Support | Connect | Grow

Maxine
Maxine Member Posts: 41
edited November 2016 in Community news and events

Hi everyone,

It was an absolute pleasure to host 300 breast cancer survivors from right across Australia at our National Summit 2013 in Sydney last week.

Our Summit brought together BCNA-affiliated support group leaders and BCNA Community Liaisons - representing over 180 different support groups across Australia. 

The theme for this year’s Summit was Support, Connect and Grow and our women heard from some of Australia’s leading breast cancer experts on the latest in treatment, care and peer support. They also had an invaluable opportunity to network, share their experiences, and learn from each other.

BCNA’s National Summit built skills, knowledge and connections among support group leaders and community liaisons. This year’s summit focused on practical issues and aimed to build women’s skills in running sustainable and effective support groups.  Taking these skills back to local communities will greatly benefit women and families affected by breast cancer.

The Summit was also a lot of fun, with plenty of chatting during the breaks, walking groups, yoga classes and even some drumming lessons!  Friday night was an opportunity to relax after two full days of information and the women got a chance to let their hair down at a gala dinner and dance the night away to a fabulous Jersey/Motown band.

We are delighted to have facilitated the linking together of so many fabulous, strong and positive women.

Thank you to all the inspirational women who joined us in Sydney.  We hope you got as much out of Summit as we did.

Maxine

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Comments

  • Custard
    Custard Member Posts: 417
    edited March 2015

    I learnt a lot about support, connected with lots of terrific women and grew in the knowledge of all that I experienced.

    To be in the audience and see other heads knowingly nod at varying times was very strengthening.  As we travelled from far flung parts of Australia, it was wonderful to share stories, experiences and questions as well as socialise in harmony with the common knowledge that we have "been there, done that!"

    BCNA should be congratulated on an extremely successful two day event. Pat yourselves on your backs, girls!

  • TonyaM
    TonyaM Member Posts: 2,835
    edited March 2015

    The 2 day summit was absolutely amazing.I frantically took notes and learnt so much.The guest speakers were terrific and I enjoyed the art therapy group. I got to meet wonderful woman from all around Australia and ofcourse,meet up with many of the BCNA staff.You ladies are extra special and you are to be congratulated on pulling together a great summit - oh,and you can all rock the dance floor -especially Laura.What a great gala night!.I had just finished reading Sally Obermeder's book and so I was very excited when she turned out to be the guest speaker on the night. I am pumped now to facilitate our breast buddies group in a few weeks.Thank you everyone at BCNA.

                                                        Tonya xx

  • adean
    adean Member Posts: 1,036
    edited March 2015
    Thanks for the opportunity to attend the summit ,BCNA staff thanks for amazing speakers,great food great accomadation and the wonderful chance to meet new ladies and finally meet other pink sisters who I blog to. I came back and had a successful get together with my group. Thank you thank you. Adean
  • Laura Crowden
    Laura Crowden Member Posts: 109
    edited March 2015

    Why thank you Tonya for the praise of my dance moves... although I am now worried what kind of moves I was rocking! L xox

  • TonyaM
    TonyaM Member Posts: 2,835
    edited March 2015

    You had really good dance moves Laura but if you can't remember, then maybe your moves  were helped along by alcohol?!  Tonya xx

  • pisces_tas
    pisces_tas Member Posts: 474
    edited March 2015

    Sounds like a lot of fun; art classes, dancing,  yoga, chatting, walking, learning, drumming.  WD SYDNEY !

    Kathy.

  • pisces_tas
    pisces_tas Member Posts: 474
    edited March 2015

    Sounds like a lot of fun; art classes, dancing,  yoga, chatting, walking, learning, drumming.  WD SYDNEY !

    Kathy.

  • Margaretha
    Margaretha Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2015
    HI Tonya, I agree with everything you wrote. I was sitting next to you in the art therapy group. My question is what happened to the muriel they put together with the painted pieces. Did you get to see it? Did anyone take photos of it maybe? Love to see how it turned out.
    MARY from Mansfield Vic x
  • Emma T
    Emma T Member Posts: 42
    edited March 2015

    It was a fantastic few days in Sydney - I loved every minute!  I was inspired by all of the amazing guest speakers and was so honoured to have met so many fabulous women :) 

    I presented my support group with lots of wonderful points I learnt during my time at the Summit - thank you!

    I'm already looking forward to the next one!

     

  • TonyaM
    TonyaM Member Posts: 2,835
    edited March 2015

    The finished art work was displayed on the wall just outside the auditorium.It looked good but I didn't get a photo of it.Someone from BCNA  would have taken a photo and it will probably turn up in the photo gallery on this network soon? It was nice to meet you Mary.     love,Tonya xx

  • Margaretha
    Margaretha Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2015

    thanks Tonya i will look out for it Maryxo

  • Daina_BCNA
    Daina_BCNA Member Posts: 796
    edited March 2015

    Hi Emma,

    It was great to put a 'face' to a 'profile picture and name'

    Glad you could make it.

    Cheers
    Daina

  • Daina_BCNA
    Daina_BCNA Member Posts: 796
    edited March 2015

    Hi Adean, I was so happy when you came and found me on the first day of the Summit and I am so glad that you got to meet up with some of the other women from the online network! Cheers, Daina

  • Daina_BCNA
    Daina_BCNA Member Posts: 796
    edited March 2015

    Hi Mary and Tonya, We took a photo :-)

    Marita tells me you all had a great time!

    See the image below.

  • Margaretha
    Margaretha Member Posts: 15
    edited March 2015

    Thanks Diana looks great

    Mary