A prostate cancer awareness event has been held at Davistown RSL by the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, Bayer Australia, and Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP.
The Central Coast Big Aussie BBQ was attended by around 150 men, their partners and friends wanting to know more about prostate cancer.
Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP, said the event was a huge success.
“The Central Coast has some of the highest rates of prostate cancer in the country and the purpose of this BBQ was to bring together men and their partners to educate them on the importance of getting checked for the disease”, Dr Reid said.
“The conditions on the day could not have been any better and the Davistown RSL put on a magnificent BBQ and spread”.
“There was an opportunity to ask health professionals questions about prostate cancer and have any concerns about the disease quelled”, Dr Reid said.
“Due to the success of this BBQ, I plan on organising, in partnership with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, another prostate cancer awareness event on the Peninsula in the new year”.
“Men often do not talk about their health issues, so I think it is important to provide a safe space for men of all ages to access information on health matters and have any questions answered”, Dr Reid said.
“BBQs like this are great platforms for men to get to socialise with other men who might be going through similar circumstances – helping ease mental health and discussing shared experiences”.
PCFA Life Force Volunteer Presenter, Mr David Golding of Saratoga, has explained the importance of awareness.
“Many thanks to Dr. Gordon Reid MP, Bayer, Davistown RSL and most importantly to everyone who attended the recent PCFA Big BBQ last week”, Mr Golding said.
“It really meant a lot to me, especially as a resident of Saratoga”.
“In 2008, at the age of 53, I received a diagnosis of prostate cancer. This led me to undergo a radical prostatectomy, which saved my life”, Mr Golding said.
“However, during my journey, I noticed a distinct lack of information and awareness regarding prostate cancer in the community. In response, I made the decision to become a volunteer Ambassador and advocate for the disease with PCFA”.
“Recently, I have also joined PCFA's new Life Force Community Speaker program. In my spare time, I dedicate myself to visiting workplaces and community groups across the Central Coast to share more about prostate cancer and my personal story. My goal is to inspire men to act and prioritise their health”, Mr Golding said.
“As someone who has survived prostate cancer, it is my mission to ensure that all men have the opportunity for early diagnosis and access to the necessary information and support to navigate their own diagnosis and beyond”.
“If you would like to have a confidential conversation and help, please feel free to call the PCFA 1800 220 099”, Mr Golding said.
To be involved in the next Central Coast Big Aussie BBQ, please contact my office on (02) 4322 2400 or email [email protected]
For more information about the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, visit: https://www.pcfa.org.au/
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