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Yass Winter 2026 Highlights

Cliftonwood Stalls

We have reached a major milestone here in Yass Valley. This month we have now paid out over $1,000,000 in patient payments since  Can Assist’s inception in the  Yass Valley. We are so grateful to our volunteers who offer so much of their time., We feel very proud and honoured and will certainly find a way of celebrating this great achievement.

 Preparations are underway for our major fundraiser for the year – Can Assist at Cliftonwood – A Family Fun Day Out. Volunteers are busy organising stalls, activities, live entertainment, Devonshire teas and plenty more. Our Mayor has kindly agreed to be part of the day by getting the locals to “Guess the Mayor’s Weight” in coins with posters and collection tins at the local shops. If you’d like a fun day in Yass come and join us on Saturday 7 November, 2026.

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Wagga Wagga Winter 2026 Highlights

Annual Trivia Night – Another Great Success!

Our annual Can Assist Trivia Night was held at the Wagga RSL on 17 July, and what a fantastic night it was!

Gerry & lucky winner


Deb & another winner

Volunteer Emma presenting another prize.

 

We were thrilled to have a sell-out crowd, with everyone enjoying a fun-filled evening of trivia, laughter and friendly competition. Thanks to the wonderful support of our community, the night raised over $14,000, which will help Can Assist continue supporting local people and families affected by cancer.

 

Ian our MC

Robyn our Raffle ticket seller for the night.

There were plenty of fabulous prizes on offer, all generously donated for the evening. A huge thank you to the businesses, organisations and individuals who contributed prizes and helped make the night such a success.

Our Vice President, Ian Mott, did a wonderful job as MC for the evening.

Deb & Gerry receiving the donation from AHA at the Union Club Hotel Wagga.

 

On 21 July, Wagga Can Assist was delighted to receive a generous donation of $10,000 from the Australian Hotels Association.

Deb, Gerry and Robyn attended the presentation at the Union Club Hotel, where they proudly accepted the cheque on behalf of Wagga Can Assist.

We sincerely thank the Australian Hotels Association for their wonderful support and generosity. This donation will help Can Assist continue to provide much-needed assistance to local people and families affected by cancer.

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Blayney Branch Autumn 2026 Highlights

Members of Southern Cross Cutting Horse Sports Present an oversized cheque members of Blayney Shire Can Assist

Blayney Shire Can Assist would like to acknowledge and thank the Southern Cross Cutting Horse Club for their generous donation of $10 138.10 raised as part their Easter event. The funds were raised through the Pink Cutting Event, a highly anticipated feature equestrian event dedicated to promoting cutting horses while raising funds and awareness for women’s cancer.

Blayney Shire Can Assist recently received this donation after being presented with the oversized cheque at the event. Pictured receiving the cheque from members of the Southern Cross Cutting Horse Club are the Can Assist President and one of the Events Coordinators. Blayney Shire Can Assist provides confidential assistance to members of the local community with a Cancer Diagnosis and all money raised in the Blayney Shire is used to support local people. Many thanks go to the Southern Cross Cutting Horse Club for an amazing donation.

 

Team FML – Michael Parfett (Farmer), Wayne Taylor (Miner), Shane Cunningham (Lawyer)

What Does a Farmer, a Miner & a Lawyer have in Common?

These three men have a commitment to helping others in the Blayney Shire by raising awareness and money for Blayney Shire Can Assist as they take on the challenge of the Massive Murray Paddle. The Massive Murray Paddle is a 415km kayak race running over 5 days from 16 – 20 November 2026. Michael Parfett, Wayne Taylor and Shane Cunningham will participate in this gruelling event starting at Yarrawonga and finishing at Koondrook (the second longest kayak race in the world) later this year and they will raise funds for Blayney Shire Can Assist while paddling the great Murray River. Michael Parfett, who has completed this challenge before, said, “It was the most difficult thing I have ever done, but definitely the most rewarding.” If you would like to donate to their cause you can do here

Blayney Shire Can Assist would like to thank Team FML – Michael Parfett (Farmer), Wayne Taylor (Miner) and Shane Cunningham (Lawyer)- and their support crew for their generosity in raising money and the profile of Blayney Shire Can Assist.  We wish you all the best in this amazing event.

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Deniliquin Rams raise $4000 for Can Assist

The final tally from the Deniliquin Rams Football Netball Club’s Ladies Day fundraiser is in.

The club last week announced that it had donated $4000 to Deniliquin Can Assist as a result of the May event.

A big crowd turning out for an afternoon of nibbles, cocktails and champagne before the footy.

One of the highlights was the major raffle, packed with prizes generously donated by local businesses.

“Together, we raised an incredible $4000 for our local Can Assist Deniliquin branch, with every dollar staying local to support families in our community,” the club said.

“Thank you to everyone who got behind Ladies Day.

“This incredible result is a reflection of the generosity, spirit and strength of our club and our community.”

All funding donated to Deniliquin Can Assist helps local families cover the costs associated with cancer treatment, including travel, accommodation and everyday living expenses.

Aug 10, 2026

sheppnews.com.au

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Narrandera Can Assist receives final cheque

The century old Narrandera Show Society, formed in the 1880s as the Narrandera Pastoral and Agricultural Society has been forced to close.

It has now donated the $25,000 left in its account to a very worthy recipient Narrandera Can Assist.

Spokeswoman Sandra Hornbuckle said the group had tried three times to call a meeting without success as only one person volunteered to help keep the show going.

“The third meeting was a crisis meeting and despite posters, internet posts etc no one attended,” she said.

Narrandera Show was one of the region’s longest-running cultural institutions.

For over 140 years, it hosted the annual agricultural and industrial show at the Elizabeth Street Narrandera Showground in Elizabeth Street.

The first Narrandera Show was held in September 1882 and was described by The Sydney Morning Herald as a great success.

 

30 July 2026

arr.news

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Can Assist Finley honors Blighty Football Netball Club

Can Assist Finley branch members Jill Braybon and Cherilyn Taig recently attended a Thursday night training session at the Blighty Football Netball Club to hand over a certificate of appreciation.

It was presented to vice president Al Nicholls and executive member George Reid to say thank you for the generous $2000 donation the club made to Finley Can Assist.

The donation was much appreciated by Can Assist as it allows the group to continue supporting local community clients on their cancer journey.

Jul 30, 2026
sheppnews.com.au

Can Assist Harden Celebrates 25 Years of Compassion and Community Support

Harden Celebrates 25 Years

More than 80 guests gathered at the Harden Country Club on Saturday, 18 July, to celebrate 25 years of Can Assist Harden-Murrumburrah supporting local people affected by cancer.

Originally part of the Young/Boorowa/Harden branch, the Harden-Murrumburrah branch was established in 2001 after local community members recognised the need for dedicated support closer to home. Inspired by Monica O’Connor’s family’s experience with cancer, founding members including Brian Dunn, Nikki Bolger, Chris Manchester and Monica O’Connor helped create a branch that has since become a lifeline for countless local families.

O’Connor Family

Over the past 25 years, the branch has raised vital funds through community events including golf and bowls days, trivia nights, Dancing with the Locals, black-tie balls, bike rides and even an Elvis Night. A generous bequest from Patricia and Graham Kemp also helped establish the much-loved Corridor of Life parkland in Murrumburrah.

Julie and Peter O’Connor

The anniversary celebration featured entertainment by Julie and Peter O’Connor, heartfelt speeches from Tim O’Connor, Steph Cooke MP, Richard Moffat from Lillier Lodge and Monica O’Connor, and the draw of a 25th birthday raffle with more than $15,000 in prizes.

Organising Committee

A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of Life Membership to founding member and long-serving voluntary medical adviser Nikki Bolger, recognising her outstanding commitment and compassionate care over the past quarter century.

Harden Life Members

The branch’s impact has grown significantly, with annual assistance increasing from $1,685 in 2001 to more than $63,000 in 2025, helping ensure local people can access cancer treatment without facing the journey alone.

Reflecting on the milestone, Treasurer Maryanne Fitzgerald said, “I am so proud of everything our branch has achieved in the past 25 years and what we continue to offer to our community.”

Harden Life Member

The celebration was a fitting tribute to the volunteers, supporters and donors whose generosity has made 25 years of local cancer support possible – and a reminder that, thanks to Can Assist Harden-Murrumburrah, no one has to face cancer alone.

Volunteers Make the Difference

Graham Besley (Junee), Fiona Rynehart (Junee), Fran Ellis (Dubbo), Elizabeth Cowled (Junee)

Can Assist simply couldn’t do what it does without volunteers.

Across country NSW, volunteers are at the heart of Can Assist. They raise funds, organise events, provide local support and help ensure people affected by cancer can access assistance when they need it most. Their contribution goes far beyond the hours they give—it makes a real difference to the lives of local patients and families.

A key message from the 2026 NSW Volunteering State Conference was that volunteers bring much more than their time. They contribute compassion, experience, skills and strong community connections that help people feel supported during some of life’s most difficult moments.

The conference also highlighted a challenge facing many community organisations: attracting and retaining volunteers. As communities change, people are looking for flexible opportunities, clear roles, good support and a meaningful sense of purpose.

For Can Assist, every volunteer matters.

Whether you can help at fundraising events, join a branch committee, share professional expertise or volunteer a few hours each month, there is a place for you in the Can Assist network.

The conference’s strongest message was simple: volunteers make the greatest impact when they feel connected to a purpose. At Can Assist, that purpose is ensuring no country person faces cancer alone.

Could you be part of that mission?

Now is a great time to get involved. Whether you live in the country or the city, you can help make a meaningful difference. By joining your local branch—or the Sydney Branch, which supports people facing cancer across country NSW—you can help ensure patients and families receive the support they need.

Sign up here!

Every volunteer brings something valuable, from local knowledge and fundraising skills to professional expertise and a willingness to help. Together, Can Assist volunteers are ensuring no one in country NSW has to face cancer alone.

A Decade Of Skilful Service – Acknowledging Cathy Corderoy

Cathy Corderoy

For almost a decade, Cathy Corderoy has brought exceptional commitment, wisdom and generosity to the Can Assist Board.

A Chartered Accountant with deep professional experience, Cathy has been an invaluable steward of Can Assist’s finances and governance. As Chair of the Board’s Finance, Audit & Risk Committee, she has provided careful oversight, sound judgement and practical financial management tools that have strengthened our organisation. Her willingness to ask the important questions, and work patiently toward the right answers, has helped Can Assist navigate change while protecting the confidence of our Branches, donors and the communities we serve.

Cathy’s contribution has extended well beyond financial oversight. She has served as Board Secretary and remained a steady and trusted presence through changes in leadership, systems and strategy, as well as the establishment of many wonderful new Branches. Throughout, she has brought a valuable understanding of both the responsibilities of the Board and the realities faced by volunteers in country communities.

That understanding comes from lived experience. Raised on a farm near Moree, Cathy worked across regional NSW and became a partner in a Moree accounting firm. She has also served as Treasurer of the Can Assist Moree Branch, undertaken several pro bono accounting roles and volunteered in Tonga as a Finance Adviser to a health-promotion organisation. Even her volunteering reflects her breadth and warmth: alongside supporting aged-care financial management, Cathy taught art classes for residents.

Cathy’s service has been thoughtful, practical and deeply grounded in community. She has given Can Assist not only her considerable professional expertise, but also her time, compassion and unwavering belief in local people helping local people.

On behalf of the Board, our staff, Branches, volunteers and the thousands of country cancer patients supported during her tenure, we thank Cathy for her extraordinary contribution and the enduring legacy she leaves at Can Assist.

Can Assist Branch Leadership Conference: Supporting More People, Earlier

Volunteers from our network of 60 branches across country NSW came
together for the Can Assist Branch Leadership Conference at the Sydney Swans HQ.

The Can Assist Branch Leadership Conference highlighted what makes the organisation unique: local communities supporting local people through some of life’s toughest challenges.

With around 15,000 new cancer diagnoses across regional and rural NSW each year, many patients and families continue to face significant barriers, including travel for treatment, accommodation costs, lost income and limited access to services. In his keynote address, Dr Joe McGirr, Independent Member for Wagga Wagga and Chair of the NSW Parliamentary Select Committee on Remote, Rural and Regional Health, described Can Assist as “the premier grassroots organisation for cancer care in New South Wales … a beacon of hope.” While cancer treatments continue to improve, he emphasised that practical community support remains essential.

Dr Joe McGirr and Daniel Ashton – President Can Assist Tweed

A key focus for Can Assist is ensuring people are connected to support earlier in their cancer journey. Early assistance can help reduce financial pressure and ease the burden of travel and treatment-related costs before challenges become overwhelming. Achieving this requires stronger partnerships with GPs, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, discharge planners and specialist teams, while also increasing community awareness so more people know help is available.

This theme of early intervention was reinforced throughout the conference. Daniel Ashton, Aboriginal Health Performance and Project Analyst with Northern NSW Local Health District and President of the Tweed Can Assist Branch, highlighted the importance of awareness and timely referrals, noting that some people still miss out on support because they are not connected soon enough.

To better support branches and volunteers, Can Assist is investing in new systems and technology, including Grassrootz, Xero, Square and HubSpot. These tools will streamline fundraising, payments and communications, reducing administration and allowing volunteers to spend more time supporting local patients and families.

Sustaining a strong volunteer network is another priority. As many communities face challenges recruiting and retaining volunteers, Can Assist is working to provide clearer roles, improved onboarding, stronger engagement and more consistent support to help branches remain active and effective.

The organisation is also simplifying governance, privacy, cyber security and compliance requirements. Practical resources, streamlined processes and ongoing support are helping volunteers manage these responsibilities with confidence while staying focused on supporting people affected by cancer.

The conference also recognised the vital contribution of partners, sponsors, donors and volunteers. Long-term supporters such as Essential Energy understand that the impact of cancer extends far beyond treatment, and that practical assistance with travel, accommodation, food and everyday living costs can make a meaningful difference for families during a difficult time.

Together, these initiatives are strengthening the Can Assist network and ensuring every donation, fundraising effort and volunteer contribution delivers the greatest possible impact.

The conference message was clear: by building on local strengths, improving support systems and working together across the network, Can Assist can reach more people earlier and continue making a significant difference for communities across country NSW.