Cancer Council NSW has launched its newest Transport to Treatment service, supporting people affected by cancer across the Tweed and Byron Shire areas.
The service was launched at the Tweed Valley Hospital, which has expanded cancer services since relocating and opening in 2024. With radiation therapy now added to the hospital's suite of cancer treatments, the demand for reliable transport to and from appointments in the region has significantly increased.
Supporting regional communities when it matters most
Accessing cancer treatment can be particularly challenging for people living in regional and rural communities. Long distances, limited transport options and the financial and emotional burden of travel can compound the impact of a cancer diagnosis.
"This service aims to meet the needs of eligible patients living in regional and rural areas in the Tweed and Byron Shires," said says Caitlyn Feldmann, Community Lead at Cancer Council NSW.
"Access to transport can be difficult in these communities, therefore compounding the impact of cancer. We thank our volunteer drivers who will be supporting this service - without them, none of this would be possible."
Across NSW last year alone, Cancer Council provided more than 16,500 Transport to Treatment trips, ensuring fewer people had to delay or miss treatment due to transport barriers.
A full circle moment: Terry's story
Helping celebrate the launch of the Tweed Transport to Treatment service was the inaugural volunteer driver, Tweed Heads local Terry.
For Terry, volunteering is deeply personal. In 2021, he was diagnosed with bone cancer and suddenly found himself navigating an overwhelming and uncertain time. While still processing his diagnosis, Terry was told he needed a specialist surgeon located seven hours away from home.
The distance made his treatment plan more complex, adding delays, extensive paperwork and significant stress. On top of this, COVID lockdowns and restrictions created even more barriers to accessing critical treatment.
After a friend suggested he contact Cancer Council, Terry picked up the phone without knowing what kind of help was available.
"Cait and her team took an incredible amount of pressure off me and left me with the responsibility of being a good patient and recovering as quickly as possible," Terry says.
Coordinated care
Cancer Council supported Terry every step of the way, coordinating flights between Ballina and Newcastle, organising accommodation, and arranging for a volunteer driver to collect him from the airport and take him to appointments.
Despite the added challenges of isolation requirements during COVID, Terry felt deeply supported - so much so that he knew he wanted to give back once he recovered.
Terry was Cancer Council's first volunteer driver for the Tweed Transport to Treatment service, helping others facing the same challenges he once experienced.
Volunteer drivers: the heart of the service
Transport to Treatment volunteer drivers are truly the heart of this service. Without their generosity, kindness and dedication, Cancer Council would not be able to help so many people affected by cancer access life‑saving treatment.
For cancer information and support call Cancer Council's 13 11 20 Information and Support line.
