Member for Davidson, Jonathan O’Dea has welcomed funding of cancer initiatives which will have life-saving benefits for the community.
Mr O’Dea said, for example, Surfing NSW will receive $40,000 for the provision of shade structures and marquees for use by surfing schools and at special events.
Over $28,000 has been allocated to the Cancer Council NSW and NSW Surf Life Saving Clubs to provide 24 portable shade structures for club members, spectators, officials and the broader community.
Mr O’Dea said, “The Evidence to Practice Grants Program, coordinated by the Cancer Institute NSW, assists organisations like Surf Life Saving Clubs to establish programs which target those who are at higher risk of cancer.
“Among numerous other projects, $100,000 is allocated to promote breast screening of Sri Lankan and Indian women.
“The earlier cancer is detected the better the outcomes for the patient and their loved ones and these grants go a long way to helping us to better protect ourselves against the spread of cancer,” he said.
“Sadly there are few of us who can say our lives have not been touched by cancer and it is vital we all do what we can to reduce the burden of cancer.
“Battling cancer is one of the hardest things a person can face in their lifetime and I’m pleased to see the NSW Government is supporting preventive initiatives in our area.”
Health Minister, Jillian Skinner said funding of almost $800,000 is being invested into localised cancer prevention and early detection programs which will reduce the impact of the disease across communities in NSW.
Chief Cancer Officer and CEO of the Cancer Institute NSW, Professor David Currow said the grants are vital in targeting hard to reach communities where we can make big improvements in cancer outcomes.
Mr O’Dea said, “These grants allow groups to be engaged in a way that will allow us to make real change, whether that be through providing shade at locations where children and young people are exposed to the sun, or in offering breast screening for targeted audiences such as Sri Lankan and Indian women."
