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.
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.
