facing breast cancer together

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facing breast cancer together
2013-2014
2014-2015
annual
report
Annual Report 2013-2015
To our members and supporters
This report reviews the activities and accomplishments of
Bosom Buddies ACT inc. during the elected periods of the
Management Committee: December 2013 - November 2014 and
December 2014 - November 2015.
Bosom Buddies ACT inc
PO Box 717, Mawson ACT 2607
m: 0406 376 500
p: (02) 6290 1984
f: (02) 6286 4475
[email protected]
bosombuddies.com.au
ABN 59 262 617 782
Patron: Annette Ellis
Bosom Buddies ACT inc
2
Annual Report 2013-2014 & 2014-2015
Dear members and supporters
During the last two years our core business has remained unchanged: our Hospital
Visiting and Support Team volunteers met, spoke to and supported women undergoing
treatment for breast cancer, and we actively promoted the importance of the early
detection of breast cancer through our Awareness Program.
But nothing stands still, so we have developed over the last two years. Most noticeably
during 2014, at the request of the McGrath nurse, the Hospital Visiting and Support
Team began to host monthly morning teas for women with secondary cancers. The
group meets in a private room at Rodney’s Plants Plus. We appreciate the support
Rodney’s gives us and applaud the gutsy women who are living life to the fullest they
can.
Our coffee mornings at Café Guru in Southlands (9.30 second Monday of the month)
and after work drinks at Tilley’s in Lyneham (5.30 third Wednesday of the month) remain
popular, especially the coffee mornings that regularly attract up to ten-twelve women.
They provide a friendly environment for women who have recently been diagnosed
or are undergoing treatment for breast cancer to talk about their experiences, and an
opportunity for a chat with friends. During 2014 and 2015 we started to extend our social
activities for members. We had good turn-ups at these additional events and we’ll keep
our members posted on the plans for next year.
In 2015 we conducted a survey of Bosom Buddies members, health professionals and
women who had experienced breast cancer but weren’t members of Bosom Buddies.
The survey results were very informative and will help us set directions and prioritise our
activities over the next couple of years.
We started talking about it last year, and this year we have celebrated it – 2015 is
Bosom Buddies 20th Anniversary. For many women who have been involved from the
early years it seems hard to believe, but, from a small effort to help a friend, Bosom
Buddies has evolved into a well-known organisation and has become part of the plan for
recovery for women diagnosed with breast cancer and treated in the ACT. The growth
and success of Bosom Buddies is due to the determination of many women over the
last twenty years. We owe a lot to the women who started Bosom Buddies and to the
women, who having recovered from their own breast cancer, volunteered their time to be
helpful to others, to raise community awareness about breast cancer, and to advocate
for services for women who experience breast cancer.
Bosom Buddies has a number of volunteers who have been active in the organisation
for many years. But each year we need a couple of women who have finished their
treatment and started getting back to their new normal lives to join us and support
others. We also need active and skilled women to join our Management Committee.
Members of the Committee do not have to have experienced breast cancer, and can
be drawn from all areas of the community, but they need to have an interest in women’s
health and a desire to make a difference to those who have been affected.
Marisa Gerussi President 2014
Over the last two years we have continued to be supported financially and practically by
the local community. We support local women and it is only with the support of the local
community that we can do this. We would like to thank all the community supporters
of Bosom Buddies and all the members and volunteers who have worked, not just
over the last two years but over the last twenty years, to make a difference to women
experiencing breast cancer.
Shelley Atkins President 2015
Bosom Buddies ACT inc
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Annual Report 2013-2014 & 2014-2015
Management
Committee
Management Committee
December 2013-November 2014
Marisa Gerussi - President
Shelley Atkins - Co-President
Larissa Sinclair - Vice President
Arlene Corfield/Marisa Gerussi - Treasurer
Stephanie Norris - Secretary
Ann Nelson - Public Officer
Committee members
Mariana von Brasch
Lyn Brown
Sherry McGregor
Ruth Baillie
Our purpose
The mission of Bosom Buddies ACT inc is to provide friendship and
support for women experiencing breast cancer and for their families and
supporters.
In carrying out our mission, Bosom Buddies ACT inc is seeking to:
• Continue with support based activities:
-- Hospital visiting, phone calls, social gatherings, workshops and
events.
-- Continue our efforts to educate women in our community about
breast cancer and how to detect it early.
-- Develop rosters for social activities.
• Expand our volunteer base.
• Expand our support work to be inclusive of younger patients and
family members as well as carers.
• Continue to advocate for better services and treatment.
-- Continue communication with medical professionals.
-- Ensure they provide our literature to patients and recommend
us.
• Achieve ongoing secure funding (as we don’t receive any funding
from national cancer or breast cancer organisations or from any
government):
December 2014-November 2015
Shelley Atkins - President
Marisa Gerussi - Vice President (till June)
Public Officer
Sally Saunders - Treasurer
Fundraising Coordinator
-- Measurably increase community and corporate awareness of
our work.
-- Obtain long-term serious sponsorship for total activities.
-- Ensure administration support is funded to the level needed to
continue all activities.
-- Develop alternative and attractive options for individual
donations.
• Raise the Bosom Buddies profile within the community, businesses
and media such that:
Stephanie Norris - Secretary
Ann Martin - Events Coordinator
-- Bosom Buddies ACT inc is acknowledged for the support work
it does and attracts community and corporate support.
• Continue active relationships with breast cancer related services
and organisations:
Di Summerhayes - HVST Liaison
Committee members
Larissa Sinclair
Lyn Brown
-------
BreastScreen ACT.
ACT branch of BCNA and BCF.
Dragons Abreast ACT.
HeadsUp.
Look Good ... Feel Better.
ACT Health Care Consumers Association.
Other key positions:
Kaye Johnston - Coordinator HVST
Marilyn Ward - Calvary Hospital Liaison
Theresa Kerby & Marilyn Brookes
Coordinators Breast Awareness
Kareen Tait - Office Manager
Bosom Buddies ACT inc
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Annual Report 2013-2014 & 2014-2015
Milestones of the last
twenty years
In 1997 the first ‘fluffy ducks’ were produced (soft cotton
prostheses for post-surgery), and by 2003 women undergoing
surgery were being supplied with a fluffy, a handmade
drainage bag to hold surgical drains, and a handmade
underarm cushion. In 2007, at the request of the hospital,
Bosom Buddies volunteers started packing information and
the aids in a pink bag, later a blue bag, now known as a Blue
Buddy. Bosom Buddies provides the bags.
In January 1995 a group of women gathered to help a friend
through her breast cancer treatment. From this informal group
grew the beginnings of Bosom Buddies.
The name Bosom Buddies was adopted in 1995 and in
February 1996, with a constitution in place, the first formal
meeting was held and a committee formed. During that year
the first newsletter was published and the first register of
volunteers to visit women diagnosed with breast cancer was
established. This group became very active in the following
years.
When Bosom Buddies advocated for breast care nurses,
and the first two were assigned to Calvary, it was thought
the volunteer visits would no longer be needed. But it soon
became apparent that the Specialist breast care nurses were
challenged by the numbers of women undergoing breast
cancer treatment in the ACT. In 2008, the volunteer visiting
program was begun again, this time coordinated with the
breast care nurses, and with Memoranda of Understanding
with the hospitals.
Since then Bosom Buddies volunteers have visited and
spoken to hundreds of women diagnosed with breast cancer,
and their families. Today’s volunteers have completed hospital
training, been accredited and responded to the needs of the
hospitals and the specialist breast care nurses. They have
undertaken special tasks, like the sorting of the late Dr John
Buckingham’s records. In 2014 at the request of the McGrath
breast cancer nurse at The Canberra Hospital, they set up
“Nicky’s group” and host a monthly morning tea for women
with secondary cancer.
From the beginning Bosom Buddies has addressed the
need to build awareness of breast cancer and the need
for early diagnosis across our community. Mary McKillop
College received the first official Breast Awareness Program
presentation in 1997 and presentations to colleges,
workplaces and social and sporting clubs have been an
important part of Bosom Buddies activities since then.
Bosom Buddies has worked closely with BreastScreen
ACT to develop literature and ensure content for awareness
presentations is accurate and up-to-date.
In 2004 Bosom Buddies
commenced the production
of waterproof “shower tags”
which provide information about
self-checking for changes and
emphasise the importance of
early detection. The shower tags
have been updated from time to
time and are distributed through
BreastScreen ACT, Health
Centres, general practices, our
Breast Awareness presentations,
and at fundraising and other
events. Distribution is more than
8,000 per year.
IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY
TO CHECK FOR CHANGE
early detection
Breast cancer can occur in younger women but
mostly occurs in women over 50. It can also
occur in men.
There is no known prevention but the earlier it’s
detected the better the chance of successful
treatment.
be breast aware
•
•
•
•
Know what is normal for you
Look and feel for change
Know what to look for
Follow up any persistent change with your GP
no matter what age you are
• Have regular screening mammograms if you are
aged between 50 and 74 years
If you are over 40 and have no breast symptoms,
you can call BreastScreen ACT on 13 20 50 for
a FREE screening mammogram.
There is no right or wrong way to check your
breasts and no special techniques are needed.
Sometimes you just KNOW there is something
wrong with your body and if so, speak to
your doctor.
Social support and contact for women undergoing treatment
and for those who have experienced breast cancer has
always been important. Over the years many events have
been organised: coffee mornings, outings, drinks, Christmas
in July dinners, a hat parade and the annual ABC ‘Celebration
of Life’ dinners. These events have reassured women,
provided useful information and helped to form friendships.
m: 0406 376 500
Monday - Thursday
9am - 3pm
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Bosom Buddies ACT inc
Bosom Buddies ACT Inc
ABN 59 262 617 782
[email protected]
bosombuddies.com.au
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Annual Report 2013-2014 & 2014-2015
NAME:
DATE:
The first Bosom Buddies fashion parade was held in
September 1995 and from then to 2006, fashion parades
were held annually to celebrate life and raise funds. The
models were women who had experienced breast cancer
or were currently going through breast cancer treatment.
Since then, Bosom Buddies has been involved in numerous
fundraising activities and has been supported by local
individuals, businesses, schools, churches and sporting and
social clubs. Without this support Bosom Buddies would not
be able to carry out its mission.
Throughout the last twenty years, Bosom Buddies
Management Committee and members have advocated
and worked to raise awareness of breast cancer at local and
national levels. Bosom Buddies volunteers and committee
members have been represented on numerous ACT Health
committees, including:
• Legislative Assembly ACT - Status of Women in the ACT
• Consumer Health Forum
• ACT & NSW Mammography Advisory and Quality and
Management Committee
• ACT & SE NSW Breast Cancer Treatment Group
• ACT Lymphedema Clinic Steering Committee
• BreastScreen ACT Advisory Committee
• Canberra Region Cancer Centre review committee
In 2005 Annette Ellis became the Patron of Bosom Buddies
and in 2010 four community leaders were invited to become
Ambassadors for Bosom Buddies:
• Gai Brodtmann (MP).
• Jeremy Hanson (MLA).
• John Runko (Independent Property Group Foundation).
• Alex Sloan (666 ABC).
In 1999 the constitution was amended and Bosom Buddies
became a not-for-profit organisation. PALM consulting helped
Bosom Buddies develop an appropriate governance model
and strategic plans in 2004. In 2009 the constitution was
updated again, and Bosom Buddies was recognised as a
charity by the Australian Tax Office. In 2010 the name ‘Bosom
Buddies ACT inc’ and the tagline ‘facing breast cancer
together’ were adopted. With the generous support of an
advertising agency, a new logo was adopted and in 2011 it
was trademarked.
Gai Brodtmann has made a statement about Bosom Buddies
and our work in Federal Parliament and Jeremy Hanson has
made a statement in the ACT Legislative Assembly.
In 2004 Bosom Buddies set up an office in the Pearce
Community centre, renting a room from and using the
services of SHOUT. A part-time office manager has been
employed since 2004.
Bosom Buddies ACT inc
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Annual Report 2013-2014 & 2014-2015
Bosom Buddies has provided numerous donations to
research and raises money to provide various items requested
by groups and medical professionals.
Some of the key donations that Bosom Buddies are especially
proud of are:
• In 2003 a Lymphedema Machine was donated to Calvary
Hospital and later a digital camera for the Lymphedema
Clinic;
• The Carers/Family Room in the Canberra Hospital Cancer
Ward was redecorated and updated;
• At the request of radiation staff, back-lighted artwork was
inserted into the ceiling over the new radiation machine,
Canberra Hospital;
• At the request of a doctor, 56 soft kimonos were made by
women across Canberra for women who attend Breast
Screen for follow-on testing after mammograms;
Communication
In 2015 with guidance from Helen Falla from Hartley House,
we updated the way we communicate with the community.
We listened to the women we support and our members
and have agreed to use a common language, avoiding
words and phrases that many dislike. We no longer refer
to ‘survivors’ or’ journeys’ or talk about ‘winning or losing
battles’. We talk about those who experienced breast cancer,
their experiences and treatments, and their outcomes. We
have described the programs we offer and the work we
do as clearly as possible so that women who have been
diagnosed with cancer will understand what we have to
offer, and supporters understand what we are offering to the
community.
Buddy Program includes our personalised support via
phone, in hospital, and visits by our accredited support team,
as well as our morning teas, after work get-togethers, and
social events for members both during and after treatments,
and hosting Nicky’s Group for women experiencing
secondary cancer.
Blue Buddy is the blue gift
• For breast care nurses in Southern Area Health, Bosom
Buddies funded the printing of a brochure;
• The printing of a children’s book “My mummy has Breast
Cancer” by Kerry Glover;
• Memorial in the Parliament House rose garden for those
Bosom Buddies who left us too soon;
bag we provide, into which our
support team put handmade
drainage bags and under-arm
cushions made by women
across our region, literature
from all the other support
groups and services in our
region, and medical information from the breast care nurses.
The breast care nurses provide these to patients in hospital.
Spreading the Word involves Breast Awareness
• Contribution to the purchase of a work of art by a
presentations to organisations large and small, as well as the
thousands of flyers and shower tags that we fund and that are
distributed each year by our volunteers, BreastScreen ACT
and the ACT Women’s Health Service.
Bosom Buddies in 2006 established a fellowship, and through
the fellowship has donated a considerable amount of money
to supporting further education and training for specialist
breast care nurses.
Giving Back is a service through which we raise funds
renowned local artist for the Capital Region Cancer
Centre. All of the donations were from people who had
experienced breast cancer treatment in the ACT.
For our 20th Anniversary,
Bosom Buddies has printed
20,000 showertags as a gift to the
community. The showertags will
be distributed widely in 2016.
Bosom Buddies ACT inc
for specific items requested by the hospitals, from medical
equipment to artwork.
Community Representation includes specific
advocacy programs, building awareness among our political
representatives, and consumer representation on specific
ACT Health projects and committees.
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Annual Report 2013-2014 & 2014-2015
Facebook and Twitter
As part of our communication strategy we are increasingly
using Facebook and Twitter to reach members and
supporters who use both as part of their everyday life. Over
the next twelve months we hope to develop our use further.
In 2014 the National Zoo and Aquarium hosted a breakfast
and tour for women still in treatment, and later in the year
there was a morning tea and tour of the Arboretum.
Written publications
In 2014 with the help of Breast Screen ACT we updated our
shower tags and brochures and in 2015 we have printed
new versions that also take into account our communication
strategy.
In 2015 we decided to create a calendar of social events,
rather than to have ad hoc events: early in the year we had
a guided tour of the Australian National Gallery led by a
committee member who is a Gallery Guide. In July we were
privileged to have a conducted tour of the Australian Federal
Police Canine Unit.
Social events
Over the last two years we have continued our monthly coffee
mornings and after work drinks. Attendance varies, but there
are always a group of people, sometimes a large group.
These get-togethers are often a first step for women who are
still in treatment and provide an opportunity to ask questions
and get reassurance.
are you undergoing treatment,
or have you had breast cancer ...
In September Rodney’s Plants Plus hosted a morning tea and
gardening talk in Pialligo. We aim to keep these events either
low-cost or free, and as these outings were popular we will
look to further events in 2016, perhaps repeating some that
members really enjoyed.
Bosom Buddies invites you to discover friendship
and fun with others at the following convenient cafes.
2016
facing breast cancer together
Coffee Guru - Mawson
Tilley’s Devine Cafe Gallery
Shop 1a,Mawson Shopping Centre/Heard
St, Mawson ACT
Monday mornings from 9.30am - 10.30am
1/94 Wattle Street, Lyneham
Wednesday evenings from 5.30pm - 6.30pm
11 January
8 February
15 March*
11 April
9 May
14 June*
20 January
17 February
23 March
20 April
18 May
22 June
11 July
8 August
12 September
10 October
14 November
12 December
*Held on Tuesday, due to Monday public holiday
20 July
17 August
21 September
19 October
23 November
14 December
Come along for tea, coffee or a drink and friendship.
No need to book, just turn up.
Please Note: These are social gatherings, not formal support. If you would like support please contact the Bosom Buddies office to arrange for a
member of the Hospital Visiting and Support Team to make contact.
m: 0406 376 500
Monday - Thursday, 9.30am - 2.30pm
Bosom Buddies ACT inc
Bosom Buddies ACT inc
The Pearce Community Centre
Building 1, Collett Place, Pearce
ABN 59 262 617 782
[email protected]
bosombuddies.com.au
8
Annual Report 2013-2014 & 2014-2015
The biggest social event in both years was the Annual
Australian Breast Cancer Day ‘Celebration of Life’ Dinner, held
in both years at the Southern Cross Club.
Both events were well-attended, but especially the 2015
dinner, as it was a celebration of Bosom Buddies 20th
Anniversary. The organising committee was delighted to see
many women who were either founding members or active
members in the early years of Bosom Buddies. We were also
pleased to see so many current members and their families,
members of Dragons Abreast and health professionals,
including many breast care nurses past and present and
BreastScreen ACT staff.
In both years we had energising entertainment arranged
by Peter Funnell, wonderful service and venue courtesy of
the Southern Cross Club, and inspiring speakers. In 2014
Andrew Lock spoke of his commitment to conquering
fourteen mountain peaks. In 2015, former Chief Minister of the
ACT and current Senator, Katy Gallagher, spoke movingly of
her personal challenges and how she faced them and moved
forward to a successful career.
Some special people
All of our volunteers are special - they give time, experience,
skills and kindness to others, but from time to time we
recognise outstanding dedication.
In 2014 Life Membership was offered to Colette Mackay,
to recognise her hard work and commitment to women
experiencing breast cancer as a member of the Hospital
Visiting and Support Team.
In 2015 the Life Membership was offered to Annette Ellis, our
patron since 2004, MC for the evening and for other dinners,
and an active promoter and supporter of Bosom Buddies.
In addition, as 2015 is a special year for Bosom Buddies,
a Life Membership was offered to Marisa Gerussi, former
president, treasurer and fundraiser, who developed and
streamlined many administrative processess and created our
Ambassadors program.
In 2014 two volunteers – Marilyn Brookes and Marilyn Ward
– were finalists in the Volunteering ACT Awards and Lifeline’s
Women with Spirit Awards.
Congratulations to all these women. We are proud of
them.
Collette Mackay
Marisa Gerussi
Annette Ellis
Bosom Buddies ACT inc
9
Annual Report 2013-2014 & 2014-2015
The Hospital Visiting and
Support Team
The Hospital Visiting and Support
Team (HVST) make contacts
with women experiencing breast
cancer. This includes visits to
women in hospital and phone
calls. The referrals come from the
specialist breast care nurses and
other medical professionals and
from the women themselves or
their family members and friends.
In addition to the visits and phone
calls to women made in the
early stages of their treatment,
members of the Hospital Visiting
and Support Team meet monthly
with women diagnosed with
secondary cancer. The group has morning tea at Rodney’s
Plants Plus in Pialligo. This group may expand next year to
include women with other secondary cancers.
In 2014 members of the HVST made more than 400 face-toface contacts and phone calls to women newly diagnosed,
in hospital or undergoing treatment. In 2015 that number has
gone up to 462.
Each woman admitted to hospital is given a Blue Buddy
containing information provided by the hospital, information
about Bosom Buddies and other services, a drainage bag
made by creative local women (Phyl Oliver, Lyn McMahon and
the Wonderful Women of Womboin), and a support cushion
made by Zonta women. Bosom Buddies provides and packs
the blue bags and in 2014 delivered about 450 bags to the
hospital; in 2015 volunteers have packed 364 bags to date.
Volunteers work with the breast care nurses to ensure content
is up to date and there is an adequate supply of bags on
hand.
We thank all the women who donate or sew for the women
undergoing treatment, and the members of the Hospital
Visiting and Support Team who co-ordinate activities and
support women with gentle reassurance and humour. Their
wonderful efforts are the embodiment of community spirit.
Training
To join the Hospital Visiting and Support Team, and the
Awareness team it is advisable that members have completed
their treatment at least two years prior.
After completing Bosom Buddies training, volunteers
participate in the staff training at each hospital, including
completing the required security clearances. Bosom
Buddies volunteers also undergo other training to ensure they
keep up-to-date with information, procedures and hospital
requirements.
Formal relationships with hospitals
Bosom Buddies ACT inc has Memoranda of Understanding
(MOU) with Calvary Health Care ACT and Calvary John James
Hospital and has an agreed arrangement with The Canberra
Hospital.
Awareness presentations
Over the last two years Marilyn Brookes and Theresa Kerby
have made about twenty community presentations. This
number is a bit lower than it has been in the past as we
have had fewer requests for presentations. However, in the
light of the value placed on these presentations by health
professionals, the program co-ordinator, Theresa, and the
committee will work to increase this number over the coming
year.
The breast care nurses at Calvary and Queanbeyan hospitals
are given “Fluffy ducks”, soft prostheses to use after surgery.
These are also available free for women at Colleen’s and
Heads Up. Bosom Buddies volunteer, Marilyn Ward and her
helpers, Mary Pederson and Joyce Nordsvan, made 429
fluffies in the last year, and about 270 in 2014.
In 2014 and 2015 the HVST have been delighted to have pink
pamper packs to hand out to the women they meet. For two
consecutive years the generous and thoughtful women of the
Capital Edge Community Church have donated the contents
and packed 200 bags. This gift lifts the spirit of women at a
time when their spirits are often a bit low.
Bosom Buddies ACT inc
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Annual Report 2013-2014 & 2014-2015
Survey
In May 2015 with the help of a University of Canberra student,
Sara Dukic, we conducted a survey. We had 99 respondents
divided into three categories:
• Health professionals (22.4%)
• Current Bosom Buddies members (42.9%)
• Non-members who have experienced breast cancer
(33.7%).
The survey will be helpful to the incoming Management
Committee to develop plans for 2016 and beyond.
The survey provides a lot of valuable information. For
example:
• 93.8% of all respondents stated that the most valuable
service provided by Bosom Buddies was making contact
with other people who have experienced breast cancer.
• 47.4% of health professionals also state that community
presentations to raise awareness about the importance of
breast cancer and early detection is valuable.
• 100% of health professionals said that they receive
positive feedback from their patients about Bosom
Buddies.
• 31.5% of referrals to Bosom Buddies come directly from
breast care nurses, followed by 22.2% from the Blue
Buddy information.
• Younger women would like Bosom Buddies to offer
information panels.
Key fundraising events and
list of supporters
Bosom Buddies is able to carry out its work because we have
generous supporters. Some organisations offer us free or
discounted services; some individuals, businesses and social,
sporting and faith-based organisations either assist us with
fundraising or fundraise on our behalf. Without this help we
could not provide the services we do. We are grateful to all
those who have helped us over the last two years.
2014
We had many supporters during the year, but three must be
mentioned.
Le Tres Bon fundraising dinner in Bungendore. Le Tres
Bon held a highly successful, booked out dinner for Bosom
Buddies. Many thanks to all of the generous local suppliers
and to those who donated items for auction and raffle.
Marcel Kievit made, donated and then helped us raffle,
an amazing kayak. Marcel made the kayak in memory of
his wife who had been a Bosom Buddies member. Marcel
and members sold the raffle tickets to family, friends and
colleagues and helped us raise a significant sum. Each time
a ticket was sold and the story behind it told, another person
was reminded of the importance of the early detection of
breast cancer and the work of Bosom Buddies. Thank you
again Marcel!
• Respondents are interested in exercise activities.
• Of all respondents who have experienced breast cancer
76.3% are in the age range 50-74, and 14.5% are in the
40-49 age range.
Using this information we can focus our resources and energy
where they are most needed. We are very grateful to all those
who took the time to participate.
A major fundraising event was organised for Bosom Buddies
by Women in Racing. Sue King and her committee of
generous, hard-working and creative women put on a lunch
to remember at the Hellenic Club. We are grateful not only to
the Committee, but to the many individuals and businesses
who contributed auction and raffle items and made the day a
wonderful success for us. If you have the chance to attend
one of their lunches that always support a local charity seize
it! Thank you to all who were involved.
Bosom Buddies ACT inc
11
Annual Report 2013-2014 & 2014-2015
2015
In 2015 some events stand out.
Rodney’s Plants Plus organised a Women’s Pamper Night
for us in March. We were the recipients of a raffle and the
donations of stall holders. Women who attended enjoyed
drinks and snacks, browsed the stalls and watched a
fashion parade provided by Blue Illusion. Rodney’s have
been very supportive of us this year, not only putting on this
special night for us, but hosting a garden talk and morning
tea and providing the decorations for our ABC dinner. Many
thanks!
Thank you to Gold Creek Country Club, Chris Uren, John
Warren, Sharna Barlow and the Dickson staff and all the
people who came to support us.
Some individuals and businesses stand out for their ongoing
support:
• Gallaghers Wines for the donation of wine for fundraising
events;
• Peter Funnell for providing entertainment at our dinners;
• Southern Cross Club for providing a venue and excellent
service for our dinners;
• Capital Chemist and Kwik Kopy for helping us produce
The Independent Property Group’s Dickson office organised
a Golf Day for us at the Gold Creek Country Club in
November. The staff organised the day down to the smallest
detail and gave us little to do. We were impressed by the
good turn-up and could see that there were a lot of people
enjoying a good day out.
our newsletter and other publications;
• Handmade Markets for allowing us to conduct a raffle
and collect donations at the markets;
• Red Instead for support with publications and website.
2013 - 2015 Supporters
Thank you to all the individuals, businesses and organisations who have made donations of money, goods, services and time,
fundraised, supported and promoted Bosom Buddies in various ways over the last two years. Without you Bosom Buddies
could not support women experiencing breast cancer and spread the word about the importance of early detection.
2617 Group ACT Health ACT Netball Association ACT Stamp Artists AFP Anita Cummins Ann Robertson
Annie’s Collectables Arboretum Canberra Baby & Kids Market Bead Street Belconnen Delicatessen Bendigo
Bank Beryl Gullock Bethel Holley Beyond Bank Blue Illusion Canberra Centre Blue Illusion Manuka Body
in Motion Bungendore Cellars Bunnings BBQ Canberra Cavalry Canberra Christian Life Centre Canberra
Southern Cross Club Canberra Weekly Capital Chemist Capital Edge Community Church Cataldos Salon
Cathi Moore City News Clyde Rathbone Coffee Guru Mawson Colette Mackay Colleens Cuc Lam Curves
Weston CuttingIt Hair Salon Dale Redden David Barber D’Browes Restaurant Deakin Ladies Bowling Club
Deanne McQueen Dendy Cinema Diane Hutchens Dirt de Femme Eleanor Bates Elite Sound & Lighting
Endota Spa Escala Shoes Fernwood Tuggeranong Foodworks Pearce Gai Brodtmann Gallagher’s Wine
Girl Guides Grill’d Woden Gungahlin College Hairhouse Warehouse Belconnen Handmade Markets Harris
Scarfe Dickson Heads Up Heather Gittins Helen Burfitt Holy Family Primary School Independent Property
Group Foundation Intimo Irene Hewitt J&M Floorcoverings Weston James Brewster Jan Conant Janet
Hope Janet Lynch Jillian McNamara Jim Murphy Airport Cellars Kahly Dean Kaszazz Kathryn Clarke
Kaye Johnston Kerri Basman King and Wood Mallesons Koula Notaras Kwik Kopy Canberra Kwik Kopy
Phillip Lake George Hotel Le Tres Bon Ledy Rowe Leonie Heffernan Lindel Posselt Lucille Roe Madeline
Flemming Mario Larocca Marion Boag Maureen Cassar Michelle Driscoll Mindy Sutherland Moira Roche
Music At Midday National Zoo and Aquarium Netball ACT Ngunnawal Childcare Centre Palace Electric Pat
Lesley Patricia Cooper Peter Funnell Entertainment Queanbeyan Race Club Rae Streeting Rodney’s Plants
Plus Royal Canberra Golf Club Sally Patton Sarah White Sauvage Urban Fyshwick Sherd Family Southland
Flowers St Clare’s College St Thomas Moore Primary School Sue Buckingham Susie Meli Terry Campese
Foundation The Chifley Grocer The Diplomat Hotel The Essential Ingredient The Green Shed The Plumbing
Doctor The Realm The Rotary Club of Weston Creek The Tradies Club Dickson The Village Building Co
Tilley’s Devine Café Tracey De Jong Trevor Roots Tuggeranong Hawks Tuggeranong Netball Association
Val van den Heiligenberg Valentina Boag Vangeli Manufacturing Jewellers Vintage Cellars Manuka
Wendy Rowell Wilos Works Macgregor Women in Racing Wonderful Women of Womboin Zaija Zonta
Bosom Buddies ACT inc
12
Annual Report 2013-2014 & 2014-2015
Organisational governance
Contacts
Management
The Constitution, updated in April 2008, defines our purpose and work,
establishes a Management Committee of four officers and up to six general
members, and acknowledges the authority of the Management Committee to
create subcommittees within which volunteers implement the policies, objectives
and budgets established by the Management Committee.
The Management Committee oversees five subcommittees and their activities:
1. The Hospital Visiting and Support Team
2. Events
3. Breast Awareness
4. Communications and Advocacy
5. Fundraising
The Fellowship subcommittee continues to be in suspension. In 2015 a
Committee was established to oversee the 20th Anniversary celebrations.
Bosom Buddies is a member of SHOUT (Self Help Organisations United
Together), and we maintain our office through SHOUT in the Pearce Community
Centre. The office is staffed part-time Monday to Thursday from 9.30am to
2.30pm by a paid Office Manager. The manager is employed through SHOUT.
People interested in Bosom Buddies ACT inc can visit the office, borrow books
and publications from our library, and participate in various volunteer activities.
SHOUT provides us with access to conference rooms for committee meetings,
workshops for patients and their supporters, and training sessions for volunteers.
Finance
Registered Name:
Bosom Buddies ACT inc
ABN 59 262 617 782
Designated Gift Recipient
Phone
Monday – Thursday, 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
0406 376 500
A message can also be left at the SHOUT
Office: (02) 6290 1984
Email
[email protected]
Web
www.bosombuddies.com.au
Postal address
PO Box 717
Mawson ACT 2607
Office location
The Pearce Community Centre
Building 1
Collett Place
Pearce ACT 2607
Bosom Buddies ACT inc uses an external bookkeeper, and Australian
Management Control Pty Ltd as a supporting advisor to ensure all finances are
properly handled.
Bosom Buddies ACT inc was audited for the fiscal years 2013-2014 and 20142015 by Joyce Dickson. Potential sponsors or paid members can request copies
of the financial statements.
Auditors’ opinion - 2014 & 2015
In our opinion:
(a) the financial report of Bosom Buddies ACT Incorporated is in accordance with
the Corporations Act 2001, including:
(i) giving a true and fair view of the company’s financial position as at 30 June
2014 (and 2015) and of its performance for the year ended on that date; and
(ii) complying with Australian Accounting Standards and the Corporations
Regulations 2001; and
(b) The financial report also complies with International Financial Reporting
Standards as disclosed in Note 1.
Name of Firm: JOYCE|DICKSON Chartered Accountants
Name of Partner: Chris Fusca
Bosom Buddies ACT inc
13
Annual Report 2013-2014 & 2014-2015
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