Tremendous Trek
Transcription
Tremendous Trek
&KDWWHU 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 *HRUJHªV6WRU\ 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! 4 4 colvin colvinchatter chattersummer autumn 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. 2<D8B<8C@M@E>9PN?8KN<><K9LKN<D8B<8C@=<9PN?8KN<>@M< 2@EJKFE?LI:?@CC 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 kate@canassist.com.au 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 kate@canassist.com.au 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: admin@canassist.com.au Address: Suite 1, Ground Floor 35-39 Mountain Street, Ultimo NSW 2007