The founder of Cancer Wellness Support, Robyn Yates, has stepped down from her role as CEO, but will remain on the organisation’s board.
The CEO’s role will be replaced by Bronwen Johnston as general manager and Viv Maitland as client services co-ordinator.
Ms Johnston will manage the daily operations of the organisation, having a strong management background in health care, tourism, and local government.
Ms Maitland, a registered nurse and counsellor, will manage the co-ordination of client services.
Robyn Yates founded the organisation in 2005 and has worked tirelessly to achieve major outcomes for cancer wellness in the Blue Mountains and Nepean communities. In 2015 her work was recognised with the Order of Australia Medal “for service to community health through support for people with cancer”.
Staff recently held a lunch to thank Ms Yates for her leadership.
Thirteen years ago she leased a space in Katoomba and opened an op shop to help cancer patients. Within days, someone had donated the contents of a late relative’s home and the RSPCA gave her a cash register and shelves to sell. The word spread, the shop expanded and a second shop began successfully operating in Penrith.
This community-based model now provides more than 6000 subsidised therapies annually, supporting people who are experiencing cancer, including counselling, lymphoedema management, massage, yoga and art therapy.
The organisation’s op shops are located at Whitton Street, Katoomba and High Street, Penrith. For people needing the services of Cancer Wellness Support, visit the office at 104 Railway Parade, Leura, call 4784 2297 or email headoffice@cancersupport.org.au.
