BCNA’s Online Network – Public Holiday Update
Please note that BCNA’s Online Network will not be moderated on the public holiday, Monday 26 January 2026, as the BCNA Helpline will be closed. During this time, please ensure you are familiar with the following support services: BCNA’s Website Information & Resources Hub - Explore articles, stories and podcasts to help navigate breast cancer 24/7 Support Services Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 13YARN: 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; available throughout the day) Although moderation will be paused, the Online Network will remain open and active. You are warmly encouraged to continue asking questions, sharing your stories, and reaching out for support within the community whenever you need it. If you would like a callback from the Helpline, please submit a request via: https://www.bcna.org.au/helpline-self-referral-form/🎄Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings to all!
Hi everyone - as we head into the festive season break tomorrow, I just wanted to send a little note of care and kindness to everyone in our online community. Some people may join our Online Network in coming weeks as they are diagnosed for the first time over the Christmas weeks, when support resources are limited. We know how important you are to each other (and to us), and how irreplacable this community is when feelings are especially overwhelming, challenging or isolating. ❤️ If you can, please remain an active, open, safe and supportive ear for each other, if that is something you feel able and comfortable to offer this season. For those who need an extra little bit of help, check out the below resources. Our Helpline will open again on January 5th, and are available 9am-5pm AEDT Monday-Friday. 👉 BCNA's 🎄Hours & Support Options 👉Resources During the Festive Season 👉Personal message from our CEO - Kirsten Pilatti If you need immediate support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (open 24/7). Take things at your own pace, be gentle with yourself, and know this space is still here for you. Wishing you all a happy and kind festive season - see you in the New Year!🎄 ✈ Flying these holidays and wear a breast prosthesis or compression bra? Here’s what you need to know before you travel: If you feel comfortable, let airport staff know you’re wearing a breast prosthesis or compression bra before screening. Carrying a doctor’s letter can help. Security may arrange additional imaging or a pat-down. If this happens, you have the right to be treated respectfully. You can request a private screening and an officer of the same gender. Your prosthesis or bra should never be touched or removed. BCNA remains committed to improving airport screening experiences, visit bcna.org.au 💕 ✨ Other Resources Available: Lifeline - 13 11 14 (open 24/7) Beyond Blue - 1300 224 436 (open 24/7) If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander 1300 YARN is also available throughout the holidays. If you need to talk to someone about your breast cancer, you can call Cancer Council on 13 11 20, with reduced hours as follows; Wednesday December 24 – 9am-5pm Thursday December 25 – Closed Friday December 26 – Closed Monday December 29 – 12-4pm Tuesday December 30 – 12-4pm Wednesday December 31 – 12-4pm Thursday January 1 – Closed Friday January 2 – 9am-5pm (normal hours resume)BCNA's 🎄Hours & Support Options
We know how important the role we play in your breast cancer journey is, and you know how important you are to us. BCNA will be taking a short break over Christmas, please ensure you are familiar with the following support services available during this time. 📞 BCNA's Helpline’s (1800 500 258) holiday period open times: The Helpline will be closed 5pm, 23 December and re-open on 5 January 2026 at 9am. If you need to talk to someone about a breast cancer diagnosis, you can call Cancer Council on 13 11 20, with reduced hours as follows; Wednesday December 24 – 9am-5pm Thursday December 25 – Closed Friday December 26 – Closed Monday December 29 – 12-4pm Tuesday December 30 – 12-4pm Wednesday December 31 – 12-4pm Thursday January 1 – Closed Friday January 2 – 9am-5pm (normal hours resume) These other services are also available: ✨ Lifeline - 13 11 14 (open 24/7) ✨ Beyond Blue - 1300 224 436 (open 24/7) ✨ If you are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander 1300 YARN is also available throughout the holidays. 🧑🤝🧑Most importantly, BCNA's Online Network will remain an available and active community throughout this time however will not be moderated by BCNA staff from December 23rd to January 5th. Please do continue to ask questions, share your stories, and reach out for support here whenever you need it. We also encourage you to offer support on each other’s posts and comments whenever you can - your kindness and connection makes a world of difference, especially during the festive season and for new people that will join the network or receive their breast cancer diagnosis for the first time during these weeks. From the bottom of our hearts here at BCNA, thank you for all you do for each other ❤️🎊 We’re delighted to welcome Christina to the BCNA team! 🎊
We’re very pleased to officially announce that Christina_BCNA has joined the BCNA Online Network team as our newest moderator! Don't panic! Christina is here to be a wonderful addition to our team - the current BCNA mods you know and love are all still here. While the rest of our team continues to support you over the helpline phones, Christina is here as a dedicated presence in the Online Network, helping to nurture connection, conversation, and care within our digital community. Christina is passionate about creating safe, inclusive spaces where people feel supported, heard, and connected. As a moderator, she’ll be helping to guide discussions, offer encouragement, and ensure our network remains a welcoming, respectful and active environment for everyone at all times. You may have noticed a few changes to the Online Network group pages recently, like updated page content, new groups like DCIS and the public Breast cancer awareness group, as well as new forums like Policy & advocacy and new initiatives like our Wednesday Wellness check ins. These are just some changes Christina has been busy making behind-the-scenes as part of her mission to ensure BCNA's Online Network remains an updated, active and impactful space. This is all part of our ongoing campaign to show how much we truly care and invest in our members in the Online Network—because we know how important it is to you. Stay tuned for more exciting updates, deeper connections, and positive energy as we continue to nurture and grow BCNA's Online Network. We’re thrilled to have Christina_BCNA on board and can’t wait for you to get to know her! 💗 Please do reach out and say hello - we know she'd love to hear from you.
