With a March state election looming, the organisation hosted a community forum at the Muswellbrook Race Club on Monday night, with current sitting member Michael Johnsen (Nationals), Shooters Fishers and Farmers’ Lee Watts, Greens’ Tony Lonergan and Christian Democrats’ Richard Stretton, along with local government representatives, in attendance.

The meeting gave the Cancer Council advocates an excellent opportunity to let the candidates know what they can do, if elected, to reduce the impact of cancer in the region.

And, UHCAN highlighted four key areas, including strengthening the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 to ensure that people working or socialising in a bar or club in NSW are protected from second-hand smoke; amending the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2008 to ban tobacco vending machines and introducing an annual licence fee to encourage retailers to stop selling; removing junk food advertising from state-owned property to reduce children’s exposure and supporting national regulations of food marketing to children; and providing funding for public lymphoedema services across NSW to ensure that people with lymphoedema have access to evidence-based care, regardless of where they live.

“We’re happy with the way the evening went,” UHCAN chair Sarah Lukeman said.

“It was terrific Michael, Lee, Tony and Richard endorsed our Saving Life 2019 actions.

“In fact, it’s actually part of the Nationals’ policy now.

“We had a broad spread of the electorate [here] – people from Dungog, Murrurundi, Singleton, Scone, Muswellbrook and Willow Tree, so it was a good chance to be heard. 

“More forums, like this, will take place in NSW over the month of February.

“At Bega, last Friday, Transport Minister Andrew Constance committed to look at junk food advertising on the transport network, such as buses.

“It’s important the next NSW Government supports what we’re trying to do.”

Each of the speakers, and candidates, shared personal stories, too, which pleased Mrs Lukeman.

“I think everyone got something out of the meeting,” she said.

“For example, Tony’s [Lonergan] mother had lymphoedema.

“But, he didn’t realise there wasn’t any public treatment available in the Upper Hunter, which isn’t satisfactory.

“Michael [Johnsen] is in the process of giving up smoking.

“He told of his struggles – but agreed with the actions we’re keen to implement.

“Leanne Avard, the Murrurundi P&C president, spoke about junk food advertising on billboards on government-owned land, as she drives around the Upper Hunter with her children.

“They can’t escape the promotions for McDonald’s, KFC and the likes.

“So we’re hoping they [billboards] can be replaced.”

As for Mrs Lukeman, an asthmatic, the campaign also hits close to home.

“My daughter just obtained her RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) licence, so I’m extremely worried she’ll be exposed to second-hand smoke,” she said.

“It’s a real concern for me as a parent, especially if she’s working in a club or pub.

“Also, there are a lot of vending machines in licensed premises throughout the Upper Hunter electorate.

“If you’re a smoker, you can get cigarettes easily – that surprised me.

“It certainly doesn’t help people who are trying to quit.”

For more information about the Saving Life 2019 campaign, visit canact.com.au