Sixty seven years ago, the organisation Can Assist (Cancer Patients Assistance Society of NSW) was established in NSW to provide accommodation, financial assistance, and practical support to people from rural and regional areas, to ensure that country people were given the same opportunities and treatment choices as those with cancer who live in the city.

In 2022 there are 55 branches across regional NSW, over 2700 members, 2100 plus fundraisers and over $10 million raised in the last five years alone.

Can Assist works to ensure that all people, regardless of where they live in NSW, have equitable access to cancer treatment and care. By providing financial assistance, practical support and raising awareness of the inequities, their volunteer network ensures that country people are given the same opportunities and treatment choices as those who live in city centres.

One of the smallest branches in NSW, Nyngan, is celebrating ten years this year and have been assisting members of Bogan Shire Council with love since 2012.

“Ten years ago, a group of likeminded local women and men got together and created what started as a fundraising committee for our local area. Some of the committee members were or had undergone cancer treatment, while others had been caring for family members and friends with cancer,” said Lynette Webster Nyngan Can Assist President.

“We saw a real need in our town with the ongoing rise in cancer patients. We decided to commence fundraising by running a big annual event with the proceeds being distributed to those in need and put forward formal applications to be a Can Assist Branch.”

“Once the community saw our intent, they all came on board and their generosity has been overwhelming,” said Ms. Webster.

“We are so grateful for the local support as well as that of businesses in our town and the bigger organisations that have assisted us, as this has provided us with the resources to go the extra mile for our local people.”

“Undergoing treatment is stressful enough, being able to take away a small part of that stress by providing help with travel vouchers, utility accounts, accommodation, as well as emotional support, is one of our main aims.”

“We are so proud that we have been able to give out over $140,000 to people in need. It is a team and town effort, and all our volunteers are happy to work tirelessly, if it can be of assistance to these people in a low time of their lives. Best of all the money we raise stays in town, helping people we know and our loved ones. It’s something small we can do for each other,” said Ms. Webster.

Can Assist ladies at work in Nyngan.

Sadly, cancer doesn’t discriminate, and for people living in rural and remote areas this may result in having to travel to Dubbo, Orange, or Sydney for treatment. This can pose a myriad of difficulties for many families and that is where Can Assist can help.

Thankfully with the opening of the Western Cancer Centre in Dubbo and the recently opened Macquarie Home Stay, treatment is a little closer to hand and Nyngan Can Assist has jumped on board and funded a room at the Home Stay for the aid of local people who must attend the hospital for treatment.

Unfortunately compared to those in metropolitan areas, rural cancer patients are diagnosed later, are more likely to die and seventeen times more likely to report geographical and financial barriers to care.

“I am not exaggerating to say that many of my patients would simply not be able to afford access to treatment was it not for the work of Can Assist”, according to a Hunter New England Allied Health Worker.

Nyngan Can Assist helpers Scott Bartley Steve Peterson Dave Bartley.

With the Can Assist values being equity, community, and hope – the Nyngan branch is a shining beacon to those suffering cancer in the town and surrounding area.

It is true that not all superheroes wear capes – some are just beautiful, kind volunteers that are the backbone of the communities that they live and work in.

Congratulations Nyngan Can Assist on ten years of volunteering.