An idea born out of a sewing group brought together a crowd of 200 excited women in Nyngan on the weekend for a ‘Long Table’ luncheon raising much needed funds for the local Branch of Can Assist. 

The feeling of joy, comradery, love and solidarity was palpable as they piled through the gate ready for a great afternoon for a fantastic cause.  

Nyngan like many towns has its fair share of cancer patients and the costs they face to seek medical care is overwhelming, add to that a shattering cancer diagnosis, it is all difficult to face. 

Bring on seven super women, who discover one of their own is facing a cancer crisis and next you have an event so anticipated tickets sold out in two days. 

“When you get 200 women together for a great cause like Can Assist you can only expect it to go one way and that is exactly what happened when we gathered at the Nyngan Racecourse on the weekend,” said organiser Marina Kennedy.   

“The atmosphere was electric with champagne flowing, all the gorgeous spring fashions flowing in the breeze under the tall row of gums the perfect day was on its way,” she said. 

“Women young and old from near and far joined us at The Long Table – all with one thing in common – we all know someone going through or have been through the journey of battling cancer, together they gathered to support or to remember their family and friends.” 

“We are so thankful to our beautiful community for getting behind this fabulous event which was just mind blowing. There is a lot that goes on behind the scene with lists to be ticked off until the very day but in the end all the hard work pays off when you see all these women catching up with one another, some who haven’t been back to Nyngan for years, or some who have seen the event on social media and just want to be a part of the wonderful day.” 

“We looked around in awe at the ladies letting their hair down, laughing out loud and dancing and opening up their purses for such a wonderful cause – it was an amazing day,” said Mrs. Kennedy. 

Sue Barclay was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 and is in part the reason for the event. As an honorary member of the sewing group, her illness spurred on the other members to hold the day as a way to help not only Sue but other family and community members that were also struggling.  

With a gruelling schedule of treatment including visits to Sydney for treatment every three weeks for the last sixteen months as well as an operation, intense chemotherapy treatment , an operation and targeted treatment, costs have piled up and according to Mrs. Barclay, this is where Can Assist came to the rescue.  

“We are so blessed with our local Can Assist branch under the leadership of Lynette Webster,” said Mrs. Barclay. “Their kindness and generosity to me and my family during this difficult time has not gone unnoticed and we cannot thank them enough.” 

“They quietly help so many people in need in our community and when it came time to decide where we wanted the funds from ‘The Long Table” to go to – Can Assist was a no brainer.” 

Mrs. Barclay who spoke at the luncheon left not one eye dry as she described her journey, her struggles, her gratitude and her positive outlook to the cancer pathway she is currently on.  

“I am so grateful to my friends and community who have supported me every step of the way,” said Mrs. Barclay. 

“The Long Table luncheon has far exceeded our expectations and we can’t believe what a relaxed and welcoming day it was. It was amazing to see so many empowered women lifting up other women, laughing and embracing the day, while remembering those who have lost their cancer battle and showing support for those fighting each day to overcome the insidious disease,” she said.  

Fashion and Lifestyle guru Maz Saunders was guest speaker on the day and had the crowd in fits of laughter with her relatable country antics and stories about life in the bush as a fashion blogger.  

Maz spoke about the event and the value Can Assist holds in small communities across the nation. 

“Thank you so much to the ‘The Long Table’ for putting on a fantastic day. There wasn’t one of the 200 ladies that attended who didn’t have a smile on their dial.”

“The Committee were raising funds for Can-Assist who are such an important organisation for country people dealing with cancer,” she said. 

“So many connections were made on the day, strangers became mates and dancing partners. The setting the food and the bubbles were amazing and both young and old enjoyed themselves.” 

“Thank you so much to the The Long Table for asking me to speak at your inaugural event, it was both an honour and a privilege to be in the presence of so many strong resilient country women and we can’t wait for next year.”  

PHOTO: Sue Barclay with her family  

With comments like ‘we needed a day like this’ – ‘just the best day ever’ – ‘how good are country communities’ and ‘a day of love and fun all rolled into one’ the committee will be bolstered and ready to start organising the next event. 

“Sadly cancer is the club no one wants to be in,” according to a lady on leaving the event, “but everyone wants to be in this club of loving and supporting one another, sharing good and bad times and being there for one another – a beautiful metaphor for both Can-Assist and Country communities.”