Dawson Mine workers and contractors have raised more than $40,000 to help regional families while they access vital cancer treatment.
The funds raised will sponsor four accommodation rooms for 12 months at the Cancer Council Queensland’s Rockhampton lodge where some of the mine’s current and former employees have stayed during their own treatment journeys.
During a fundraiser event last month the mine also unveiled two giant haul truck trays painted in breast cancer pink and prostate cancer blue and emblazoned with the cancer support helpline, to further raise the importance of awareness and avenues for support.
Cancer Council Queensland Regional Manager Bianca Lagaluga, who is based in Rockhampton, said the organisation operated five cancer support hubs across the state, located near treatment centres across metropolitan and regional areas.
She said the hubs offered critical support for cancer patients, as well as their families and carers, by providing a “home away from home” when they needed it most.
“They’re going through a traumatic experience and our main goal is to lessen the burden of that stress by offering accommodation and transport on site.
“Our research shows Queenslanders living in regional and remote parts of Queensland are up to 44% less likely to survive cancer within five years of diagnosis, compared to those in metropolitan areas.
“We know many people may be forced to postpone or refuse treatment because of limited access to cancer support services and it’s so important our help reaches them.
“Our Sponsor a Room program isn’t just about providing accommodation; it’s about giving rural and regional Queenslanders a lifeline when they’re forced to leave their homes.”
Dawson Mine General Manager Matt Stevens said the fundraiser had brought out the best in the teams working at the site and he commended those who braved a head shave and the dunk tank to raise money.
“Cancer touches so many families, including people at our site, and we wanted to make a real difference.
“This is evidence that when it comes to cancer where you live really matters. By using the money raised to sponsor rooms at the Rockhampton Lodge, we’re making it easier for people from Moura and surrounding communities to get the treatment they need without the stress of travelling.
“Our new pink and blue trays on our biggest haul trucks will be highly visible in our operations and send a powerful reminder for our teams to not only get their health checks regularly but remind them support is just a call away if they are struggling themselves.
“It’s a small gesture with, hopefully, a huge ripple effect that sparks conversations and make a difference.”
Lee Butler from Moura was staying at the Rockhampton Lodge during his cancer journey and said he could otherwise be doing a four-hour round trip each day. He said it was fantastic to hear Anglo American would be sponsoring rooms at the lodge where he was staying.
Lee, who worked at Dawson Mine about seven years ago, urged people to have regular health checks.
“If you feel as though something’s not right get checked out, no matter what it is.”
