06/08/2026
Last week I had the pleasure of meeting local legends Sherree Conn and Jane McWhirter to learn about two phenomenal volunteer-led organisations here in Coonabarabran that everyone needs to know about - Coonabarabran Cancer Support Group and Palliative 4 People
So first up, the Cancer Support Group is not a support group in the traditional sense of the term. It is a well-maintained resource library of mobility and personal care aids available for short-term loan to members of our community. Important to note that the equipment is made available free of charge to everyone with a need (i.e. whether they have cancer or not). There is no need for a referral, and there is no charge. Simply contact Nicole Hadfield on 0434-202-162 to discuss your needs and go from there.
As shown in the photos, there is a wide range of equipment available - wheelchairs, walkers, hoists, bed and chair raisers, specialised chairs, personal care items and more.
The group is run solely by volunteers and powered by donations. If you would like to contribute in some way, consider going along to their AGM coming up on Thursday 6 August at 4pm.
Jane also explained how the Palliative Care suite at the hospital came to be, and shared photos of this thoughtfully curated resource - a lovely space for both patients and their loved ones.
Impressively, I learned that this resource came about largely from Jane's tenacity and commitment to fundraising $160,000 to make it happen! Her community fundraising efforts to support both of these initiatives didn't stop there - with the recent Coona Lady Golfers day raising $6500!
A lot of the services, events and activities in Coonabarabran exist solely due to their volunteer base, and as I make my way around the community groups I'm seeing a lot of the same faces popping up. The generosity in this town is so very heartwarming (and as a footnote, if you're not already - consider getting involved and contributing to a local group, club or service - it's so rewarding, and so needed and appreciated, and a wonderful way to make new connections and learn new skills) 🥰
