Led by dedicated volunteers and supported by Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), the Wagga Wagga Prostate Cancer Support Group is calling on the community to start a life-saving conversation this September for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, encouraging local residents to take action to help save lives.
To help raise awareness and demonstrate support for people impacted by prostate cancer, the Historic Council Chambers and the Coat of Arms in Council's Civic Centre forecourt will be lit blue from 14-18 September 2026, in recognition of their journey.
Each year, around 29,000 Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. It's estimated that 1 in 5 men will be diagnosed in their lifetime, with over 79 new cases every single day.
Wagga Wagga Prostate Cancer Facilitator Mike Murray, said "our goal this September is to make sure more people in our community understand the importance of early detection and support.
"We encourage all men over the age of 40 to book an appointment with their GP this month to talk about their testing options. A simple PSA blood test is the first line of defence against prostate cancer and can help save your life".
The Wagga Wagga Prostate Cancer Support Group provides men and their partners with information about prostate cancer, along with valuable support from others who have experienced the disease firsthand. The group meets socially at the Rules Club Wagga on the second Thursday of each month at 6pm, and partners are welcome.
For those wanting additional information about the group or prostate cancer, please contact the group's dedicated mobile number 0466 043 781.
Manager Community Services Madeleine Scully said "community lighting awareness campaigns like Prostate Cancer Awareness Month can start important conversations in our community and help link local residents seeking support to local organisations like the Wagga Wagga Prostate Cancer Support Group."
Community members are also encouraged to access the My Community Directory, which is a free, online platform that Council supports to connect people with local health, medical and community support services available: https://www.mycommunitydirectory.com.au/New_South_Wales/Wagga_Wagga
Local community organisations seeking to promote health or community awareness initiatives by utilising Council's temporary lighting at no cost, are encouraged to lodge a booking request here: Temporary Lighting for Awareness Campaigns | Wagga Wagga City Council
