We’re honoured to share some wonderful news: Cancer Wellness Support has taken out FIRST PLACE in Trees of Hope at the Penrith Panthers Leagues Club, as voted by the community!

This recognition means so much to us because it came directly from community votes. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength, generosity and care that surrounds Cancer Wellness Support and the people we walk alongside every day.

The $4,000 prize money that we’ve received through this campaign will go directly into our Capacity Building Fund, helping us grow and improve therapy spaces so we can support more people and families living with cancer across our region.

With Gratitude to Our Community Champions

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Penrith Panthers Leagues Club for leading the Trees of Hope initiative and for their ongoing commitment to supporting local charities.

Special thanks to Andrew Hill, Group CEO, Melissa, Marketing Coordinator, and the wider Penrith Panthers team for championing community organisations and creating space for our stories to be shared and celebrated.

To everyone who took the time to vote for us — thank you. Your support truly makes a difference.

We’d also like to recognise our wonderful Fundraising & Events Manager, Mary Donnelly, whose thoughtful design brought our tree to life.

A Tree That Told Our 20-Year Story

Decorated in shimmering gold and emerald green, this year our tree proudly celebrates 20 years of providing affordable and accessible cancer care across the Blue Mountains, Penrith and the Hawkesbury.

Beneath the branches sit beautifully wrapped gifts, each tied with a different coloured ribbon. These colours symbolise the wide range of cancer types we support, reminding us that every individual’s journey is unique. 

The gift tags highlight the many complementary therapies, wellness programs and support groups we offer to both clients and carers, with 8,546 sessions delivered during 2024-2025. 

Every ornament on our tree has been thoughtfully sourced from our Op Shops, showcasing our commitment to environmental sustainability and celebrating the power of community giving.

Real People. Real Programs. Real Impact.

This was our second year in a row being invited to take part in Penrith Panthers’ Trees of Hope, which is an annual event that shines a light on the incredible work of eight local charities.

Walking through the Penrith Panthers foyer over recent weeks, each tree told a story. Every ribbon, handmade ornament and carefully chosen colour reflected real people, real programs and real impact across our community. We were proud to stand alongside so many inspiring organisations.

We’d like to celebrate the other finalists who were recognised:

• Director’s Vote: The Haven – Nepean Women’s Shelter
• Staff Vote: TOTS Blanket Challenge
  

We also acknowledge and thank the other charities involved, all of whom do extraordinary work for our community:

• NORO
• Penrith Lions Club
• Regentville Rural Fire Brigade
• Penrith Community Kitchen
• Our Community Cares.
  

We’re proud that our tree stood alongside such dedicated and compassionate organisations.

This win means so much to our Board, staff, volunteers, therapists, and the local people and families living with cancer that we support. It reinforces the importance of our work and reminds us how deeply our community values accessible, person-centred cancer care. 

Thank you to everyone who voted for us – your support truly made our season brighter. This win belongs to our whole community.