We will Survive

Today's post is a tale of solidarity and community. It begins as all good tales should.

Once upon a time, in a rural Tasmanian community, women could readily access a free and crucial breast scan facility by boarding Luna, a bus equipped with all the technology required to carry out this essential service. When I settled here, just over a year ago, I knew as a breast cancer survivor that this could be a lifesaver for some women. Eight years ago, I lost an extremely close friend to breast cancer, and having personally benefitted from early detection, knowing this facility existed was one less relocation issue to worry about.

However, the bus suffered a series of unfortunate events; breakdowns and leaks and earlier this year it was decommissioned with a vague promise that it would be replaced at a future date to be determined. The only solution was to travel to one of the major cities, assuming one could secure an appointment, which is not feasible for many people, particularly seniors who make up a large percentage of the population hereabouts.

A call to action came from the editor of a local publication, a veritable one-woman powerhouse, supported by prominent community leaders, and women of all ages gathered to share stories and voice our disappointment. I launched an online petition to get things moving, and many of us contacted our local MPs and the Health Minister. The CWA, of which I am a proud member and secretary of our local branch, has committed to supporting the campaign at the local and state levels. This has truly become a coordinated effort, free of individual ego and with a common goal to support early diagnosis of this terrible disease. I doubt there is anyone in the community who hasn't lost someone or battled alongside a loved one with breast cancer. The campaign has been well supported and apolitical.

This week, our Health Minister announced that the new bus has been commissioned and will be delivered within 12 months, with travel and accommodation subsidies available in the interim. This is great news and a wonderful example of what can be achieved when a community works together. It doesn't mean we will rest on our laurels. We will still push for updates and alternative solutions in the period leading up to the launch of Luna, Mark II.

Living in a beautiful rural area is not without its challenges, but they are far outweighed by the benefits of living in a community that genuinely cares about local issues and isn't afraid to put words into action.