The Club has helped hundreds of women access vital checks close to home.
As communities across Australia mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Gerringong Bowling & Recreation Club is celebrating the success of a community-led initiative that helped hundreds of women access potentially life-saving breast cancer screening close to home.
The Club independently arranged for the BreastScreen NSW mobile screening clinic to visit the town after identifying a need for easier access to screening services in the region.
Chief Executive Officer Nathan Lawrence said the response exceeded expectations, with more than 300 appointments booked during the clinic’s stay.
“The response has been exceptional,” Mr Lawrence said. “It has been incredibly rewarding to see the strong community uptake and the positive impact the service is having across our region.”
The outcome highlights the importance of early detection, with breast cancer remaining the most common cancer affecting women in NSW and around one in seven Australian women expected to be diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime.
To support participation, Gerringong Bowlo provided a complimentary coffee to everyone who attended a screening appointment.
The Club has also extended its commitment beyond prevention and early detection by donating $2000 to BreastScreen NSW and directing proceeds from its Friday night raffle towards local organisation A Simple Gift of a Bag, which provides care bags for people undergoing breast cancer treatment.
Mr Lawrence said the initiative reflects the Club’s ongoing commitment to identifying community needs.
“By partnering with BreastScreen NSW Gerringong Bowlo has created meaningful partnerships, and supported the health and wellbeing of people throughout Gerringong and the Kiama LGA.”
With only around half of eligible NSW women up to date with their recommended breast screening, the strong local uptake demonstrates the value of bringing health services directly into regional communities.
Mr Lawrence said following the success of the initiative, the Club hopes to make the BreastScreen NSW mobile clinic an annual event.
“It’s about ensuring women throughout Gerringong and the wider Kiama LGA continue to have convenient access to this important health service.”
