Cancer Council NT eNews - December 2015

CEO Update

Welcome to our December eNews! Congratulations to my staff and our supporters for the wonderful work that we are showcasing in this edition. 2015 has been a very successful year for Cancer Council NT and this has been achieved through the delivery of quality and relevant services to those impacted by cancer in our community.

I know for many that 2015 has been a hard year. I would like to acknowledge the passing of many good people; some were mourned openly by many and some quietly by a few. For the families and friends touched by loss please accept our condolences and empathy with the passing of your loved ones. Our work is a reflection of the community’s care and commitment for those suffering loss and those going through their cancer journey. We are primarily funded from local community contributions – Territorians acknowledging their neighbours need and then enabling practical and positive responses to help them through difficult times. Simply said by Cancer Council NT “You don't have to do this alone, we are here”.

With this in mind we have seen both growth in demand for services as well as the suite of services we offer. This year the Cancer Council NT had over 3,000 contacts with people affected by cancer for information and support. In addition, our health promotion and cancer awareness information reached thousands of Territorians through school based programs, public forums, community events and workplace education. One of the important keys to reducing the impact of cancer is to have a well informed community to encourage early detection and make people aware of ways to reduce their risk. An important way we are increasing our service reach is our continued efforts to build relationships with other health providers and community groups. We aim to work alongside other likeminded people and organisations so a seamless holistic service range can be offered.

Sadly, approximately 700 Territorians are diagnosed with cancer every year and there are 5,000 people living with cancer in our community. Territorians are resilient, resourceful and good willed. Through efforts of golf days, Dry July, road trips, relays, dinner dates, girls night ins, sharing cups of tea, raffles, school fetes, workplace donations and the many other fun events you have created,Cancer Council NT has been able to offer care and support, free of charge or obligation, to some of the these people impacted by cancer. On behalf of all of our clients and on behalf of the Cancer Council NT Board and staff in our offices in Darwin, Katherine and Alice, I say thank you and we look forward to continuing to provide quality, caring and needed services next year.

All the very best for the festive season and for 2016.

Kathy Sadler

CEO, Cancer Council NT