The Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation (HBCF) provide support for people diagnosed with, or being treated for breast cancer, and for their families.

HBCF is a completely independent not for profit that is 100% community funded. Not affiliated with any other breast cancer charities, they rely solely on the community for funding to enable them to help people in the Hunter and Newcastle.

They offer a range of services such as transport to treatment and fuel cards, house cleaning and lawn mowing, and items such as comfort cushions, wigs, and headwear. Families can access education grants and a ton of resources, including an online wellness hub which focuses on improving mental, physical and emotional health through the guidance and support of professionals.

To support their work, Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) has partnered with HBCF, proudly emblazoning one of its truck trays with the HBCF logo to raise awareness of the organisation and the services they provide. In addition, HBCF will get an agreed donation for every load the partnership truck hauls, paid annually, plus funds from other events throughout the year.

“Being a grassroots organisation, partnerships like these are vital for us,” said Abbey McDonell, HBCF General Manager. “Without the support of our community we would not be able to provide our services. From the donations we receive, to our fundraising events, to partnerships we are creating with organisations such as HVO, these are what keep us operating.”

Abbey explained that while the financial support from HVO is fantastic, the awareness that the partnership brings is equally important.

“Having the truck as a daily visual reminder to everyone working at the mine is invaluable. The more people who know about us, the more people we can help. The partnership also provides opportunities for us to get involved in events that HVO holds throughout the year and allow us to spread our message even further,” said Abbey.

The truck tray was unveiled at a special ceremony on site, where HVO employees also had the opportunity to learn about HBCF and the services they offer. Rosemary Brezmen, who is a HBCF Board Member and Breast Care Nurse at GenesisCare, shared her personal journey with breast cancer to those in attendance.

“I received my first diagnosis in 2014. At the time I had a 14 month old baby and my husband was working as a mining supervisor, often on 16 hour shifts, and so the support I received through HBCF when I was undergoing treatment made a real difference,” said Rosemary.

“I then received a second diagnosis for breast cancer in 2018 and again HBCF were there to support me. That’s why I thought it was important to share my story. To spread the word about the services we offer as so many people don’t know we exist. To have this truck driving past every day ensures they will know where to turn to if the need us.”

HVO General Manager Dave Foster said HBCF is one of five local charity truck partners chosen because they make a positive difference to the health and welfare of the Hunter community.

“Abbey and the team were very receptive to our goal of building a partnership that includes sharing information about breast cancer and available support services with our workforce,” Dave said.

“Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation does great work in our region to support the many women and their families impacted by breast cancer but they too need funding and support,” he said.