Ladies Who Lunch supports nurses to support you

“The funds from this event will actually go towards supporting women who are going through cancer in the Goulburn Valley, so the funds will be filtered back into oncology,” GV Health breast cancer support nurse Melissa Gilmour said.

“Last year we bought the scalp cooling machine, and some funds will be going towards helping women, so whether it be fuel vouchers or food vouchers or whatever they need.”

Ms Gilmour said the event attracted a wonderful show of community support.

“To be honest, I was standing in there a moment ago, and I had goosebumps because this sort of event is just amazing to see the community support and the community love and outpouring, but it’s also really amazing to see the community and family and friends getting around those who are going through cancer currently,” Ms Gilmour said.

“The reality is no person, I would say in the Goulburn Valley, is untouched by cancer in some sort of way, shape or form.

“So to see everybody be able to come out and enjoy an event and know that the funds are going back towards those services that are so desperately needed for everybody here, it’s just really quite overwhelming to think about, it's actually quite emotional.”

The Riverlinks Eastbank foyer was filled with bright colours and laughter as excitement swelled before the event began.

“I’m excited for everybody to be able to have an amazing day, and it’s an opportunity for women to get together and actually celebrate one another in all shapes and forms,” Ms Gilmour said.

“It’s just great to see everybody come together, and it will be great to obviously see those funds filtered back into oncology and for those women to get the services and things that they need, hopefully without the added financial pressures.”

One thing Ms Gilmour highlighted was the work of the committee in getting the event together.

“The biggest thing is the committee who are behind this, they put a solid 12 months into it, and all the committee members have just put their heart and soul into today,” she said.

“I just feel that it’s a privilege to work in the area that I work and to be able to help women and people who are going through cancer and to be able to be involved and actually try and make a process as easy as possible.”

GV Health chief executive officer Matt Sharp said he was pleased with how the event turned out.

“I am so impressed by the incredible support of the Ladies Who Lunch community - sponsors, people who attended the event and bought raffle tickets and auction items, the committee and volunteers and others who worked tirelessly to put the event on,” Mr Sharp said.

“Every dollar raised has the power to change the lives of people requiring oncology services at GV Health– so thank you for giving so generously.”

Ladies Who Lunch is an annual community-led fundraiser that supports the GV Health Foundation.

The 2024 event was held on Sunday, October 27.