Dragons Abreast Wollumbin: Strong Together Through Every Step of the Breast Cancer Journey

For women facing a breast cancer diagnosis, the journey can often feel overwhelming and isolating. Through the support of a TURSA 30yr Anniversary Community Grant, Dragons Abreast Wollumbin Inc has continued to provide connection, encouragement and practical support to women across the Tweed and Northern Rivers region, ensuring that no woman has to face her journey alone.

At the heart of the initiative are the organisation’s care packs, which are distributed through local hospitals and health services. More than simply a collection of resources, these packs are designed to send a powerful message of support and provide a welcoming introduction to the group’s “Healing Together” support network.

Each care pack for women contains:

Invitation to Healing Together support group
Personal letter of support
Head scarf featuring design donated by local Bundjalung artists Rackell Sussyer and Donna Fay
Norther Rivers Cancer Support Services brochure
Details of specialist Bra and Prosthesis fitter
Information about preserving nails during chemotherapy
Locally produced moisturiser and lip balm
Local massage therapists
Breastscreen nail file
Dragons Abreast Wollumbin Brochure

Over the past 12 months, the program has delivered significant outcomes throughout the community. Approximately 100 care packs have been distributed annually through hospitals, while regular monthly and fortnightly meetings have attracted an average attendance of 16 women per session. In total, around 40 women have actively participated in the group’s activities, with a mailing list now exceeding 55 women.

The support offered extends beyond peer connection. Throughout the year, members have benefited from presentations and advice from breast care nurses, massage therapists and specialist bra, prosthesis and swimwear fitters, helping women access practical information and services throughout treatment and recovery.

"The group and the wider group of women have been wonderful to me. Coming for almost a year has allowed me to develop myself away from the pain of diagnosis and treatment, and to be myself as I am now. Your support and the group's belonging have been an important layer in my growth and development post-diagnosis."

Group Member

The organisation’s success has been strengthened through long-term partnerships with a range of healthcare and community organisations, including Tweed Valley Hospital, John Flynn Hospital, the McGrath Foundation, GenesisCare, Bugalwena Aboriginal Health Service, BreastScreen Northern Rivers, Tweed Cancer Care Services, the NSW Cancer Council, Can Assist Tweed Branch and several local allied health providers.

The group’s “Bullungi – Strong Together” artwork will soon be displayed in the treatment waiting room of the Tweed Valley Hospital Cancer Care Unit alongside information about support services available to women with breast cancer. The display will also be featured at GenesisCare Tugun, helping to reach hundreds of women, families and support networks each year.

Further recognition of the group’s impact has come from Dragons Abreast Australia, which has invited the organisation to host a special community screening of the film Conquering Breast Cancer in Murwillumbah on 29 October. The event will raise awareness about breast cancer, encourage early detection, showcase community support options and highlight the role of exercise and activities such as dragon boating in recovery and wellbeing.

The impact of Dragons Abreast Wollumbin extends far beyond the numbers. Through practical support, meaningful connections and a welcoming community, the organisation is helping women and their families navigate one of life’s most challenging journeys with confidence, understanding and hope.

At TURSA, this is exactly why we invest in our communities. Local organisations like Dragons Abreast Wollumbin understand the unique needs of their communities and are creating lasting outcomes through compassion, partnership and grassroots support. By backing initiatives that strengthen wellbeing, promote inclusion and connect people to the support they need, we are helping build healthier, more resilient communities across the regions we serve.

We are proud to have supported Dragons Abreast Wollumbin and the incredible work they do to ensure no woman faces breast cancer alone. Their story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together to support one another

TEL 1800 670 914

Dragons Abreast Wollumbin: Strong Together Through Every Step of the Breast Cancer Journey

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