Can Assist recently commemorated a remarkable milestone: celebrating 70 years of assisting country cancer patients across NSW. A special event at NSW Parliament House honoured the volunteers, donors, and supporters who have made seven decades of care possible.

The celebration on October 21 was hosted by David Graham as MC and featured heartfelt speeches from Dr Joe McGirr MP, Can Assist Patron John Colvin, and President Justine Turnbull.

From humble beginnings in 1955, when a small group of Sydney women came together to raise money for cancer patients in need, Can Assist has grown into a statewide network of 57 branches, all powered by volunteers. Every branch is driven by one shared belief — that no one should face cancer alone, no matter where they live.

Today, Can Assist supports more than 4000 country cancer patients every year, helping cover the hidden costs of cancer exacerbated by distance to treatment including travel, accommodation, groceries, utilities, and out-of-pocket medical expenses, so patients can focus on getting well.

Happy 70th birthday, Can Assist.