The Lockington Heritage Complex committee was one of more than 19,000 hosting Biggest Morning Teas around Australia this year.
The Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea helps raise money to support research to find a cure and to boost access to screenings.
Community members gathered at the heritage complex on Thursday morning for the event, raising about $500 for the cause.
Committee member Beryl Marshall said the event was well-supported, most likely because cancer is a disease that affects everyone in some way.
“Sandra our catering director, it’s something close to her heart, and so she wanted us to host it,” she said.
“As it’s been said, cancer affects everyone. I myself had a melanoma situation and my husband’s bowel cancer situation — there wouldn’t be anyone here today that hasn’t been affected by cancer.
“As soon as you mention ‘Biggest Morning Tea’, everyone comes, in part to support it, but also to get together to have a cuppa and a good time.”
Two nurses from the Lockington Bush Nursing Centre also attended as the guest speakers for the day.
The nurses shared information about various cancers, such as bowel cancer, prostate cancer, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer and breast cancer.
They also explored the different options for screenings and tests available locally or that could be sought out through the centre.
Guests had plenty of questions for the nurses following their talk regarding the costs of services, who can get them done and about specific cancers.
Lockington nurse and women’s health specialist Priscilla Campbell said the event was a valuable opportunity to inform locals of what services were available to them.
“We just wanted to promote all the facilities we have in terms of all the screening options that are free to most people and the importance of screenings to pick up on cancer,” she said.
“We find that a lot of people aren’t aware of all their options... we've got the options for free breast screenings, cervical screenings, bowel screenings and it's so readily available.”
She added that cancer symptoms could vary, so it’s important to remain proactive.
“Symptoms can be so generalised — there's not one symptom that definitely defines anything,” she said.
“It’s important to know what’s normal for you and then seeking out some professional advice about anything that’s abnormal or different so that you can chat through that and investigate further.”
For more information about the Lockington Bush Nursing Centre’s services, contact 03 5486 2544 or email admin@ldbnc.org.au
To donate to the cause or to find an event near you, visit https://tinyurl.com/4hzfsj22