Cancer Council celebrate 60 years of service and support

After joining the charity in 2003, this oncology nurse said she hasn’t looked back since and hopes more and more people are made aware of the great services Cancer Council offer patients right here in Toowoomba.

60 YEARS STRONG: Toowoomba Cancer Council Queensland volunteer Georgia Hart (left) with CEO Chris McMillan at the 60 year celebrations. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Thanks to generous volunteers like Georgia Hart, Cancer Council Queensland has been able to support patients and loved ones through cancer battles for 60 incredible years.

The Biddeston mother and oncology nurse has been a loyal supporter of the charity since she was named the 2033 Cancer Council nurse of the year, and she hasn’t looked back since.

“I’ve always wanted to be a nurse,” she said.

“As soon as I graduated from school I went to QUT and got my nursing degree, and when I was 19 I started working at the Royal Brisbane in the bone marrow transplant unit within the stem cell unit which was an amazing place to work.

“As a nurse, I know it’s lovely to have the support that Cancer Council provide patients with, and this was a large reason why I chose to become a volunteer.”

Ms Hart volunteers at Cancer Council’s wig and turban fitting service at Olive McMahon Lodge which offers patients a private fitting with a range of wigs and headwear to choose from at no cost.

“It’s a privilege to be part of the patient’s journey in this small yet intimate way as the fittings can be a great way for them to offload and connect with someone who knows what they are going through to some degree,” she said.

Toowoomba Cancer Council Queensland volunteer Georgia Hart (left) and Cancer Council Queensland CEO Chris McMillan at the 60th Anniversary celebrations. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“If I could do one thing it would be to put a magnet on every fridge in Australia with Cancer Council’s number -13 11 20- it is a free, confidential telephone information and support service run by the Cancer Councils in each state and territory and helps put patients and family members in touch with all of the support services and facilities in their region.

“We want all Queenslanders to be aware and have access to the facilities we provide in the hopes that we can continue to support patients for another 60 plus years.”

Ms Hart also helps run the Toowoomba Cancer Support Group which meets at the Cobb and Co Museum every third Thursday of the month from 10-11am.
Everyone is welcome.