The healthcare challenges faced by regional Australians have been well documented – and it’s not a new issue by any stretch of the imagination.
Almost 70 years ago, the Cancer Patients Assistance Society, now known as Can Assist was formed to help patients in regional and rural areas of NSW access cancer treatment in Sydney.
From Vision to Action: Can Assist's Evolution in Cancer Care
The founder, Mrs Mona Campbell Ham MBE, had a vision of subsidising travel and accommodation for patients who encountered financial distress, as well as supporting their families.. In the 1950s, all three radiotherapy units in NSW were within four kilometres of each other in Sydney, meaning that, to receive radiotherapy treatment in NSW, people had to travel to the state capital.
Today, there are 57 regional branches of Can Assist, run by more than 3000 volunteers in regional towns and cities including Dubbo, Mudgee, Wagga Wagga, Tamworth, Gunnedah and Armidale, all of which are supported by Can Assist’s head office in Sydney.
In addition to providing support services, Can Assist continually advocates for better regional and rural health outcomes, and develops and delivers new ways of supporting people affected by cancer.
In addition to providing support services, Can Assist continually advocates for better regional and rural health outcomes, and develops and delivers new ways of supporting people affected by cancer.
Each regional branch holds several fundraising events across the year, with the funds raised staying locally to support people living with cancer. In 2023, $2.4m of financial assistance was provided to regional and rural NSW, and more than $10m has been provided over the past five years.
Through our Community Partnership program, Regional Australia Bank proudly supports the work of Can Assist, recognising the vital role the organisation plays in supporting and advocating for equitable healthcare in regional Australia.
“Our mission is to assist rural families affected by cancer by providing accommodation, financial and practical support while building community-based volunteer networks and raising awareness of inequities facing country people,” says Mona
“Our values of equity, integrity, community and hope are the building blocks of our work.”
The biggest challenge the organisation has is to educate the community about what Can Assist can do and how they can help – often having to rely on the medical system to spread the word. By being part of our Community Partnership Program, we hope to be able to help raise awareness of the services Can Assist can offer – helping make things just that little bit easier throughout an incredibly testing time.
If anyone is interested in joining our local branch, please make contact via our email address. If you require additional information regarding Can Assist, please visit via email or visit www.canassist.org.au.
