Government House walks'n'talks highlights the life-changing impact of support for people affected by cancer
Cancer Council ACT
Key Facts:- On 14 September, Cancer Council ACT clients attended a special ENHANCE wellbeing session at Government House, hosted alongside Patron Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia.
- ENHANCE wellbeing programmes are designed to support people living with, through and beyond cancer, combining evidence-based activities with peer connection to address the holistic impact of a cancer diagnosis.
- Participant Lauren, who was introduced to ENHANCE after using the Cancer Council ACT wig service, highlighted the walks 'n' talks sessions as a vital source of connection and motivation during her treatment.
- Between August 2025 and August 2026, Cancer Council ACT delivered 119 ENHANCE wellbeing sessions with a total of 737 attendees, made possible through the generosity of donors and community supporters.
- Cancer Council ACT CEO Verity Hawkins emphasised that supporting people affected by cancer extends well beyond medical treatment, with ENHANCE helping individuals reconnect with their wellbeing and community during one of life's most challenging experiences.
On Monday 14 September, Cancer Council ACT clients joined the Governor General at Government House for a special session of ENHANCE wellbeing. The event celebrated the role connection, support and community play in helping individuals and families navigate the challenges of cancer.
A cancer diagnosis can affect every aspect of a person’s life, from physical health and emotional wellbeing to relationships and social connection. While treatment often focuses on medical outcomes, programs such as ENHANCE wellbeing, recognise the importance of supporting the whole person throughout their cancer experience.
It was Cancer Council ACT’s honour to give clients the chance to attend a session at the beautiful grounds at Government House, alongside their Patron, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Govenor-General of Australia.
One of the participants Lauren, was introduced to ENHANCE wellbeing after using the Cancer Council ACT wig service. Lauren said “I’ve tried almost every ENHANCE activity, but I really enjoy walks’n’talks. Especially when I was in the thick of my treatment and unable to work, it gave me something to look forward to and was a point of connection.”
ENHANCE wellbeing programs are designed specifically for people living with, through and beyond cancer. ENHANCE combines Cancer Council ACT's longstanding expertise in cancer support with evidence-based activities and peer connection. It provides opportunities for participants to connect with peers and access support in a setting that understands the realities of life after a cancer diagnosis.
ENHANCE wellbeing is made possible through the generosity of donors, fundraisers and community supporters whose contributions help ensure people affected by cancer can access support. Between August 2025 and August 2026, Cancer Council ACT ran 119 ENHANCE wellbeing sessions, with a total of 737 attendees across all sessions.
Cancer Council ACT CEO Verity Hawkins said supporting people affected by cancer extends well beyond treatment.
"A cancer diagnosis impacts individuals in many ways. Through ENHANCE, we help people reconnect with their wellbeing and their community while navigating one of life's most challenging experiences.
Today's event was an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable people who participate in these programs and the supporters whose generosity makes that support possible."
The walk’n’talks event brought together the community to recognise the importance of holistic cancer support and celebrate the strength, resilience and connection that helps people live well through and beyond cancer.
Learn more about ENHANCE wellbeing at www.actcancer.org/support/enhance-wellbeing/
About us:
About Cancer Council ACT:
Cancer Council ACT has been advocating for Canberrans living with cancer for 50 years across every aspect of cancer prevention, support and research to alleviate the impact of cancer in the community. Learn more about what we do here.
Contact details:
For media enquiries, please contact:
Cancer Council ACT
P: (02) 6257 9999 E: [email protected]
