near anyone with colds or flu and I got shingles two weeks
before my 19th birthday, that wasn’t fun. I seriously don’t remember
what it feels like to be normal. I’m very tired but in the last month
I’ve tried doing what I love, motorbike riding. Dad’s got a Suzuki dirt
bike so I’ve just started getting back on it.”
George expects to keep receiving chemotherapy treatment up to
September 2011 and has been in remission for 18 months. “Every
day is a new day,” says Maree. “We cherish these days, one day at a
time. When George was desperately ill having his chemotherapy
treatment in Sydney, Can Assist helped us by paying for three
week’s accommodation.”
George’s treatment still
makes him sick but life is
full - he is getting back
on the dirt bike and is
teaching circus skills to
children at local schools.
George on his bike
colvin
colvin chatter
chatter AUTUMN
SUMMER 2010 3
BRANCH FEATURE | WERRIS CREEK
WERRIS CREEK
Werris Creek is a small town near Tamworth in Liverpool Plains Shire.
With a population of only 1,490, Can Assist Werris Creek branch is in its
second year and already has over 140 members.
“Werris Creek is an extremely
strong, supportive, generous
community,” says Branch
President, Yvonne Woods who
has lived there all her life.
On November 6th, the branch held its inaugural “Jazz Up the Creek”
fundraising event on the beautiful property of Lyn and Tony Windsor.
Max Caterer, Jeanette Marr, John Rogers, Ian Menz (back row) Cate Menz,
Robyn Southam, Di Freeman, Margaret Caterer, Yvonne Woods (middle row)
with MC, John Colville in front.
Over 150 people turned up on an unexpectedly cold November night
including a busload of supporters from Can Assist Tamworth.
It was a fabulous evening of yummy salads, delicious slices and great
music performed by The Jazkats. Special thanks must go to the Windsors
for opening up their home and to the event sponsors, Pacific National,
Whitehaven Coal, Harvey World Travel, The Friendly Grocer, Werris Creek
Newsagency, the Werris Creek Pharmacy and IGA Quirindi who helped
us raise $4000 for local families affected by cancer.
Editor’s Note: Special Thanks to Yvonne Woods, Jeanette Marr and all the
wonderful volunteers at Can Assist Werris Creek for a truly memorable night
up the Creek!
Jeanette Marr and Yvonne Woods from Can Assist Werris Creek
Only in Tamworth!
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2010
2010
Bev Morgan and Sandy Gleeson from Can Assist Tamworth enjoying the bus
ride down to Werris Creek.
KAMAHL CONCERT FOR DUBBO CAN ASSIST
Kamahl’s magnificent voice has been heard from the Sydney Opera House to New York’s Carnegie Hall. When Frank Sinatra turned down a
request to sing the World Wildlife Fund’s anthem, The Elephant Song, Kamahl made it his own. On Sunday, 18th April, Kamahl performed at
the invitation of Can Assist Dubbo in the newly opened Dubbo Regional Theatre. It was the first commercial show for the 500-seat theatre
and the show sold out. Busloads of supporters came from Gilgandra, Nyngan, Narromine, Warren and Wellington for the one man show.
Stuart Beveridge, President of the Dubbo Branch, says that Kamahl was very generous with his performance, singing old favourites and
telling his remarkable life story.
Nearly $15,000 was raised through ticket sales, raffle tickets and Kamahl donating 10% of his merchandise sales to Can Assist. Congratulations
to organisers Andrew Graham, Helen Kinsey, Geraldine and Ken McMahon for such a fabulously successful event.
Wendy Beveridge, Stuart Beveridge and Eve Kiss
Helen Kinsey, Rhonda Richards, Alleyne Graham, Geoff Richards and Andrew
Graham
MOSCOW
CIRCUS RAISES
OVER $13,000
ERNST & YOUNG
CHARITY NIGHT
More than 850 people attended a special fundraiser
performance of the Great Moscow Circus on Wednesday
15 September at Lyne Park, Rose Bay. Ticket sale proceeds
totalled $13,000 which will go to Can Assist’s Jean Colvin
Cancer Centre in Darling Point.
Woollahra Council organised the event with Can Assist
to provide much needed funds for accommodation,
specialised care and financial assistance to people with
cancer from rural NSW needing cancer treatment in Sydney.
We are very grateful to the Great Moscow Circus and
Woollahra Council for donating all the ticket sales from
this special performance.
Celebrity chefs, Matthew Caldicott
and Sean Connolly at the EY
Charity night.
A fabulous fundraising night was held by the Ernst &
Young Foundation at Taronga Park Zoo on Thursday
14th October in support of their four focus charities:
Can Assist; the YWCA; the Exodus Foundation
and Inspire. Over $70,000 was raised from a very
entertaining live auction and silent auction which will
be split between the four charities. Congratulations
on a spectacular result EY and thank you for your
wonderful generosity!
ELVIS COMES
TO PARKES
Parkes Champion Post
Elvis performed at a charity concert at the Parkes
Services Club on 21st August. Allan Wright performed
his act, “the King’s Legacy,” to raise funds for Can Assist
at the special request of his aunt, Veronica Ziebarth.
It was a warm family concert with Allan’s father Keith
Wright as back up performer: “Can Assist has done so
much for me over the last five years and in return I
want to help them out,” says a grateful Veronica.
Allan Wright performs as Elvis
The Mayor of Woollahra, Isabelle Shapiro with Can Assist CEO, Richard
Appleby, get into the spirit for the Great Moscow Circus Special
Fundraising Performance.
colvin chatter summer 2010 5
news & events
october 2010 to December 2010
MAYFIELD OPEN GARDEN DAY
On Sunday, 17th October, Sue and Geoff Rains threw open their
garden gates and welcomed 700 visitors to Mayfield, their property
in Birriwa, on behalf of Can Assist Dunedoo. “Our garden is lived in
and enjoyed by family, grandchildren and friends and is a continual
source of pleasure to us and all who visit,” says Sue.
Mayfield is a working property with marino sheep, angus cattle
and oats cropping. The Rains family settled on Mayfield in 1887
and, in 1990, Sue and Geoff expanded the garden to its current
three acres. Sue has just finished mowing Squirrel Corner when I
speak with her. It takes her about seven hours to mow all Mayfield’s
lawns. The garden is a series of rooms with cottage style gardens
and park lands, a native woodland, orchard, herb garden, kitchen
garden, duck pond and, especially for the children, a secret garden.
Mayfield’s 130-year old shearing shed housed local stall holders, the
coffee, tea and cake stall and a barbecue: “I invited local producers
and businesses to have stalls because all the money raised by Can
Sue and Geoff Rains with Maggie on the Open Day
TUMBARUMBA’S
PINK JERSEY DAY
Congratulations to the Tumbarumba
Rugby League Tag Team’s Pink Jersey
Day. The girls played in a field of mud on
one of the wettest and coldest of days
but raised $1,450 which they generously
donated to Can Assist Tumbarumba.
6
colvin chatter summer 2010
Assist Dunedoo stays in the local area, I wanted to recognise our
local producers.”
Stalls included: High Valley Wines and Cheeses from Mudgee; Di
Barton’s Pistachios and Produce from Elong; from Coolah came
Ernie and Margaret Fetch with honey and tomatoes and Annette
Piper Jewellery. From Dunedoo came Lyn’s Garden Nursery, Oils
in Art by Lucy Watts, Emma Bowman Photography, Annette
McCalman and Kylie White Homewares and Andrew Bowman’s
Environmental Technologies.
The Dunedoo Branch of Can Assist is only 12 months old and Sue, as
a cancer survivor, is passionate about helping other country families
who are affected by the disease. “There must have been 40 Dunedoo
and Can Assist Mudgee members and volunteers helping on the
day and many in the weeks before.” Congratulations to Dunedoo on
raising over $10,000 for cancer patients in their region and thank you
Sue and Geoff for opening your beautiful garden.
TREMENDOUS TREK
Gundagai’s Tremendous Trek grew from just four men yarning in
the pub. The founding members of the Tremendous Trek, Drew
Miller, Peter Lott, Craig Ferguson and Peter Reardon, thought
a walk from Canberra to Gundagai, 103 kilometres across the
mountainous Brindabella Ranges, would be a tremendous way to
bring the community together while promoting health and fitness
and raising awareness of and funds for Can Assist.
Betty Heydon is Can Assist Gundagai’s Secretary and Treasurer. She
started with Can Assist as Treasurer 12 years ago: “In the last three
years Can Assist has supported 55 people with cancer from this
small town of 3,600 people.”
“This is the biggest event
we’ve ever had. A bridal
parade raised $7,000, the
Trek over $100,000.”
On Friday, 29th October, 115 registered trekkers left their camping
ground at Uriarra Station’s Shearing Shed for a 30k walk to
Brindabella with an 8k climb through Namadji National Park. On
day two the trekkers walked 38k to Tumorrama Hall and on day
three, walked 35k to Gundagai. “It wasn’t a race so we massed
together and walked into town as one group - there wasn’t a dry
eye amongst us,” says trekker and Shire Councillor Bill Maslin, “the
crowd to meet us was overwhelming.”
Kathy Carberry, Alan Turner, Anthea Cooper, Mick Heydon (kneeling), Jan Agnew, Carol
Dowell, Corrie Nash, Anne Moses, Peter Lott, Brian Lewin and Drew Miller.
Eccleston’s Bus with driver Wayne Carthew and walkers Alan Turner, Peter Lott and
Brian Lewin.
The 115 trekkers were supported by 45 volunteers and, on the last
day, joined by a further 300 ‘day only’ walkers for the 35 kilometres
into Gundagai.
The Trek has delivered a flood of new members to Gundagai Can
Assist and the outstanding success of the event as a means of
drawing a community together can be measured by the huge
amount of money raised. Congratulations Gundagai.
Day one Fiona Matthews and James McMaster.
Back: President Gundagai Can Assist Phil Smith, Gundagai Mayor Abb McAlister,
Member for Burinjuck Katrina Hodgkinson, Platinum Sponsor Steve Leddin, Gold
Sponsor James McMaster, Organisers Craig Ferguson and Drew Miller
Front: Organiser Peter Lott, Gundagai Councillor Bill Maslin and Organiser
Peter Reardon
K Elphic, Cathy Carberry and Margo Degotardi
Kay
oon top of Mount Gundagai during a 17 kilometre
llong practice walk in August.
With thanks to The Gundagai Independent.
colvin chatter summer 2010
7
news & events cont...
CAN ASSIST RACE DAY
The Kingston Town Room, high above the finish line at
Randwick Racecourse, was filled with glamorous racegoers
for Can Assist’s Race Day lunch at the AJC on Caulfield Cup
day. The lunch was a glittering success for Can Assist and
grossed over $50,000.
Master of Ceremonies Paula Duncan AO welcomed old friends and
new: Isabelle Shapiro, Mayor of Woollahra and the Deputy Mayor,
Peter Cavanagh; Barbara Sullivan who ran the Race Day lunch for
many years with the Friends Committee; Professor Philip Cox, Can
Assist’s retiring Patron; Tom Coleman, a great supporter of Lilier
Lodge in Wagga Wagga; John Natal of Freehills; Mark Foley from
Orange, a past guest of JCCC whose City2Surf team raised over
$30,000 for the centre and sponsors John Dunphy of Shimano
Fishing and Carlos Corneiro of Sportingbet.
Meg Spalding, a guest of the Jean Colvin Cancer Centre from
Narooma, told her own very moving cancer story which reminded
our audience of the sheer courage and resilience of rural and
regional families who do what they have to do to cope with a
cancer diagnosis.
A special thank you to the fantastic team of Ernst & Young
volunteers who spent the Friday the week before preparing
PowerPoint, wrapping prizes, laminating our table signs, printing
our Wishlists and doing everything else that had to be done so
we’d be ready to go on the day!
Meg Spalding at the Can Assist Race Day.
Paula Duncan and Melissa Cuturic
Some of our hardworking volunteers, Sarah Whitney, Rebecca Lee & Dorothy Wollinski
Michelle Appleby, Dennis Robertson and Richard Appleby
Jane Beach and Anne Gemmell
8
colvin chatter summer 2010
thank you
Can Assist warmly acknowledges and thanks our wonderful sponsors and volunteers, we could never have held such a
successful lunch without your commitment and support.
Paula Duncan AO
Meg Spalding
Carol Nash
Loys Thompson
Jane Beach
Nick Richardson
Pat Coleman
Robert Rule
Rebecca Lee
Carol Tutty
Sophie Horne
John Sullivan
Jennifer Kelly
Meagan and Owen Riepsamen
Mike Bray
Cristina Vicente de Azevedo
Dorothy Wollinski
Maria, Elani and Ali Dimitriadis
Cathy and Margarita Nguyen
Marika, Jasmine and Luka Kontellis
Sheila Abrahams
Alex Chesher
Sophie Connelley
Lauren Harle
Sarah Whitney
Sportingbet
Shimano Fishing
Royal Randwick
Gai Waterhouse
Evanslea B&B Mudgee
Magistrates House B&B Orange
Mudgee on the Bus Tours
John Colvin, Colvin Wines
Endota Spa Paddington
The fabulous people of Capertee Valley:
- Lansallos B&B
- Wheely Good 4WD Tours
- De Beaurepaire of Rylstone
- Capertee Valley Heli Tours
- Retro Lounge, Rylstone
Mercure, Sydney Airport
Novotel Canberra
Novotel Sydney, Brighton Beach
Pullman Hotel, Olympic Park
Rydges World Square, Sydney
Cassandra Paz
David Rankin
Andy Chuk
Shirley Lam
Katarina Seput
colvin chatter summer 2010 9
Volunteers
A TRIBUTE TO ANNE CAVANAGH by loys thompson
I first met Anne in 1966 when she presided over the Ladies
and Social Functions Committee of the Cancer Patients
Assistance Society (CPAS). There began a long and fruitful
association which showed her willingness to contribute
many hours of her time plus some gossip which made an
intoxicating cocktail.
her insight, talent, strength
of character and comic timing
made her a vital figure in the
development of CPAS, now
known as Can Assist.
Anne Gill, as she was known in the early days of the
charity, showed great enthusiasm in supporting many
of the radiotherapy patients attending Sydney Hospital,
sometimes even taking them home to care for them
herself as accommodation was so scarce.
Anne (second from left) in front of the new table at Ecclesbourne
I am sure she would not mind me saying (she was a bit of Having always had many productive chapters in her life with a diversity of
a raver) that she went on to marry the the love of her life, achievements, she was reluctant to accept the idea of retirement.
Brian Cavanagh.
In 2009 Anne was awarded Can Assist’s Distinguished Service Medal. She
Up until only a few months ago, when her health became was a member of Can Assist for over 51 years and was our first president. She
a big issue, she was still involved and interested in Can died aged 96 on Saturday 9 October, 2010 and is survived by her son Ron
and a large group of admirers and many friends.
Assist’s branches and the changes in Sydney.
A GENEROUS DONATION
A SPECIAL THANK
YOU FROM LINDSAY
FRATER OAM
On behalf of Jane Beach and I, as country-based
board members, I would like to pay tribute through
President John Colvin to the city-based board
members of Can Assist. Each member has individual
expertise in their field, making them invaluable to
our 50 Can Assist Branches throughout NSW.
Our branch members and board members are all
volunteers and in working together we will continue
the growth of Branches throughout NSW.
The Order of St Lazarus made a generous donation of
$17,250 to Can Assist in July. Special thanks must go to
Dame Aidre Sinclair, Janelle Quinnell and Bill Killinger AO
for making the donation possible.
Pictured above: Janelle Quinnell, Bill Killinger AO and Dame Airdre Sinclair present the donation to
Can Assist Director, Loys Thompson and CEO Richard Appleby.
Can Assist Wagga Wagga were very grateful to
receive a donation from the Classic and Historic
Automobile Club of Australia, Wagga Wagga region.
Pictured: Wendy Drummond, Can Assist, Assist Sec., Ian Henderson,
from CHACA, Marie Papworth, Can Assist Hon. Life Member
10
colvin chatter summer 2010
THANK YOU BARBECUE
On Tuesday, 9th November, a small crowd of Sydney volunteers joined guests at the Jean Colvin Cancer Centre for an early evening
barbecue as a thank you for their wonderful support during the year. Thanks to our Wellness Officer, Jan Stuelcken, Hedy and Max
Stuelcken for a fabulous evening.
Richard Appleby, CEO with Garey Campbell, volunteer.
Jan Stuelcken with volunteer Cristina Vicente de Azevedo
Jan Stuelcken, Wellness Officer (centre) with JCCC volunteers Judy Lee and Zoe Hone.
Amanda Thompson, Sydney volunteer arrives ready for action.
COLEAMBALLY OPEN GARDEN
Can Assist Coleambally and Cypress View Lodge held a very successful Open Garden in October. Eleven gardens were open on farms
and in the town. Can Assist members Marion Wythes and Judy Duffell had beautiful gardens on show. Funds were shared equally and
each received $3,500.
Cheque presented to President Noruun DeKoning by Liz Schliebs of Cypress View Lodge.
Marion Wythes in her garden under the Can Assist sunshade.
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colvin chatter summer 2010 11
BRANCHES
What We Do
Can Assist has been providing practical support for country
families affected by cancer for over 50 years. There are now
50 volunteer community Can Assist branches across NSW
helping families through:
Financial assistance • Accommodation & care • Building local
volunteer networks • In-home support • Wellness programs
branch Achievements
GUNNEDAH CANCER SUPPORT GROUPS
UNITE
The Gunnedah and District Cancer Support Group
dissolved in October and its members signed up with
their local Can Assist Gunnedah Branch. The purpose of
the Cancer Support Group was to support local cancer
patients and their families, sounds familiar? The uniting of
two cancer support organisations as one is a great use of
their combined experience, knowledge and skills to assist
people with cancer in the Gunnedah area.
BLUE MOUNTAINS TRIVIA NIGHT
Can Assist Blue Mountains trivia night’s clever auction
prize was a draw card. The August 6 event at the Leura
Golf Club was a great success, raising $4,200. The Branch
secured the unusual auction prize of a ‘behind the scenes’
visit to the ABC studio and the winners were guests of 702
ABC Sydney’s Weekends program with Simon Marnie.
SPRING HAS SPRUNG
Spring is in full bloom and many branches have thrown
open their garden gates with the generous support of
locals with amazing gardens: On October 2, Can Assist
Forbes was busy serving morning and afternoon teas for
open gardens around Forbes; on October 10, Can Assist
Parkes set up a stall catering for morning and afternoon
tea for garden viewers and on October 17, Can Assist
Dunedoo combined a garden day at Mayfield with a
series of stalls, devonshire teas and barbecue.
NEW BRANCHES NEWS
New branches are rapidly gaining support within their
communities: Can Assist Goulburn and District has been
busy with a monster garage sale, spreading the Can Assist
message, while braving the snow with a stall at the Lilac
Festival. Goulburn Branch has also received generous
support from other local cancer groups - the Goulburn
Breast Cancer Support Group donated $1,000. Kate
Moore, President of the new Shoalhaven Branch, spoke
on behalf of Can Assist at the district’s Annual Breast
Cancer Breakfast on October 23. Kate was overwhelmed
with offers of services and other ways local people are
interested in helping.
CHILDREN CAN ASSIST
Can Assist Hay made a lasting impression on local primary
school students Nathanial Martin and Jack Petts. The
boys had to chose a charity for a school project and
both approached Can Assist. They interviewed members
to gain insights into the organisation and delivered
speeches which were well received by their class. Robyn
O’Brien, Can Assist Hay member, believes she has found
two terrific future Publicity Officers for the Branch.
Year 12 Warren High School students have taken time out
from their HSC studies to raise $500 for the Jean Colvin
Cancer Centre. There are only eight students in their year
but their dedication and hard work paid off with a series
of fundraisers including a monster raffle, 100 club, slave
auction and a carwash.
If your branch has held a successful event or achieved a major milestone – we would love to acknowledge
it in the Colvin Chatter. Please contact Kate on [email protected]
upcoming events
EVENT
DATE
AGM
3 Dec
how can you help?
You can support Can Assist through a donation
to your local branch to support people in your
local region or directly to Can Assist to build
programs across the state and support rural
patients in need of accommodation in Sydney
during their treatment.
To make a donation please contact your local
branch or phone 1300 CAN ASSIST or donate
online at www.canassist.com.au/donate
LOCATION
Jean Colvin Cancer Centre
colvin chatter
contributions
We welcome articles, poems,
quotes or stories for inclusion in the
Colvin Chatter.
Please contact the editor:
Kate Halley
or [email protected]
Ardlethan
Armidale
Balranald
Bathurst
Bega Valley
Blayney
Blue Mountains
Coleambally
Condobolin
Cootamundra
Dubbo
Dunedoo
Eurobodalla
Forbes
Goulburn
Grenfell
Griffith
Gundagai
Gunnedah
Guyra
Harden/Murrumburrah
Hay
Hillston
Junee
Leeton
Lockhart
Mid North Coast
Moree
Mudgee
Narrabri
Narrandera
Oberon
Orange
Parkes
Peak Hill
Shoalhaven
Southern Highlands
Sydney Network
Tamworth
Temora
Tumbarumba
Tumut
Ungarie
Uralla
Wagga Wagga
Werris Creek
West Wyalong
Young/Boorowa
Yass
contacts
For all enquiries regarding Branches or Jean
Colvin Cancer Centre please contact:
Can Assist
Ph: 02 8217 3400
Fax: 02 8217 3410
Email: [email protected]
Address:
Suite 1, Ground Floor
35-39 Mountain Street, Ultimo NSW 2007