Just over 33 years ago here in Coleambally, a group of concerned locals and invited dignitaries from Wagga Wagga and Narrandera meet in the home of Heather Hogan (a founding member of Coleambally Can Assist) to discuss the need of financial assistance for locals who had been diagnosed with a cancer.
The input from this meeting showed beyond doubt the necessity of assistance required and hence the decision was made to form a Coleambally Branch of Can Assist or formally known as Cancer Patients Assistance Society.
The Inaugural Meeting was held at the Coleambally Bowling Club 2pm on Monday 7th December 1992 with 33 paid up memberships.
From commencement of Can Assist in Coleambally Heather has played an active roll in all aspects, from Presidency, Secretary, attending Regional Meetings and involvement in all forms of fundraising, street stalls, fashion parades, morning teas with guest speakers, bowls days, catering for wakes, Anzac Days and special birthdays.
Heathers presence and input at branch meetings with her knowledge, experience, understanding and sound decision making, is exceptional, and goes a long way in sustaining Can Assists charitable purpose.
Heathers meaningful contribution to Can Assist of over 33 years’ service has shown her dedication, commitment, honour and legacy to this local worthwhile charity.
On the 17th of November of last year Heather was presented with an Honorary Life Membership with a luncheon shared with members, family and friends.
Heather Hogan, Margaret Cobden, Noeline DeMamiel, Beris Lyell and Judy Duffell recipients of the Cultural Award.
Thankyou Heather for your outstanding 33 years of service.
Heather Hogan, Noeline DeMamiel, Beris Lyell, Judy Duffell and Margaret Cobden.
These ladies, our octogenarian volunteers, are members of Coleambally Can Assist, with memberships ranging from 33 to 15 years. They all show incredible dedication, loyalty and commitment with their long-term support and lasting legacy.
These ladies’ makeup the core of our charity, they contribute with assistance in all forms whether it is fundraising with catering (we all know of their wonderful baking abilities and are well renowned in all the surrounding areas for it) for wakes, birthdays, special occasions, fashion parades, bowls days and morning teas with guest speakers. They are always present and willing and ready to be involved, they have specific routines that are meticulously followed, all working in clockwork perfection.
Heather Hogan recipient of Australia Day Award Lifetime Service.
Their presence at branch meetings is highly commendable, their active participation in discussing strategies with considered contributions is meaningful and effective by ensuring good governance by focusing on Can Assists charitable mission.
Thankyou for your unwavering dedication and steadfast commitment to Coleambally Can Assist.
