Tag Archive for: Southern Highlands

MP Judy Hannan is pushing for a cancer centre in Bowral.

 

Member for Wollondilly Judy Hannan has joined the push for a new cancer treatment and infusion centre at Bowral Hospital and is encouraging local residents to sign a community petition.

Mrs Hannan said the Bowral and District Hospital provided a vital service and had recently been expanded and upgraded to a modern standard.

However, she said, the hospital was still lacking in “sufficient cancer treatment options”, forcing many patients to travel elsewhere.

“The insufficient facilities currently means that some patients undergoing treatment are sent out of the area to Liverpool and Campbelltown hospitals to receive their treatment, creating an additional burden for those who are already unwell,” Mrs Hannan said.

The petition calls on the NSW Legislative Assembly to support calls for a cancer and rare diseases centre at Bowral Hospital.

It says growth in the Wollondilly electorate is placing additional pressure on the service offered at Bowral, Camden and Campbelltown hospitals.

It also says Bowral Hospital “has both the space and scope within the precinct for a cancer and rare diseases centre”.

The petition – open until May 16 this year – has already been signed by almost 600 people.

Mrs Hannan said a new centre would provide “much needed cancer treatment chairs” in Bowral and would provide more cancer treatment options in the Southern Highlands.

She acknowledged the ‘tireless’ advocacy work already undertaken by community groups on the issue including Public Health First, the CWA Wollondilly Group, CanAssist Southern Highlands and Bowral-Mittagong Rotary.

 

8 January, 2026

thesouthernwire.com.au

 

Jenny and her partner Steve moved to the Southern Highlands, after Jenny’s cancer, as she could not tolerate the heat of the Northern Rivers region. Jenny had gone through a year of treatment for breast cancer in 2018, including surgery to remove the lump in her breast, and surgery to remove infected lymph nodes. Then radiation and chemo. Jenny sees herself as a survivor of cancer, even though things are not the same for her – her hair hasn’t all come back (eyebrows, eyelashes), she has lost a bit of hearing, and she is still on treatment (7 pills a day).  

However, two years after they moved, Jenny’s partner was diagnosed with oesophagus cancer. Steve had surgery in Sydney where they removed the oesophagus and stretched the stomach. He then had to eat tiny, tiny portions of food. And he could never lie down again. He had to sit up forever – even sleeping – because everything would just come up to his throat. 

All of Steve’s other treatments were also in Sydney (chemo, radiation and specialist visits) – a four-hour round journey for a very ill patient. But oesophagus cancer is not curable. Steve knew he wasn’t going to live – he died in 2023. So very sad. 

Steve was the one to find Can Assist. Can Assist assisted with the costs of his medication, food vouchers and transport for treatments (all in Sydney). And they even supported Jenny with his funeral. “Can Assist were fabulous in supporting Steve and me and they continue to offer support to me as well”. Jenny now volunteers for Can Assist. 

“Cancer is not something that you just have … and you get over. It’s something for life. And Can Assist is a great platform to fall back on whenever need it”. 

Can Assist Southern Highlands was very fortunate to have been offered ‘The Kaya’ – the magnificent garden of Elaine and Les Musgrave in Wildes Meadow, Southern Highlands, as an Open Garden event on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd of May.  This was a most successful fundraiser for our Branch at a time when we are still bound by Covid 19 restrictions as to the types of events we can hold.

Can Assist marquee stalls sold a large amount of merchandise, from knitted toys, to fresh slices and biscuits, Can Assist labelled candles, tea towels, table mats with serviettes, beautiful cards and a busy BBQ and coffee cart.

The owner generously donated 20% of all sales from her paintings, cards and prints.

We were blessed with beautiful weather. Overall we raised $7,700 for the weekend. A wonderful result.

‘Can Assist Southern Highlands has produced a variety of Can Assist branded  merchandise to sell at the local markets in the towns and villages in the Southern Highlands. We have produced, with the help of some very generous donors: candles, tea towels, calendars, cards, preserves and prints ( for framing) by a local Botanical artist. All merchandise has a Southern Highlands theme: tulips, rural scenes, for example. To date we have raised close to $10,000, which has been very helpful during the Covid restrictions.
We always hold a raffle at our stalls,  and it is amazing at the number of people who buy tickets and donate at the same time via EFTPOS.

Tag Archive for: Southern Highlands

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