The walls of the Nyngan Town Hall reverberated with laughter on a Saturday afternoon in early September as 120 members of the community came together for the annual Can Assist ‘High Tea’ which raised over $7000.00 for the cancer patients of Nyngan. 

Celebrating ten years of service to the community, the volunteers put on a magnificent afternoon with amazing food, a stylish fashion parade and informative talk from Rod Crowfoot of Macquarie Home Stay who spoke about the Western Cancer Centre in Dubbo and its positive impact of the lives of Cancer patients around the region.  

The best of the best cooks in Nyngan contributed all the dainty dishes of food and it was all served by volunteer Nyngan Can Assist members. 

Blue Illusion of Dubbo supplied the Clothes for the Parade and kindly donated a $25 gift voucher to all attendees. Local ladies modelled the clothes down the red-carpet catwalk, with a range of vibrant outfits on show.  

“Nyngan ladies have beautiful style already, so it was an honour to take ‘Blue Illusion’ to them.” 

“Can Assist is an organisation I am always happy to be involved in. It really was a standout High Tea event,” said Blue Illusion Dubbo Manager Emma Gilbert.  

Johanna Lane of Nyngan lost her brother Will to stage 4 Glioblastoma in 2020, a fast growing and aggressive brain tumour, sadly losing his battle in 2021.  

“When Can Assist contacted me for a quote to make a celebration cake I instantly said yes. I wanted to donate the cake to support such a wonderful organisation. On the day the event was held Will would have celebrated his 30th Birthday having a drink and fishing by the river, so it made a lot of sense to me to do a cake for Can Assist for their event," said Mrs. Lane. 

The cake created by Johanne Lane for the event.

“This organisation supports and understands what someone is feeling going through a cancer diagnosis and they support not only the person fighting the disease but also their family, right when they need someone there,” she said. 

“The ladies who run and organise Can Assist in Nyngan are one in a million and it’s such a great charity that I would love to help every year,” said Mrs Lane.   

Will McAuliffe lost his life to cancer last year and his sister Johanna was pleased to create a cake to support the Can Assist High Tea. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

Local Creatives Marina Kennedy of Little Canonbar Creations and Rowie Maree Hawley of The Marsh Collection set up with displays of their works for the event. 

I had the pleasure of having my ‘Little Canonbar Creations’ Stall at the Can Assist High Tea. The event run by Lyn Webster and her dedicated team of hardworking volunteers is a credit to all involved. I am sure even if we travelled to Sydney, it wouldn’t be anywhere near the standard as these country ladies have achieved.” Said Mrs. Kennedy. 

“I always look forward to this event and love supporting the community in this way. Congratulations Nyngan Can Assist on 10 years,” she said. 

Rowie Maree Hawley of The Marsh Collection, and Marina Kennedy, Little Canonbar Creations 

Many items were donated by the Nyngan community and handed over to Macquarie Home Stay to use for its visitors and Nyngan Soccer club donated $500 worth of non-perishable items. Local businesses donated items and a painting donated by local artist Jamila Hume was raffled and won by Sarah Williams. 

“It was so great to see everyone back together, and we are grateful as always for our communities support,” said President Lyn Webster. 

According to Ms. Webster “It was a very successful day and will enable many of our local cancer patients a bit more comfort in their times of need. We are very proud to be able to do that.