Community Partnership Helps Bring Comfort To Breast Cancer Patients

Club members donate countless hours cutting fabric, sewing, stuffing and packaging each set, while annual "Stitch and Stuff" working bees bring together volunteers who share a common goal of supporting women through one of life's most challenging journeys. Photo supplied.

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When someone is facing breast cancer surgery, even the smallest act of kindness can make a world of difference.

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For many women across the Burdekin and North Queensland, that comfort comes in the form of a handmade breast care cushion set, lovingly created by the dedicated volunteers of the Zonta Club Burdekin.

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Each year, the club produces around 150 breast care cushion sets, which are provided free of charge to patients through the Breast Care Nurses at North Queensland Minimally Invasive Surgery and Townsville University Hospital. The sets support people recovering from mastectomies, lumpectomies, breast reduction surgery and melanoma procedures involving lymph node removal.

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Each carefully prepared set includes a specially designed crescent-shaped cushion that provides support and padding around the surgical area, helping to reduce discomfort while resting, travelling in the car or simply going about everyday activities. The sets also include practical tote and shower bags to discreetly carry wound drainage pouches, helping patients maintain both comfort and dignity during recovery.

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Behind every cushion is an extraordinary community effort. Club members donate countless hours cutting fabric, sewing, stuffing and packaging each set, while annual "Stitch and Stuff" working bees bring together volunteers who share a common goal of supporting women through one of life's most challenging journeys.

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This important community project is made possible with the ongoing support of Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr. Sponsorship from the community bank helps fund essential materials including wadding, fabrics, cottons and other supplies, ensuring the cushions continue to reach local families at no cost.

Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr Branch Manager Sally Smith said supporting projects like this reflects the bank's commitment to investing back into initiatives that make a genuine difference.

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"One of the things that makes community banking unique is that our success is returned to the communities we serve," Sally said.

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"The Zonta Club Burdekin's Breast Care Cushion project is a wonderful example of local people caring for local people. Knowing our support helps provide comfort, dignity and practical assistance to women during their recovery is something we're incredibly proud to be part of."

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For Zonta Club Burdekin, the partnership allows volunteers to focus on what they do best—creating something with care that offers both physical comfort and emotional reassurance.

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It's another example of how community organisations, volunteers and Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr continue to work together, creating positive outcomes that extend far beyond banking and into the lives of local people when they need it most.

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Supplied by Community Bank Home Hill & Ayr