The Sutherland Shire Cancer Support Group is no longer homeless.
The group was formed in 1993 and provides emotional comfort and support and practical information to people facing the challenges presented by a diagnosis of cancer.
Late last year, group members were told that the venue where they had met for the past 23 years at Our Lady Star of the Sea parish hall, Miranda was no longer available as it was needed for church activities.
Sutherland Shire Cancer Support Group Inc committee president Doug Parkes, 75, a cancer survivor of almost 16 years, sent out an urgent plea through The Leader in January for a suitable venue to hold its meetings.
“The response to that article was overwhelming,” Mr Parkes said.
“I was contacted by church groups, a Sutherland Councillor, Sutherland Council officers, The Hub Caringbah, Cronulla Revive Church, Lithuanian Retirement Village Yarrawarrah, Jannali Uniting Church, hotels, Scout and Guide groups and many private individuals who made contact to recommend various venues.
“Particularly helpful was several Anglican Churches, Sutherland Shire B Ward councillor Tracy Cook, the Revive Church at Cronulla, Tradies and Cronulla RSL Club.
‘’In the end, our committee considered 58 venues and I visited 36 of them to check their facilities. Most venues were too expensive for a not-for-profit and volunteer-run group such as ours.
‘’We short-listed five venues. It was a difficult choice.
‘’We now meet at the Salvation Army Church, 23 Kiora Road, Miranda, each Tuesday morning at 10am until midday.
“Our group is co-ordinated and guided by a social worker provided by Sutherland Hospital.
“We provide emotional and practical support for those who have cancer, have had cancer or are caring for someone with cancer.
“The philosophy of the group is non-discriminatory, open and sensitive to a range of issues surrounding cancer, spirituality, grief, loss and death.
‘’All matters discussed within the group are confidential.”
Anyone needing more information on the group can go to http://sutherlandshirecancersupportgroup.com.au.
