Over recent weeks, we’ve been asked to speak with local media about an issue many in our community are feeling every day – the rising cost of fuel.
For Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation, fuel isn’t just a cost-of-living issue. It is a critical part of how we support people facing breast cancer across our region.
A global issue with a very local impact
Global instability has put pressure on fuel supply and prices across Australia. For households, this means higher costs at the bowser. For community organisations like ours, it means the cost of delivering essential services is rising at the same time demand for support is increasing.
Here in the Hunter, many people undergoing breast cancer treatment rely on our transport-to-treatment service to get to and from hospitals, specialist appointments, and life‑saving therapies. As fuel prices rise, the cost of keeping those vehicles on the road increases too.
At the same time, more people are reaching out for support as financial pressure mounts, particularly for those already juggling reduced work hours, medical expenses and caregiving responsibilities.
What this means for people facing breast cancer
For someone in treatment, missing an appointment is not an option.
Yet fuel costs can be a real barrier. Without access to reliable transport, people may be forced to choose between essential appointments and basic household needs. That’s where our community-funded services step in, helping ensure no one faces breast cancer alone or unsupported because of where they live or what they can afford.
We have shared these realities through local media to help raise awareness of the lived experience behind rising costs, not just the statistics.
How HBCF is responding
We are actively monitoring both demand and costs to ensure our services remain sustainable and accessible for as long as possible. This includes:
- Carefully managing rising operational costs
- Advocating for the needs of people affected by cancer
- Engaging with our supporters and partners about the changing environment
- Continuing to prioritise transport and support services where they are needed most
Like many local charities, we rely entirely on community support. We receive no ongoing government funding, which makes transparency and planning especially important during times like these.
In recent weeks, the challenges facing community organisations during the fuel crisis have also been highlighted nationally.
Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation was featured on ABC’s 7.30, where the broader impact of rising fuel costs on essential services was explored alongside local experiences here in the Hunter.
Watch the ABC 7.30 segment below to learn more about how fuel costs are affecting communities across Australia.
How the community can help
The recent media attention has sparked meaningful conversations across the Hunter, and we are grateful to everyone who has reached out with messages of support.
Community awareness makes a difference. Whether it’s sharing our story, volunteering, partnering with us, or donating, every action helps ensure people facing breast cancer can continue accessing practical, local support when they need it most.
If you’d like to learn more about our services or how to get involved, we invite you to explore our website or get in touch with our team.
