Welcome to the Broken Hill Prostate Cancer Community Group.
Welcome to all men living with a diagnosis of prostate cancer and their partners. We meet informally once a month (third Thursday) to share our stories and support each other.
Our next meeting will be on the 17th of September 2026 at Uniting Far West, 265 Oxide St (opposite the Mulga Hotel). The August meet-up was cancelled because of the torrential rain and thunder.
After the past few months of disasters — getting locked out in the freezing cold followed by queueing for an eternity at the Demo (note to self: never book a Meat Raffle night during school holidays ever again!!) — we're going back to the Uniting building for our regular BBQ.
I'll crank up the heating early and make sure the doors are unlocked!
September is International Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and this year we're getting involved!
At the time of writing, Craig, Jaz, Kirsty, Rose and I have signed up to take on the challenge of running, swimming, hopping, walking or cycling 72 km during September to raise awareness and funds for prostate cancer.
I'll be walking around Sturt Park every Tuesday from 5pm throughout September. If you're up for a walk, come and join me — we'll meet opposite the YMCA. Bring your family, bring a friend, and come for as much or as little of the walk as you like.
And you don't have to walk to get involved. You can help by:
If you'd like to get involved, join Broken Hill Blokes over on the Long Run and help us make some noise for prostate cancer awareness this September.
The more people we get involved, the bigger the impact we can make.
In other news, the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) has published new guidelines for GPs aimed at earlier detection of prostate cancer.
The new guidelines mean doctors will offer testing to more men, including those under 50 and over 70, and digital rectal examinations are no longer recommended during routine screening by GPs.
Professor Jeff Dunn AO, Chair of the Guideline Steering Committee, said the ambition was to ensure every Australian man has access to the best available evidence, giving him the greatest possible opportunity to detect clinically significant prostate cancer early, receive timely treatment where required, and ultimately reduce his risk of dying from the disease.
Sounds good to me — tell your mates to talk to their GP about it.
Add your email to receive meeting reminders and other news (managed by Ruben - one email a month, nothing wildly exciting).
Our Christmas meetings at the Demo Club have been a great way to bring everyone together — it’s always a pleasure to catch up, share stories, and welcome familiar and new faces alike. Thank you to everyone who continues to make these gatherings what they are.
Throughout the year, our meetings have reflected the rhythm of life out here — from sausage sizzles in the warmer months to Rodney’s much-appreciated chicken soup in the middle of winter. Whether it’s the heat, the cold, or the wind in between, the group continues to show up and support one another.
Not every meeting goes to plan — like getting locked out of the Uniting with fish and chips in May and the wild rainstorm during our February '25 catch-up — but even then, we still managed a strong turnout and a good night. It’s a testament to the strength of this community.
We’re grateful to all our guest speakers for sharing their expertise in such an accessible and supportive way.
Above all, this group continues to be about connection, shared experience, and supporting each other through the challenges that come with prostate cancer. That’s the story so far — and it’s still being written.
Contact Ruben with any questions or if you would like to be put in touch with any of our specialists/presenters.
For Men Living with Prostate Cancer.
This group has been established with the aim to improve the lives of men living with prostate cancer and their loved ones. We had our first meeting in February 2021 and have established a small friendly group. We are here to support and educate each other.
We are very grateful to Uniting Care for providing us with an excellent venue to meet. There is a kitchen for tea and coffee, a barbeque for the summer and all the usual amenities. Please help out by leaving the place as tidy as we find it.
The group is facilitated by both Kate Butler and Ruben Hillier.
- Kate is the Accredited Exercise Physiologist from Uniting Home and Community Care Far West.
Kate can be contacted via Uniting Far West on 08 8084 4600
- Ruben Hillier is the Far West Local Health District Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse.
Ruben can be contacted on 08 8080 2272.
NOTE: Ruben works Mondays to Wednesdays so leave a message and he will get back to you as soon as he is back on deck.
During our first meeting we drafted a group agreement. We are always open to improving it or amending it. This is what we came up with:
One person to talk at a time.
Talkative people to be mindful of allowing quieter people a chance to speak.
Whether we agree or not, we respect each other's opinions.
We do not share each other's stories outside of the group.
Members have the right to silence.
We share our stories to help one another and ourselves.
We welcome presenters who are kind enough to share their knowledge with us.
We welcome new members.
We want everyone to be able to contribute.
An informal group for men living with prostate cancer. Come along and meet others who have a similar experience. Partners welcome.
We meet informally to share experiences, support each other, and learn from guest speakers when available. There's usually tea, coffee, and a BBQ. Meetings run 5pm-6:30pm and follow our Group Agreement. Everyone contributes what they're comfortable with - there's no pressure to share if you'd rather listen.
No RSVP needed - just turn up! However, if you'd like a reminder about upcoming meetings (with a little bonus news and info), you can add your email to our list. We send one email per month with meeting details.
Absolutely. Partners are welcome, and if you'd like to bring another family member or friend for support, that's fine too. Just let us know when you arrive so we can make everyone feel welcome.
Yes. Whether you're newly diagnosed or years into your journey, this group is here for you. Many of our members have been where you are now, and there's real value in hearing from people who understand what you're going through. Come along - even if you just want to listen the first time.