Cultural Award – Can Assist members

Mayor Ruth McRae OAM, Lifetime Achievement Award recipients Christine Chirgwin and Heather Hogan (Can Assist Coleambally) and ambassador Geoff Coombes.

This acknowledges some very special members of Coleambally Can Assist – Heather Hogan, Noelene DeMamiel, Beris Lyell, Judy Duffell, and Margaret Cobden.

These remarkable octogenarian volunteers, with a combined age of more than 400 years, have been part of Can Assist for between 15 and 33 years each.

Their dedication, loyalty, and commitment form the very heart of our charity.

Whether it’s fundraising, catering for wakes, birthdays, special events, fashion parades, bowls days, or morning teas with guest speakers, they are always ready to contribute – and we all know of their famous baking!

Beyond their hands-on support, they bring wisdom and insight to the branch meetings, helping guide strategies and ensuring Can Assist continues to focus on its charitable mission.

Their contribution is truly a lasting legacy and an inspiration to us all.

Heather Hogan led a discussion with a group of concerned locals just over 33 years ago about the need for financial support for residents diagnosed with cancer. This meeting led to the formation of the Coleambally branch of Can Assist, formally the Cancer Patients Assistance Society, with the inaugural meeting held at the Bowling Club on 7 December 1992.

From the very beginning, Heather has been a driving force behind the branch, serving as President and Secretary.