Port Waratah funding has helped the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation create and distribute approximately 650 comfort cushion packs to local Clients across the Hunter region in the last 12 months. The programme supports clients throughout their entire breast cancer journey, including those recovering from surgery and navigating metastatic breast cancer. It also strengthens the broader healthcare network, with comfort cushion packs distributed through 10 local hospitals and treatment centres, including Calvary Mater Hospital, BreastScreen NSW, Belmont Hospital and Lake Macquarie Private Hospital.

A small but mighty army of committed volunteer sewing groups have come together to lovingly craft each cushion by hand. These dedicated community members donate countless hours sewing, stuffing, coordinating and preparing the packs for distribution to hospitals and treatment centres.

Over time, the programme has grown, with 80 to 100 volunteers now participating— a reflection of the incredible spirit of community care that exists across Newcastle and the Hunter.

At Port Waratah, we have been privileged to witness this compassion firsthand.

Earlier this year, members of our team joined a Comfort Cushion working bee, rolling up their sleeves alongside volunteers to help stuff cushions destined for local people undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Sitting side-by-side with volunteers, stuffing cushions, sewing, learning more about their stories while sipping cups of tea, our team saw firsthand the generosity of spirit stitched into every cushion.

Jane Harris, Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation Life Member and Volunteer Comfort Cushion Programme Coordinator, says the initiative represents the very best of the Hunter community.

“For the past 27 years, it has been incredibly special to see local volunteers come together to create comfort cushions for people in our community undergoing breast cancer treatment and recovery,” Jane said. “Every cushion is made with care, kindness and compassion, and we often hear just how much comfort they provide during such a difficult time. This programme is a true reflection of Hunter people helping Hunter people.”

We are proud to stand alongside the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation in supporting a programme that not only delivers practical comfort, but also strengthens community connection, a culture of volunteerism and hope. Together, we are helping ensure local people facing breast cancer know they are not alone — and that their community is walking beside them every step of the way.