Cancer patients, their families and carers in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions will now have access to additional cancer support following a successful grant awarded from Woodside to help Cancer Council WA respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our CEO Ashley Reid said the organisation received $72,380 from the Woodside COVID-19 Community Fund which will enable a dedicated Cancer Support Coordinator (via videoconferencing and phone calls) to assist cancer patients and carers who have been impacted by cancer in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions.
"This is the first time Cancer Council WA has been able to provide a dedicated Cancer Support Coordinator (CSC) for the Kimberley and Pilbara regions so we are extremely grateful to Woodside for this opportunity," Mr Reid said.
"Regional Australians have worse cancer outcomes. In Western Australia, if the cancer death rate in the regions was reduced to the metropolitan average, 67 lives would be saved every year. The burden of cancer is also exacerbated for regional Australians.
"Our CSCs are an essential element of Cancer Council WA's support for the regional community. They help provide a rational perspective at a time when nothing makes sense and can assist the client to prioritise their decisions when fear has made it difficult to act or even think straight.
"We know that many people with cancer in the Kimberley and Pilbara communities are unaware of the various help that is available to them, including Cancer Council WA's emotional, financial and physical assistance, so the provision of a dedicated CSC will have an enormous impact.
"Our CSCs in other regions work closely with rural Cancer Nurse Coordinators, local GPs and allied health professionals so we can now continue this collaborative approach to collectively support cancer patients in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions."
Mr Reid said Woodside had shown Cancer Council WA tremendous support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The challenges of being diagnosed with cancer have dramatically increased due to COVID-19, so we thank CEO Peter Coleman and the Woodside staff for their support during this critical time," he said.
"Not only have we been successful with the Woodside COVID-19 Community Fund, the Woodside team have been actively fundraising through virtual and traditional Australia's Biggest Morning Teas, raising $35,000 through employee and corporate donation matching for Western Australians affected by cancer."
Woodside CEO Peter Coleman said the company was proud to offer support through the Woodside COVID-19 Community Fund, which will cover the costs of a dedicated Cancer Support Coordinator for the Pilbara and Kimberley regions.
"Woodside is committed to supporting people in our host communities, particularly those impacted by cancer during these unprecedented times.
"Our employees feel passionate about this cause. Their generosity and willingness to help during this difficult time makes me proud to lead our Woodside team," Mr Coleman said.
