Community donations help expand social work services at regional cancer centre
Pillar 1 Wellness Centre in Action
For many people facing a cancer diagnosis, the journey is more than just a medical battle—it’s an emotional, logistical, and deeply personal experience. At the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre (AWRCC) Wellness Centre, social workers like Michelle Frei are helping patients and families navigate the complex challenges that come with cancer.
In 2024, Albury Wodonga Health identified a growing need for increased social work support. A submission was made to the Trust Fund Board and thanks to generous community donations and fundraising, Michelle now serves patients and their families with compassion and expertise.
“We’re here to walk alongside people during a time of great uncertainty,” Michelle says. “Our role is to provide emotional support, practical assistance, and guidance—whether that’s helping someone navigate financial stress, arranging transport or accommodation, or simply being a listening ear.”
Michelle’s work includes connecting patients to vital services such as My Aged Care, Carer Gateway, and Counselling resources; helping families facing housing insecurity; and even securing emergency support like food relief and utility assistance. Each case is unique, and support is tailored to the specific needs of patients and carers—whether that’s a single conversation or months of ongoing assistance.
“Sometimes it’s complex and time-consuming—other times it’s making a cuppa and hearing a patient’s story in the Wellness Centre,” Michelle says. “Even small, informal moments give us a chance to listen, understand, and provide support.”
Referrals to the social work team come from many sources, including doctors, nurses, hospital staff, volunteers, and even patients themselves. The demand for services is high and growing—on average, Michelle supports many patients and carers each week, with needs ranging from immediate emotional support to longer-term psychosocial support.
Michelle’s decision to work in oncology was deeply personal. “I was drawn to this field because I wanted to be part of a team that not only treats illness but supports the whole person,” she says. “Cancer affects every aspect of someone’s life, and I wanted to help make that journey less overwhelming.”
Michelle says her job in the Wellness Centre is incredibly rewarding. “What I love most is the resilience of the people we meet. Even in the darkest moments, there is so much strength, love, and courage. It’s an honour to be part of that.”
As Michelle puts it, “I love my job at AWRCC. I feel privileged to be here every day, learning from our patients and working with a team dedicated to holistic, person-centred care.”
“Sometimes my day is complex and time consuming, and other times it’s making a cuppa and hearing a patient’s story in the Wellness Centre or helping a patient who is losing their hair to find the right beanie!”
If you would like to make an appointment with Michelle or one of our Team, head to the Wellness Centre and ask to see the Wellness Centre Coordinator.
Thanks to the ongoing support of the community, the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre can continue offering vital, non-medical evidence-based services that can help address the full spectrum of patient needs. These donations don’t just fund positions—they help restore dignity, reduce stress, and remind patients they’re not alone.
