Volunteer Voice May

National Volunteer Week

On May 8-14, we marked National Volunteer Week – an annual celebration of the incredible work of volunteers across Australia.

Established in 1989, National Volunteer Week is the largest celebration of the nation’s volunteers, providing an opportunity to say thank you and highlight the important role volunteers play in the community.

This year’s theme was Give Happy, Live Happy, exploring research that shows volunteers live happier and healthier lives.

Not only do over 6 million Australian volunteers give happiness to others each year, they are happier as a result.

The benefits of volunteering – five fast facts

  • Volunteers are happier, healthier and sleep better than those who don’t volunteer.
  • 95 per cent of volunteers say that volunteering is related to feelings of wellbeing.
  • Volunteering results in a ‘helper’s high’, a powerful physical and emotional feeling experienced when directly helping others.
  • Just a few hours of volunteering make a difference in happiness and mood.
  • Sustained volunteering is associated with better mental health.

We are grateful to have over 1300 volunteers across the state, giving their time generously to support all Queenslanders affected by cancer.

Our CEO, Chris McMillan, has provided a short video to show our appreciation of your support.

 


Our impact – Regional impact statements

Find out the impact we have made in your region last year.

Cancer Council Queensland’s impact statements are available on our website. They provide an overview of our work in Queensland regions, helping to improve cancer control and reduce the impact of cancer on the community.

This year, we continue to work towards our vision of a cancer free Queensland.

Without your support this would not be possible.

View the impact statements

 

 


Escalating out-of-pocket costs under the microscope

Escalating out-of-pocket costs for cancer treatment will be assessed in Cancer Council Queensland’s latest Everyday Health Survey “Health System Quality & Costs – How High is the Burden?”

The survey seeks to better understand the financial burden faced by thousands of Queensland families every year, and will survey patients and carers across the state to measure the financial impact of a cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Cancer Council Queensland CEO Ms Chris McMillan said the results of this survey will be a key tool in our advocacy efforts ahead of the State Election, highlighting areas of need for greater cooperation between government and leading community-based cancer groups such as CCQ.

“We’re calling on all Queenslanders who have had a direct experience of cancer, and their carers, to speak out on how they have been financially impacted during their diagnosis and treatment,” Ms McMillan said.

“We want to understand how out-of-pocket costs during a cancer diagnosis affect Queenslanders. We have a responsibility to understand any financial burden, and to alleviate it.

“We know many Queenslanders are passionate about lowering the financial impact of a diagnosis – this is their opportunity to have their say and help us provide for people in need.”

If you are aged 18 and over and have experienced cancer as a patient or carer, you are invited to complete the Everyday Health Survey.

Take the survey

 


St Lawrence wins global Relay For Life award

The small Queensland community of St Lawrence have been honoured on an international level for their inaugural Relay For Life event.

In April the St Lawrence Relay earned an Honourable Mention in the Rookie Event category of the 2016 Global Spirit of Relay Awards.

Volunteers were the driving force behind the St Lawrence Relay For Life, which saw 73 members of the local community raise over $20,000 for Cancer Council Queensland, doubling their $10,000 goal.

In January, the event also won an Australia Day award for Community Event of the Year for the Isaac region.

Thank you and congratulations to the wonderful volunteers who made this event possible!

 


A tasty recipe


Whether you are holding an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea or are in need of a treat, make it a tasty affair with one of our delicious recipes.

We have a no-bake cheesecake with figs, vanilla and honey, along with recipes for all occasions and all taste-buds!

Find more recipes

 
If you find a recipe you like, why not try it with friends and family and hold an Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea? It’s not too late to register.

Register