Newsletter

March 2026

Last Meeting

Julie Smith, the Outreach Liaison Officer from Carer Gateway was our Guest Speaker at our March meeting. Carer Gateway is an Australian Government program providing free services and support for carers. Carer Gateway provides coaching, counselling, respite care, peer support groups, online skill courses and tailored support packages. If you feel you would like to know more, please call 1800422737 Monday to Friday 8am-5pm.

GREAT NEWS – Cancer Care Manning Great Lakes has opened its doors. It is a state-of-the-art radiation oncology treatment facility at 88 Cornwall Street, Taree. Their friendly, highly skilled multi-disciplinary team provides high quality Radiation Therapy treatment in a modern and comfortable environment and it is 100% Bulk Billed. Our group has been invited to the official opening. We have 2 members attending so more info to come.

Thank you Tuncurry Pharmacy for the generous donation to Breast Friends from a raffle held for Breast Cancer Awareness. Thank you also to the generosity of all the Tuncurry Businesses who donated prizes. It really was a community effort.

Morning Tea MONDAY 16th MARCH 2026 10am

Come and join us for our social Chat, Cuppa & Cake, this month we will meet at “The Deck” 2 Ray St Tuncurry ( Near the Co Op) commencing at 10am.

Next Meeting Wednesday 1st APRIL 2026 4pm Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club

Our April meeting we will not have a Guest Speaker, the meeting will just be general get together and discussion.

INFORMATION, EXERCISE AND WELLBEING DAY

(10:00am–2:00pm), with lunch and an information pack provided

See attached the flyer for INFORM.INFORM will now be a day only program, focused on Empowerment and Wellness, it will be offered in Taree, Forster AND Gloucester

The program will include:

Presenters on the day to include a Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker, Cancer Specialist Nurse, and additional guest speakers (TBA).

INFORM and its focus on exercise and wellbeing is not a new concept, having been running successfully for some years now. The changes to making it a one day, twice a year (at three locations) is to help spread its reach and access to all areas.

Over the past 5–10 years, there has been a growing emphasis on the importance of healthy living and regular exercise for individuals undergoing or having completed cancer treatment. This shift has been strongly influenced by the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) position statement, which highlights robust evidence demonstrating that regular physical activity plays a significant role in improving both physical and psychological health outcomes for people living with cancer.

COSA’s statement reflects growing evidence that exercise can:

• Improve physical function and muscular strength
• Reduce treatment-related fatigue
• Enhance overall quality of life
• Potentially lower the risk of cancer recurrence and improve survival outcomes (particularly in some cancer types)
• Support mental health and emotional wellbeing

Informed by these recommendations, INFROM aims to promote positive lifestyle change through education, support, and practical guidance. The program assists patients in developing sustainable health behaviours and life skills that enhance quality of life and support long-term health outcomes.

Breast Friends are a big part of helping this programme happen by supporting with Funding that is going towards catering of both Taree and Forster events.

RSVP via mentioned pathways on attached Flyer for INFORM

MANNNING ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE (MEC)

On behalf of one of our members, I would like to inform you of a meeting to be held on the 24th of March 2026, 6pm to 7.30pm at the MEC Taree. Doors open at 5.30pm for anyone that would like a tour of the centre beforehand. The meeting is to discuss the future of the Centre and how to support its sustainability.

BREAST FRIENDS” MEETING CALENDAR DATES

April – Wednesday 1st – General meeting
May – Wednesday 6th – Syapiq Long Oncologist
June – Wednesday 3rd – General meeting
July – Wednesday 1st – Working/ Sewing Bee / AGM
August – Wednesday 5th – Jacinta Bryan McGrath Nurse
September – 2nd – Bruce Hopper Senior Genetic Counsellor Forster Genetics
October – Wednesday 7th – “Breast Friends” BCNA Mini Field of Women
November – Wednesday 4th – General meeting
December – Wednesday 2nd – “Breast Friends” Christmas Dinner

 

All women who have experienced breast cancer are welcome to attend our meetings (first Wednesday every month at 4.00pm Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club). For further information please contact: Members Lorraine Milward 0410588736 Diane Thompson 0437137577, Judy Smith 65546498 (Welfare Officer) or Jacinta Bryan McGrath Cancer Care Nurse 65151918 or 0438 229 231 ,BCNA www.bcna.org.au, McGrath Foundation www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au