POLITICS
Albanese Government acts to reduce costs of breast cancer treatment
with Michelle Rowland MP
Like many Australians , breast cancer awareness is a cause close to my heart . It ’ s the most commonly diagnosed cancer amongst women , with around 57 Australians diagnosed every day .
Concerningly , over half of women aged 50 to 74 in Western Sydney are overdue for a mammogram .
A couple of weeks ago I held my annual Greenway Pink Ribbon morning tea in The Ponds . There , our community gathered to raise funds and awareness for the National Breast Cancer Foundation , and it was our most successful pink ribbon event to date .
We shared pink treats from Premium Lovely Sweets in Kings Park over cups of tea . We heard from the director of BreastScreen NSW , and
Michelle chatting with locals who attended the morning tea in The Ponds . thanks to the help of the Lions Club we raised over $ 3,500 for the cause .
And , we had BreastScreen NSW in attendance so guests could book their free mammograms on the spot . We did all of this because we share the same vision : to achieve zero deaths from breast cancer in Australia .
The Albanese government shares this vision too . That ’ s why I ’ m so pleased that since 6 November , women diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer have access to new treatment through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme .
As the Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler , said women battling metastatic cancers can pay up to $ 425,000 per course of treatment . Thanks to the government ’ s listing , these women will only have to pay a maximum of $ 30 per script .
Earlier this month the Government also introduced the Medicare rebate for genetic testing of breast cancer to assist with earlier detection .
Together with our community , businesses , volunteer organisations and government , we are collectively making a real difference to breast cancer awareness and bringing breast cancer deaths closer to zero .
I ’ m so proud to represent a community in Greenway and a government who see this as a priority .
MESSAGE
with Tony Bleasdale OAM Mayor Blacktown City
Council ’ s Blacktown Exercise , Sports and Technology Hub ( BEST ) is now open at the Blacktown International Sports Park in Rooty Hill .
BEST is fully funded by Blacktown City Council . We have made a $ 100 million investment in the health and future of the community of Blacktown City and Western Sydney .
I am proud that BEST delivers world class facilities that take community wellbeing , activity , and sport to a new level . It ’ s a game changer for our community .
BEST is also the perfect place for a catch-up , a leisurely coffee or lunch , a pit-stop during a cycle or adventure walk . At BEST everyone can play , with the most exciting playground for children , designed to improve physical , psychological , social and cognitive skills .
Our brand-new allweather playing field gives locals a place to play all the games they love .
As soon as you step inside this one-of-a-kind building , you ’ ll see why it has been referred to as the future of Australian sports .
With our partners in higher education , health , sports
FROM THE
MAYOR
medicine , research and high-performance sport , Council will help drive positive health and sporting outcomes for the Blacktown City community .
At BEST our community can be active and healthy .
BEST is our jewel in the crown for our sporting community with sports medicine and education , rehabilitation and training facilities .
It is also the catalyst for major redevelopment and enhancement of the Blacktown International Sports Park , setting it up to serve Western Sydney for a generation to come .
Come and see for yourself - this amazing facility must be seen to be believed . Council will transform the Blacktown International Sports Park into Australia ’ s most innovative and integrated sports , health and education precinct .
The Australian Catholic University ( ACU ) Exercise and Sports Science and High-Performance Sport programs is based at BEST . I welcome too , our other partners : Sydney West Sports Medicine , AFL NSW , WentWest , and Delaware North .
Walk , run or cycle in , I am delighted to be able to welcome you to BEST .
18 ISSUE 33 // DECEMBER 2023 MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS ! theindependentmagazine . com . au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT