Special Interest Matter - Cancer Council Tasmania's 2023-24 Impact Report

Tuesday 26 November 2024

[11.26 a.m.]

Ms ARMITAGE (Launceston) - Mr President, today I am speaking about the incredible work done by the Tasmanian Cancer Council. This is not the first time I have stood in this place to speak about the vital work it does, and it probably will not be the last. It never fails to amaze me with the exceptional services it provides to the community, to cancer patients, their families and their loved ones.

Last month, the Cancer Council released its 2023-24 Impact Report. This is intended to be a snapshot of the work that is done to reduce the incidence and the impact of all cancers on all Tasmanians.

Most Tasmanians, over the course of their lives, are touched in some way or another by cancer. Even if you are not diagnosed with cancer, it is near certain that you will know, love and potentially undertake care for someone with cancer. In my own case, my father passed at the age of 60 from bowel cancer. Cancer does not discriminate and it does not care. It is a significant equaliser. No matter who you are, where you come from, how educated you are, how much money you have, how happy or unhappy you are, cancer uncovers the existential fear that lies deep within each and every one of us. Even if it is not fatal, treatment can be invasive, and it can make you extremely ill.

In the latest impact report, the Cancer Council focuses on the word 'courage', to describe its previous year. The report states courage (ok)

… is a word that means different things to different people … that resonates with the Tasmanians impacted by a cancer diagnosis that show strength in the face of uncertainty, pain or grief.

It's a word that also resonates for Cancer Council Tasmania because it speaks to the passion and the commitment of our people to deliver upon our Mission, at a time in history that will be remembered as extremely challenging, largely, because of the economic environment and cost of living pressures.

This is why it is important to note what Cancer Council Tasmania has done for those who are living with or affected by cancer. Over the past 12 months, through the generous support of the Tasmanian community, it has been able to provide free of charge individual support to 2117 Tasmanians through 4278, one-on-one supportive care sessions. It has delivered support group sessions to over 2400 Tasmanians. It has provided 212 wigs to those who experienced hair loss due to their treatment. It has distributed 400 financial assistance payments to families experiencing financial distress. It has awarded 24 educational scholarships to young Tasmanians impacted by a cancer diagnosis. It has completed more than 7000 transport-to-treatment trips across 185 different Tasmanian suburbs and towns to ensure that 598 Tasmanians could access their cancer treatment. It has delivered over 40 community presentations on how to reduce the risk of cancer, including working with our community sector colleagues in priority populations. It has distributed 7100 pieces of resources for anyone seeking information about cancer. It has invested more than $7 million into cancer research since its work commenced almost 30 years ago.

These things make a difference to people. They have the power to drastically improve and even change people's lives.

Of course, this is in addition to the incredible work that is done to raise money, which engages our communities to come together, feel less alone and even have a bit of fun. The Relay for Life, the Women's 5km Walk/Run, Australia's Biggest Morning Tea, as well as the gala events that happen all over the state are all opportunities for people to raise money and make a difference. I am very proud of the work that has been done by the Cancer Council over the past 12 months and I look forward to what is in store for the next year.