volunteer voice - summer 2010

In 2009, 66 teams across NSW raised $6 million, achieving almost 50,000 participants. 2010 holds promise to surpass that with events achieving all time high results, such as the Sutherland Relay which managed to raise $570,000.

As it positively engages ever-growing communities, Rod believes Relay is “a wonderful opportunity to truly defeat cancer, [a] fantastic tool that Cancer Council can use to influence lifestyle habits on a wider scale, to help prevent and someday beat cancer.”

Help us Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back. Learn more at: www.relay.cancercouncil.com.au

Volunteer VoiceINSIDE ACHIEVEMENTS

of our dedicated volunteers

OPPORTUNITIESfor volunteer involvement

VOLUNTEERS assisting cancer research

EVENTSbreaking fundraising records

A newsletter for volunteers Summer 2010www.cancercouncil.com.au

Relay For Life celebrates a decade

Editor: Andrew Cook. Contributing volunteers: Rebekah Hendrickson, Tori Sanderson and Kristie Weir. Feedback and contributions to [email protected]

A Cancer Council Publication

2010 marks a decade of Relay For Life, having started with 44 teams raising $100,000 in Campbelltown at our first ever event.

Sutherland Shire Relay For Life Chairman of eight years, Rod Coy (pictured right), has volunteered every year since 2002. He has seen it evolve from a “small cancer support group” into an all-inclusive celebration of community spirit on an impressive scale. “The goodness of man comes shining through on that day – there is so much goodwill,” he says.

NSW’s Relay communities are a major force in fighting cancer. In 2000, their advocacy supported a successful lobby to the NSW Government to reduce financial aid distance criteria for country patients travelling to treatment. They also raised $4.5 million to help make pubs and clubs smoke-free in 2007.

The Ceremony of Hope is a tradition at Relays which remembers those lost to cancer.

Volunteers take action online Cancer Council volunteers have been granted exciting new opportunities to help achieve defeat cancer with the recently launched Take Action Against Cancer website. The website provides volunteers with the latest information and updates on Cancer Council’s advocacy campaigns such as the tobacco display ban and advocacy training as well as events.

The website marks Cancer Council’s continuing growth online. As well as Cancer Council’s website at www.cancercouncil.com.au and the new Take Action Against Cancer website, Cancer Council has also extended to social media and encourages all volunteers to get involved.

Take Action Against Cancer: www.cancer action.com.auTwitter: @cancercouncilFacebook: facebook.com/CancerCouncilNSWYoutube: youtube.com/user/CancerCouncilNSW1

Update from the Volunteer Development Advisor, Marion Carroll

As the new Volunteer Development Advisor, I would like to say how excited I am to be working with all the amazing volunteers at Cancer Council NSW. I have been with Cancer Council NSW for almost four years as a Regional Program Coordinator and found working with volunteers to be one of the most rewarding aspects of this role.

Cancer Council NSW’s annual report was recently released and I was overwhelmed to see that volunteer hours for 2009/10 amounted to over 250,000! This is an amazing achievement and it is hard to know how we would manage to continue without all your efforts and support.

On behalf of the whole organisation I would like to say, thank you.

I also recently attended the 13th National Conference on Volunteering in Melbourne. Annie Miller, Project Coordinator for Community Education Programs, together with Cancer Council volunteer, Carol Rhodes, presented a paper on Cancer Council’s Living Well After Cancer program.

This program is an initiative honouring how life-changing experiences can empower an individual. The paper received much interest and Annie acknowledged the 13 people currently involved in this amazing program.

Next year will be the International Year of Volunteering and Cancer Council NSW has planned many activities to acknowledge the diversity, breadth and depth of volunteering within our organisation. The event calendar for this will be released early next year.

“... it is hard to know how we would manage to continue without all your efforts and support.”

Volunteer Voice | Summer 2010

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Cathy Aird says farewell to the force Cancer Council volunteer Cathy Aird has been involved in the Greater Western Sydney region’s Relay For Life since it first began 10 years ago. However, for the last four years Cathy acted as the Chair of the Relay For Life Task Force, a committee dedicated to shaping the strategic direction of Relay For Life in NSW; develop supporting projects; and building networking opportunities between Relay Committees.

Of her time as Chair, Cathy most fondly remembers Cancer Council’s confidence in the ability of the Task Force, “The most memorable achievement of the Cancer Council was the organisation having faith that

the Task Force could establish and organise the Relay Summit. The Summit’s emphasis on training, encouraging and empowering Relay Volunteers has provided the opportunity for volunteers to continue to establish and grow their community’s Relay For Life. The Summit is a most valuable training forum for volunteers and can be tailored to suit continued growth of Relay for many years to come.”

In June of this year Graham Williams took over from Cathy as the new Relay Task Force Chair and acknowledges Cathy’s significant contribution to the role. “I found Cathy to be an individual who was always interested in what you thought, and willing and able to help in anyway possible. Part of the reason Relay has moved forward is because of Cathy’s stable leadership and passion for Cancer Council NSW and Relay For Life.”

Cathy will be missed, but we wish her all the best in future endeavours!

“Part of the reason Relay has moved forward is because of Cathy’s stable leadership and passion for Cancer Council NSW and Relay For Life.”Left to right: Iris Pendergast, Cathy Aird and Manisha Amin.

Parramatta says “Yes” to smoke-free dining

After intense debate, lobbying and hard work by a consortium of interested groups, including Cancer Council NSW, Heart Foundation and Action on Smoking and Health Australia, Parramatta Council has voted to adopt a smoke-free alfresco dining policy to be imposed on new and renewing outdoor dining licenses by 1 January 2011.

The result comes from the hard work and determination of the volunteers from the Western Sydney Cancer Advocacy Network. They have been tireless in their efforts for change, through petitioning local residents, sparking debate through press coverage and lobbying local government. They also had the steadfast support of

Councillor Michael McDermott who has fought for the past year to have smoking in outdoor areas banned in Parramatta.

The volunteers weren’t always met with support. Yet despite tough opposition from some Councillors, they were able to persuade the council by demonstrating the overwhelming support from the community for smoke-free alfresco dining.

Tobacco Control Project Officer of Cancer Council NSW, Greg Soulos, states there are overwhelming benefits to adopting this policy.

“There are some compelling reasons for the introduction of smoke-free alfresco dining policies. Perhaps most importantly, there is now a growing body of scientific research strongly suggesting that dining in smoky outdoor venues can pose significant health risks. The proprietors of businesses with dining areas, who may be wary of such policies, can rest assured that public opinion surveys consistently show overwhelming support for smoke-free outdoor dining. Furthermore, scaremongering tobacco industry predictions of dire economic consequences from these policies have simply never materialised.”

Parramatta’s busy Church Street is a popular place for outdoor dining and banning smoking in alfresco dining areas is a significant achievement in health policy. Well done to our committed volunteers for this great achievement!


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The Western Sydney Cancer Advocacy Network successfully lobbied for smoke-free dining.

Over 5,000 volunteers from across the state donned something yellow to help raise money for Cancer Council NSW and spread our messages of hope for a cancer-free future. In the Sydney region alone there were over 200 sites from major railway stations to shopping centres and suburban centres, staffed by over 2,700 enthusiastic volunteers.

We had hoped to raise $3.7 million in NSW this year and are so far on track with having already earned $2.9 million.

Without the support of so many wonderful volunteers, Daffodil Day would not be possible and we greatly appreciate the generous contribution of your time and energy.

Daffodil Day blooms across NSWOn 27 August, Cancer Council NSW took to the streets for Daffodil Day, the largest annual fundraising event for cancer awareness in Australia.

For many years at Cancer Council NSW, we’ve been counting the number of what we call registered volunteers – i.e. the people who registered and volunteer on a regular or semi-regular basis.

We recently conducted an organisation-wide survey of our staff who worked with volunteers during the 2009/10 financial year. We looked for insights into the nature of volunteering activity, hours contributed and the estimated dollar value of contributions made. We also included one-off volunteering for fundraising events because without these volunteers, we would be unable to raise many millions of dollars each year for cancer research, prevention and support.

The outcomes of the survey were amazing, and showed:

32,933 volunteers• worked for us in 2009/10Volunteers contributed more than •258,000 hours to our causeWe calculated an estimated •volunteer contribution of more than $6.5 million.

We often refer to how volunteer contribution enables us to extend the capacity of our paid staff, and this was strongly reinforced in the survey. When we converted estimated volunteer hours into full-time equivalent staff (based on a 35-hour working week), our volunteers equate to another 153 full-time staff members.

All of this is about numbers and measures— but what can’t be measured in exact terms is the massive contribution volunteers make to the culture and capabilities of Cancer Council NSW. No matter what you have done, you have made a difference and we thank you sincerely for your commitment and contribution.

To those interested in reading more about our achievements in 2009/10 – many of which are thanks to volunteers – you will find more in our annual report at www.cancer council.com.au/annualreport2010.

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Update from the CEO, Dr Andrew Penman


Craig Wyman, Volunteer of the Year

Cancer Council would like to congratulate Craig Wyman for recently being named the 2010 Sydney South Volunteer of the Year in recognition of his work on the Sutherland Shire Relay For Life organising committee.

Organiser of the awards, The Centre for Volunteering, held the ceremony at the Sutherland Entertainment Centre on 21 October, where Craig was

one of fifteen nominees. Craig said he was absolutely thrilled on winning the award. “It’s been a truly rewarding experience for many years, working with this event and the very passionate group of people that support it”.

Alexis Scott who nominated Craig, said of him, “Craig is special in so many ways, but in particular he did all this without any financial reward or kickbacks. He put Relay ahead of his own business, his family and his relationships, working solidly to bring the event together and fill in the missing pieces.”

The award represents years of hard work and commitment from Craig, who first joined the Relay For Life organising committee in 2005. Coming from a professional background as a marketing research consultant, Craig recognised the potential in the Sutherland Relay and through his expertise helped develop

promotions and advertising for the Relay. Extensive advertising in 2010 included developing a local website, new fliers, posters and an increased number of marquees to attract more sponsors and advertisers. All this helped the event raise over $570,000!

“He put Relay ahead of his own business, his family and his relationships, working solidly to bring the event together and fill in the missing pieces.”

This huge achievement has cemented the Sutherland Relay as being the most successful Relay in NSW, with $2.1 million raised since it began.

“Just seeing as far as it has gone in five years is incredible,” Craig says, “I can’t wait to see where it goes in the next five.”

Central and Southern Sydney Local News

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Three fantastic Relay volunteersAgata ChrzanowskaOriginally from Poland, Cancer Council volunteer Agata Chrzanowska has been working hard at the Woolloomooloo office for the past two months. Agata, who graduated with a Master’s Degree in Mathematics, volunteers as an events administrator for Relay For Life.

In the past, Agata worked as a financial assistant and also a European Union fund expert. She first became interested in cancer research during an administrative support role for a University College of London-based research team, which was conducting studies in ovarian cancer.

Ask Agata what she enjoys most about volunteering and she’ll tell you that it’s the feeling of contributing something useful. We thank you Agata for your fantastic work so far!

Scott McDougallScott McDougall (pictured below) also started volunteering about two months ago. Scott is a 21-year-old student currently studying a Masters of Commerce/Logistics

Management at the University of Sydney. He recently completed a Bachelor of International studies at the University of Sydney, during which time he studied and travelled extensively throughout Israel and the Middle East.

Scott volunteers as the Relay event administrator’s assistant and is currently working on tracking participants and donations for the regional Relay events. This project provides great insights into participants’ engagement with Relay over the years.

Scott’s motivation for volunteering with Cancer Council was to contribute to the fight against Cancer and to gain experience with a respected not-for-profit organisation. We’re pleased to have you, Scott!

Barbara MottramFor the past three years Barbara Mottram (pictured above) has been volunteering for Cancer Council as Co-Chair for the Inner West at Canada Bay Relay For Life. Barbara’s career heavily involved running her own business organising

events, seminars and exhibitions. Following her retirement, Barbara found time to volunteer at Cancer Council, which she saw as the ideal way to use her talents and to stay involved.

“I am constantly amazed at the commitment of people to a cause and their passion for it.

Currently, as Co-Chair, Barbara spends a lot of time focussing on planning and organisational tasks, as well as investing time in motivating the committee. However, what makes working for Cancer Council so enjoyable for Barbara is being able to meet people from all walks of life.

“I am constantly amazed at the commitment of people to a cause and their passion for it. I also appreciate that just one person can make a difference,” said Barbara.

We thank Barbara for her enduring commitment and wonderful enthusiasm. As Barbara says, “The more you put into life, the more you get out of it!”

Far North Coast Local News

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Local students lend a handThroughout this year the Far North Coast office has been fortunate to receive assistance from three students from Southern Cross University.

Matt Tickle worked with us as the lead volunteer for Call To Arms from April to August 2010. During this time Matt organised our Call To Arms campaign which encouraged local sporting teams to fundraise for men’s cancer research and to promote Cancer Council health messages.

Matt was responsible for the recruitment of associations and teams and generating media for the event. He did a wonderful job, helping us to exceed our targets, both for the number of participant clubs, and the amount of money raised.

Renee Dean and Renea Williams joined us as interns as the final component of their degrees. They were recruited to provide event management assistance and support for Cancer Council NSW events across the Far North Coast region. Volunteer Voice spoke to Renea and Renee to learn more about their experiences…

Renee Dean I am a third year student at Southern Cross University studying Business in Tourism Management. So far, I have really enjoyed working at Cancer Council and have been given many opportunities to put my knowledge into practice.

I was given Pink Ribbon Day as a project and have helped to organise three movie fundraising nights during October in Tweed Heads, Ballina and Lismore. Cancer Council has also given me many activities to challenge me and perform at my best. It’s a great place to work and I absolutely love the experience.

“I have really enjoyed working at Cancer Council and have been given many opportunities to put my knowledge into practice.”

Renea WilliamsDuring this internship I have been involved in the running of many different events. When I first started at Cancer Council, I was involved with helping Fiona Murray set up a Cancer Council Information Centre at St Vincent’s hospital. I helped Fiona by completing phone interviews, phoning references and assisting the training of successful applicants.

I was also involved in organising and running of many of the pink activities in October. I helped the Girls Night In project co-ordinators, including supporting hosts, media relations and sourcing prizes and giveaways.

Throughout my time at Cancer Council, I have learnt many things that will prove to be extremely valuable in my future career. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time, and am extremely grateful for the experiences I have gained and the people I have met.

Greater Western Sydney Local News

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Harpreet KaurCancer Council volunteer, Harpreet Kaur believes that the experience of working with the Cancer Council provides a fantastic opportunity to develop skills and transition to the work environment.

Harpreet, who has been studying a Diploma in Community Welfare Services at Campbelltown TAFE, is currently working on the SunSmart Primary School Program and the Sun Sound Youth Sun Protection Campaign. Working on these has provided Harpreet with invaluable experience.

“I learnt practical ways to engage primary schools and local sports clubs in these programs and it enriched me with so many skills. Moreover, the orientation training at Woolloomooloo provided me with a broader picture of the organisation, its history, structure and values. The working experience with Cancer Council was much more than I expected,” said Harpreet.

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A fond farewell to Sister MaryThe Greater Western Sydney office said a big thank you and farewell to one of its long-time volunteers.

It was very sad to say good bye to Cancer Council volunteer, Sister Mary (pictured right), who has been volunteering for an incredible 31 years. To celebrate her career, a lovely lunch was put on at the Parramatta office for Sister Mary by the staff and her fellow volunteers whom she had worked with over the years.

Together they shared stories, laughed and spoke about the many changes she had seen within the organisation in her time as a volunteer. A lovely certificate was also awarded to her from Dr Andrew Penman and everyone enjoyed a delicious celebratory cake —in moderation of course!

We will miss having Sister Mary around but want to say thank you for all her hard work and for her friendly and kind nature. We wish her a happy and healthy retirement.

Sister Mary has been volunteering for an incredible 31 years.

Student volunteers take the reinsTAFE students Eun Sook Hwang and Jo Krittiya Permpanich helped hold the reins for the Blue Mountains Relay For Life, which was held on 30-31 October at the Katoomba Showground.

Since July, the two Granville TAFE students have been hard at work assisting Relay Coordinator Sandra Tahmasby in different Relay For Life events. It is a part of their Certificate IV in Community Service work that requires the girls to complete a 160-hour internship. Each week they attend committee meetings in the Blue Mountains and once a week they are also based in the office where they efficiently support and plan Relay components such as a healthy BBQ and eating menus, plus fun physical activities.

Volunteers Jo Krittiya Permpanich (left) and Eun Sook Hwang (right).

Hunter Local News

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Since it was founded more than 13 years ago, the Merriwa and District Health Association Inc. has been entirely run by a dedicated group of volunteers. The association, comprised of volunteer drivers, office staff and management, provides an integral service to the community by transporting cancer patients to treatment facilities when they would otherwise be unable to get there.

Currently there are no options for public transport in Merriwa. Instead, locals have to rely on private cars or community transport as the only viable transport options. Last

financial year, the Merriwa and District Health Association transported 80 cancer patients approximately 30,000 kilometres.

Cancer Council NSW is proud to financially support this volunteer-managed and operated service so that we can ensure that the financial and practical burden of getting to medical appointments is reduced for people in the Merriwa district.

For more information please contact either Sue Russell on (02) 4923 0700 or the Transport Group directly on (02) 6548 5000.

Tea Gardens Health and Wellbeing ExpoCancer Council NSW and the Manning Valley and Area Community Transport Group have joined forces to once again organise the Tea Gardens Health and Wellbeing Expo.

After the success of last year’s expo, both organisations were keen to bring the event to the residents of the Tea Gardens and Hawk’s Nest regions. Hundreds of people attended and learnt about the large range of health and well-being services available to the community such as massage, blood pressure checking or Reiki treatments.

The services strive to enhance the lives of local retirees and seniors and want to ensure people to be aware that getting older doesn’t mean giving up your lifestyle or opportunities to enjoy your community. Many thanks to the tireless volunteers from the Community Transport group and Cancer Council who helped make the day a success.

New transport partnership in the Upper Hunter

Volunteers for the Merriwa and Health Association Group.

Outstanding volunteerLong-time Cancer Council volunteer Nola Adams was recently recognised for her ongoing community service when she was awarded the Freeman of Port Stephens at the 2010 Port Stephens Council Community Awards. The awards honour individuals and groups who have made significant contribution to the community and the Freeman Award is reserved for individuals who have distinguished themselves with the highest order of community service.

For over 10 years Nola has been baking up a storm as a host of Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea raising over $22,000 and generously opening her home to countless morning tea guests.

We send our congratulations to Nola and all our volunteers for their ongoing commitment and service.

Pictured below, left to right: Caroline Martin, Nola Adams and Rosemary Stephenson.

Number of schools doubledThe Mid North Coast region is proud to announce that the number of local primary schools involved in Cancer Council’s SunSmart Primary School Program has now doubled. The achievement was by and large thanks to the hard work of our fantastic community speaker volunteers.

After a day of training the volunteers were allocated between four and six schools to which they would promote the benefits and vision of the program. They then made appointments to see the schools’ principals and Parent and Citizen Committees and were able to encourage them to join the program.

This personalised approach achieved great outcomes and will continue to be adopted so we can further increase the number of schools signed up to this valuable program.

Mid North Coast Local News

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Norma – our dedicated Daffodil Day girl!

Left to right: Norma Wells, Heather Welch, June Taylor and Kath Derrett.

SunSmart volunteers Jan McLeod and Glen Getty.

If there was a prize for dedication, Norma Wells would surely win. For over 10 years Norma has volunteered in Cancer Council’s Mid North Coast region. Incredibly, not once has she missed the opportunity to assist with Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day. Every year Norma helps out by tailing hundreds of daffodils and preparing them for the big event. After all that work, she goes to run her own site! Even when she was not well, Norma’s only response when called for duty was, “I wouldn’t miss it for anything”.

Cancer Council is proud to have a volunteer as dedicated and enthusiastic as Norma – thank you Norma.

Volunteers Sue Carson (far left) and Lyn Inness (far right) with Cancer Council’s Brenna Smith at the directory launch.

The Hastings Community Cancer Network, an initiative of Cancer Council NSW, has launched a new Cancer Services Directory. The directory is designed to provide

cancer patients, and their families, easy access to a range of invaluable information. Patients can find valuable information including treatment services, support organisations and how to obtain practical help at home.

On average, 400 people are diagnosed with cancer each year within the Hastings region. The directory has therefore been well received in the region and is anticipated to be a huge asset. A big thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and passion to the network, which in turn improves the supportive care needs of cancer patients in the Hastings.

Easy access to local information for cancer patients

Northern Sydney and Central Coast Local News

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Balgowlah Garden Project We would like to thank our fantastic volunteers whose enthusiasm has helped to ensure that we will soon have a community fruit and vegetable garden in Balgowlah.

We are now well on the way to making this garden both a reality and a success after a long planning process. The volunteers’ immediate challenge is to develop policies and procedures regarding how the garden and membership will operate. The volunteers’ next objective will be to transform the vacant block, leased through Manly Council, into a sustainable, operational garden. These tasks require a wide variety of skills including fundraising, canvassing local public opinion, organisational planning, construction, and last but not least, gardening skills!

If you would like to learn more about this project please email Lauren Shore on [email protected].

There are many reasons why volunteering may make individuals happy: the enjoyment of helping others; the satisfaction from setting and achieving goals; and the usefulness of volunteer work for future endeavours. Through volunteering you can create work

and social networks and meet many other like-minded people.

So if you want to open up new opportunities and meet fantastic new friends, then volunteer for us! If you are interested in further information please email us at [email protected].

Mark LawrenceChair of the Management Committee for the Balgowlah Community Garden project

Mark Lawrence joined Cancer Council as a volunteer in August this year with the hopes of making the Balgowlah Community Garden project a success.

Originally from England, Mark moved to Sydney in 1988 for ‘a couple of years’ and instead became an Australian Citizen and never left. Drawing his experience from a rich history of over 15 years in project and programme management, in particular within banking and finance companies, Mark has proved he’s an invaluable volunteer for Cancer Council NSW.

Speaking of his involvement, Mark said, “Volunteering for Cancer Council is great! I enjoy working with a

diverse group of locals, building something sustainable for the community, as well as the flexibility that volunteering offers. Aside from the regular fortnightly meetings, most of the work can be done in my own time when I am feeling ultra-enthusiastic.”

Mark also recommends others to join the cause by volunteering, but does remind prospective volunteers of the importance of being committed. “I would recommend volunteering to others but I have learnt there is a big difference between being willing to volunteer and having the time to volunteer. My advice is to be realistic about the time you have available to volunteer, and to scale your ambitions accordingly.”

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Benefits of volunteering

Volunteers Nerina Cooper, Sue Smart and Virginia Cooper helping out on Daffodil Day.

New opportunities and fantastic new friends!

North West Local News

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Over the last 12 months, the North West region has had some great support from young local volunteers. The Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School, O’Conner Catholic College and Moree Youth Council all provided a host of young enthusiastic volunteers who assisted in the operations of different Cancer Council events.

From Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School, Years 11 and 12 students helped with the health and mission display at the bi-annual Tamworth Relay For Life, which was held on 1–2 May. The students sourced and displayed all sorts of information about being sun smart, enjoying healthy lifestyles plus the dangers of smoking and drinking alcohol.

Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School students also helped support Daffodil Day. They enthusiastically hit the streets in the local area to help sell merchandise and raised in excess of $3,000 for Cancer Council.

Armidale Relay For Life was held on 16–17 October and students from Armidale’s O’Connor Catholic College assisted with the health and mission display. Students developed similar displays as the Farrer students did at the Tamworth Relay, and they also created guessing competitions to encourage people to visit the displays.

Moree Youth Council was responsible for organising and co-ordinating the entertainment and activities at the Moree Relay For Life, held 22–23 October. Many of these students managed to help at

the Relay whilst studying for and sitting their HSC exams, which is a great achievement.

North West Cancer Council Office would like to thank the many students that have supported us in the last 12 months. We encourage school groups to take part in fundraising events and programs, and we look forward to working with more groups of enthusiastic students next year.

SunSmart ProgramThe North West region has recruited 14 new schools to the SunSmart Schools Program during the most recent school term. We owe this fantastic achievement to our volunteer Joan Bailey who has been working hard on this project with our staff member, Shaen Fraser. We are also very excited to announce that South Tamworth Public School was one of the winners of a $500 Bunnings voucher for their involvement in the program. Congratulations to the school for the prize and for being SunSmart.

Pictured below, left to right: Teacher, Gerri Oates, and Cancer Council staff member, Christine Roach, together with SunSmart School students.

Cancer Council was proud to be selected as this year’s chosen charity for the inaugural Tamworth Ten. To celebrate the achievement, Cancer Council invited Tamworth Relay For Life participants to take part in the event on Sunday 22 August. The day provided visitors with a multitude of events including the 10 kilometre run, Fun Five 5 kilometre run, 100 metre dash for

cash, or the non-competitive 4 kilometre walk. The event also provided a great opportunity to remind participants about the benefits of regular exercise for cancer prevention.

Participants at the Tamworth Ten.

Young Volunteers

Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School students help out on Daffodil Day.

Tamworth Ten

Great Ocean Pool CrawlCancer Council volunteer, Brooke Caldwell, moved from Parkes to Wollongong 18 months ago to study a Bachelor of Commerce at Wollongong University.

Brooke has always loved community fundraising and although it was easy to contribute in her small hometown, she didn’t know a single person when she arrived in Wollongong. When searching on the internet for volunteer/work experience opportunities, she found a volunteer position at Wollongong’s Cancer Council office working on the marketing and promotions for a local community fundraising event The Great Ocean Pool Crawl.

The event was held on Sunday 24 October and although it was a cool, wet and wild day, 60 participants swam two laps in each of the seven ocean pools from Coalcliff to Towradgi.

It’s been an enjoyable volunteering experience for Brooke. Everybody involved in the event has been so positive and energetic and have very high hopes for its continuing success. Of course, a love for the outdoors, particularly the beach, has helped as well! Well done and thanks to Brooke!

Southern Local News

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In August, Phil Smith (pictured above), former Chairman of the Shoalhaven Relay For Life Committee, was one of six local people awarded with Shoalhaven Medals that acknowledge their

selflessness. Phil received a Gold Medal for his involvement with the Shoalhaven Relay For Life.

Under Phil’s guidance, the Relay’s fundraising efforts rose from $40,000 in 2003 to $230,000 this year. As Phil and his wife were volunteering overseas, his award was accepted by the incoming Relay For Life Chairman, Greg Brennan.

Phil, who was humbled and thrilled to receive the award, spoke at the ceremony via a Skype link. He thanked his family for their support, adding that it was a privilege to work for his community.

Congratulations Phil Smith

Emma-Jane O’Cass and Tina Wang, student dietitians from University of Wollongong, recently spent five weeks working at the Southern Regional office of Cancer Council on the Healthy School Lunchbox Project. They found that the majority of current school lunchboxes contain inadequate amounts of vegetables and too many ‘extra’ foods. They also found that lunchbox quality tends to deteriorate with older teenagers. Inadequate vegetable intake and obesity can increase a person’s cancer risk, which is why Cancer Council wants to develop a lunchbox resource to help parents pack healthy lunches.

Emma-Jane and Tina organised a focus group of parents in which they revealed they wanted healthy snack and lunch recipe ideas that are quick and easy to prepare plus basic nutrition information on what food groups to include. When packing lunch, parents

faced various barriers such as children’s food preferences, food availability and misconceptions about healthy food.

Based on their research and findings from the focus group, a series of recipe cards for each day of the week was developed.

Healthy School Lunchbox Project

Emma and Tina working on the Healthy School Lunchbox Project.

When Cancer Council volunteer Kylie Priest was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009, her colleagues, Tania Hamilton and Amy Leonard, wanted to do something to support their friend.

Tania and Amy, who work at Cargill Beef in Wagga Wagga, initially proposed a head shave at their workplace but their generous efforts began to gain momentum and grew into six months of fundraising events. Tania and Amy, with the support of their colleagues at Cargill and the wider community of Wagga Wagga, organised 11 different events over a six-month period including such things as a movie premiere, trivia night, dinner and auction, raffles and online donations to name but a few!

What started as a suggestion of shaving their heads for support of their friend, grew into something none of them could have possibly imagined. In total they managed to raise an awe-inspiring total of $47,848.50! It’s an amazing effort and one that deserves their VIP volunteer status!

Left to right: Tania Hamilton, Amy Leonard and Kylie Priest taking time out at a recent Cancer Council VIP function.

Cargill cares

South West Local News

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Cancer Council volunteer Matt Bundy and the local Wagga Wagga office are lucky his workplace is so generous when it comes to getting time off to help out for Daffodil Day. Thanks to Matt’s current position and his contacts at the Royal Australian Airforce Base Wagga Wagga, he was able to organise ten experienced and able trainees to assist on Daffodil Day this year. Matt and the trainees hit the streets of Wagga Wagga where they sold merchandise and collected donations from generous locals.

Matt has been involved in fundraising for Cancer Council for the past few years, driven by the fact that he’s known people affected by cancer.

“I like to get involved with Daffodil Day because I have had a couple of family members face cancer-related

illness,” Matt said. “It’s something which touches everyone’s lives in some way.”

This year was especially good for Matt and Cancer Council as his

team of hard working assistants helped raise $4,693 in one morning, which is an amazing effort by everyone. Thank you to Matt and the team for all your hard work volunteering on Daffodil Day!

Australian Airforce supports Daffodil Day

Matt Bundy (far right) and other RAAF members with Cancer Council staff member, Prue Densley.

We are seeking dynamic and skilled volunteers to enhance the work of our team and improve our services to the community. The following vacancies are available in our region:

Volunteer administration, •programs and events. For further information please contact Kaylene Wilson on (02) 6937 2600.

Committee members for •the Wagga Relay For Life. If you would like further information please contact Annabel Macdonald on (02) 6937 2604.

If you can help us we would love to hear from you!

Can you help us?

Western Local News

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The Western Region office is delighted to welcome Lloyd Coleman and Graham Williams as MP Liaison Volunteers.

Lloyd and Graham will establish relationships with their local MPs, each becoming a primary reference point for their MP for any cancer-related issues in their electorate. They will also act as ambassadors for Cancer Council New South Wales and our priority issues and activities.

Both men bring with them a wealth of experience. Lloyd Coleman is the MP Liaison for the Orange electoral district. He has been a long serving member of the National Party and was a Member of the NSW Legislative Council from 1991 to 1995.

Although this is his first role as a volunteer with Cancer Council, his extraordinary experience in politics at a state and local level will assist the Western Region team in strengthening communication with current and future MPs in the Orange electorate.

Lloyd understands the needs and responsibilities of MPs and has provided excellent advice on building and maintaining relationships within the political sphere.

Forbes resident, Graham Williams, is the MP Liaison for the Dubbo electorate. As a breast cancer survivor, he has been an active participant in the Cancer Council Connect Peer Support Program. Graham is also passionate about

Relay For Life and is Chair of the Relay For Life Task Force – a statewide volunteer committee charged with driving the direction of Relay.

Over the next few months Graham and Lloyd will be briefing MPs on the Saving Life: why wouldn’t you? state election agenda in the lead up to the March 2011 elections. For more information on this campaign visit www.savinglife.com.au

Western Region welcomes new MP Liaison Volunteers

Left to right: Graham Williams, MP liaison for Dubbo with Brad Hammond, Regional Programs Coordinator, Western Region and Lloyd Coleman, MP Liaison for Orange.

Cancer Council NSW Western Region Office is currently seeking new advocates to join our Regional Advocacy Network Advocacy, or speaking out with and on behalf of others, is one way Cancer Council NSW is working to defeat cancer.

Taking action against cancer takes many forms. It requires more than just medical and

scientific advances – at times we need to convince government and other decision makers to act decisively to defeat cancer.

We campaign to reduce cancer risks and improve services for everyone in Western New South Wales — from lobbying for burden-free transport and accommodation for regional cancer patients, to optimal cancer care to all, no matter where you live

in New South Wales. Together we have the power and the right to change the system so that fewer people will be diagnosed with cancer and those who have cancer will received better care.

If you are passionate about change and want to make difference, we would love to hear from you. Contact the Western Region Office on (02) 6392 0800.

Take Action for regional cancer patients!


Book review Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom, author of The Five People You Meet in Heaven, is an inspiring true story about a college professor who is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Mitch was a student of Morris ‘Morrie’ Schwartz 20 years ago and comes back to visit Morrie during the last months of his life. Morrie was always a unique teacher, a person who touched many peoples’ lives. It was on these Tuesday afternoons that Mitch rekindled his relationship with his mentor Morrie and is taught life’s most important lessons. It is through these lessons that Mitch realises he has valued all the wrong things in life and taken for granted what matters most. This book is heart-warming, wise and a must read.

Recipe corner

Waldorf salad

Ingredients

2 medium Granny Smith •apples, washed, dried

2 medium red apples •(like Lady Williams or Red Delicious) washed, dried

3 celery sticks, washed, •finely sliced

80g (½ cup) walnut pieces, •halved

2 tbs low fat mayonnaise •

2 tbs fresh lemon juice •

Ground black pepper, •to taste

8 butter lettuce leaves, •washed, dried

Directions

Cut the apples into •quarters and core. Cut each quarter into bite-sized pieces.

Place the apples, celery, •walnuts, mayonnaise and lemon juice in a medium bowl.

Season with pepper and •mix to combine.

Place 2 lettuce leaves onto •each serving plate and spoon the salad over the lettuce. Serve immediately.

Cancer Council NSW is pleased to announce the release of Daffodil Choir’s first CD, Carols for a Cure. Cancer Council staff and volunteers gathered to make the album which features traditional songs for the festive season.

The Daffodil Choir (pictured below) began in 2009 when Cancer Council discovered volunteer, James Emmerig, a talented university student who was keen on directing a choir. James’ role had many dimensions, including managing and conducting the choir as well as rallying fellow university students to volunteer their time to perform on the CD. Mathew Lawrence helped

James by producing the record while Bernard Rofe arranged the music.

Carols for a Cure features nine tracks in total including Silent Night and We Wish You A Merry Christmas with music performed by the Daffodil Chamber Strings.

Cancer Council thanks James, Mathew and Bernard for their continuing passion in the project and also all the other volunteers and staff who participated and made this wonderful CD happen!

The CD is available for purchase through our eight retail stores or through the Woolloomooloo office: on (02) 9334 1900.

Daffodil Choir sings for a cure

General events:

Every Wednesday, 5-6pm: Daffodil Choir rehearsals, Level 6, Woolloomooloo. Enquiries: 0400 118 043

26 May 2011: Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

Central and Southern Sydney Region

2 April 2011: POSH Auction. To be held at the Westin Hotel Sydney.

30–1 May 2011: Sutherland Shire Relay

21–22 May 2011: Eastern Suburbs Relay

Far North Coast Region

5-6 March 2011: Murwilllumbah Relay

12-13 March 2011: Byron Shire Relay

2-3 April 2011: Yamba Relay

30 April to 1 May 2011: Casino Relay

Greater Western Sydney Region

Every second Tuesday: Craft Group, Casula Hub. Enquiries: (02) 9354 2051

14-15 May 2011: Hills Relay

Hunter Region

19-20 March 2011: Cessnock Relay

Mid North Coast Region

2-3 April 2011: Hastings Relay

Northern Sydney and Central Coast Region

26-27 March: North Shore Relay

North West Region

19-22 January 2011: Tough Enough To Wear Pink Fundraiser

Southern Region

5-6 March 2011: Wagga Wagga Relay

19-20 March 2011: Deniliquin Relay

9-10 April 2011: Griffith Relay

South West Region

19-20 March 2011: Yass Relay

26-27 March 2011: Ulladulla Relay, Shoalhaven Relay

2-3 April 2011: Bega Relay for Life

30 April to 1 May 2011: Cooma Relay for Life

30 April to 1 May 2011: Snowy Relay For Life

Western Region

19-20 March 2011: Orange Relay

2-3 April 2011: Bathurst Relay

30 April to 1 May 2011: Cowra Relay

Events calendar


For volunteer enquiries please email [email protected] or call the Volunteer Hotline (02) 9334 1773

Central and Southern Sydney (Woolloomooloo): 153 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo NSW 2011 (02) 9334 1754

Far North Coast (Alstonville): 101-103 Main Street, Alstonville NSW 2477 (02) 6627 0300

Hunter (Newcastle): 22 Lambton Road, Broadmeadow NSW 2292 (02) 4923 0700

Mid North Coast (Coffs Harbour): 121 High Street, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 (02) 6659 8400

North West (Tamworth): Shop 2, 218 Peel Street, Tamworth NSW 2340 (02) 6763 0900

Northern Sydney and Central Coast (Gosford) Community Hub: The Hive, Erina Fair NSW 2250 (02) 4336 4500

South West (Wagga Wagga): 1/37 Tompson Street, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 (02) 6937 2600

Southern (Wollongong): 1 Lowden Square, Wollongong NSW 2500 (02) 4223 0200

Western (Orange): 75 Kite Street, Orange NSW 2800 (02) 6392 0800

Western Sydney (Parramatta): 43 Hunter Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 (02) 9354 2000

Casula Hub: Casula Community Centre, 39 Ingham Drive, Casula NSW 2170 (02) 9354 2050

Rouse Hill Hub: Level 2, 29 Main Street, Rouse Hill NSW 2155 (02) 9354 2070

Penrith Hub: Community Connections Building,114-116 Henry Street, Penrith NSW 2750 (02) 9354 2060Re

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Help us defeat cancer – join a research studyFrom time to time, Cancer Council conducts research studies on people drawn from the New South Wales population. These studies range in type from questionnaire-based surveys, focus groups and interviews to other types of research.

Your help is vital to our research to defeat cancer. By helping is now, you can help us defeat cancer in the future. You can register online at www.cancercouncil.com.au/joinastudy by providing a few relevant details, or call the special Join a Research Study number on (02) 9334 1398.

volunteer voice - summer 2010

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