The Koori Knockout is more than a rugby league competition. It is a gathering of community, culture and connection, bringing together Aboriginal people from across NSW to share stories, support one another and celebrate culture on Worimi Country.
At this year's Koori Knockout, Cancer Council NSW connected with community members from across New South Wales, sharing our cancer information resources, supportive care services and cancer prevention and screening programs for people affected by cancer.
Creating space for conversations
Cancer Council NSW Community Manager, Brenna Smith, said community events like Koori Knockout provide an invaluable opportunity to engage with people in a safe and welcoming environment.
"It's really important that Cancer Council has a presence at Aboriginal events such as Koori Knockout," Brenna said.
"It's an important opportunity for us, to be able to raise awareness about our information and support services, along with a number of our cancer prevention programs."
Cancer Council team members engaged with community about cancer, and shared information about available support.
"We also have a range of information that we can share about our practical support services," Brenna said. "We can have a yarn with people about their cancer experience."
Supporting mob through cancer
Aboriginal Health Liaison Worker Margaret Whitson said culturally safe support can make a significant difference for Aboriginal people travelling away from home for treatment.
"I think their biggest role is listening and yarning, making sure that our patients are safe," she said.
"If you're coming off country for treatment, you need support, you need family with you. Cancer Council is of the biggest support services out there for our mob, especially around financial support, housing, accommodation, making sure you're safe when you're travelling down to that hospital for treatment."
Margaret's passion for helping others began after her family went through their own experience with cancer.
"My mum was going through her own cancer journey," she said. "Watching my mum go through her journey and the supports that she didn't have, made me want to make things change."
Health promotion through community
Clinical Nurse Specialist at Hunter New England Local Health District, Steff Cooper said the Koori Knockout creates a unique opportunity to promote health and connect people with support services.
"Koori Knockout is obviously massive for community," she said.
Steff said visibility and connection are key to helping people access support early.
"Having a presence at events like Koori Knockout helps to let our community know who's who in the health promotion space, where to get help and who they can turn to when their health isn't so good, so they are getting the right information and support."
As Margaret put it, the Koori Knockout is ultimately about "family, community coming together", sharing stories, supporting one another and strengthening the health and wellbeing of mob.
