Farewell Newcastle Knights Founding Father and Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance Saviour, Edward 'Leigh' Maughan
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A few words from Chairman Nick Sovechles
Leigh was one of the most influential blokes that I had the pleasure of working with, and calling a mate. You knew that whatever he set his mind to, he was going to give it his all. The word "no" was just not a part of his vocabulary. We all know Leigh was instrumental in the formation of the Knights, but I became close with Leigh when he reached out to me for help with the Hunter Prostate Cancer Alliance.
The charity was having serious financial problems at the time and I guess I owed Leigh a favour from way back. When he first asked me for help I told him, “I’d love to, but I am flat out right now.” Leigh just smiled and said, “Perfect! That’s exactly what I need. If you want to get something done, ask a busy person!” How could I say no?
Together, we formed a team, enlisting the support of Michael Hagen and Gary Leo, both NRL legends, and both prostate cancer survivors. Leigh, never one to shy away from a little controversy, helped develop the HPCA’s “Little Prick” campaign. It was one of the first marketing campaigns to promote the PSA blood test in Australia. The promotion raised a few eyebrows to be sure, but its impact saved countless local lives.
Leigh lived his life by the motto "Esse quam videri" - "To be rather than to seem." I’d like us all to celebrate his legacy of being compassionate, determined, and to take action where others take time. You left this town a better place than when you found it, and I’ll miss you mate.
MICHAEL HAGAN - My Story
NRL Legend, Michael Hagan has done it all. A Queensland State of Origin representative. Premiership winner in 1985 and 1988 with Canterbury-Bankstown. Newcastle Knights captain who later coached the team to a premiership in 2001. Now Michael shares his story about one of his life's greatest challenges, overcoming prostate cancer. READ HERE
THANK YOU
Beresfield Golf Club Present HPCA & ProCare Donation of $2,050
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This donation goes directly towards funding counselling for men and their families impacted by prostate cancer. HPCA continues to offer free counselling services locally, thanks to the generosity of donations such as these. VIEW FACEBOOK POST
The Pink Frangipani Ball Donates over $15,000 & Artwork to ProCare
The committee behind the Pink Frangipani Ball has donated $15,400 to ProCare. Local artist Justin Lees also donated a painting commissioned by the Ball’s committee which is intended to be auctioned or sold, to further support HPCA. VIEW FACEBOOK POST
SHAZ - The Pump Truck Raising Awareness for HPCA
Named by Di Prinzio driver Aaron Hutch in honour of his recently departed mother, Sharron Hutch, the truck has been covered in a vibrant bright pink wrap and adorned with blue and pink ribbons to raise awareness for Breast and Prostate Cancer. We at HPCA thank Di Prinzio Concreting for raising $25,000 for the cause.
ProCare Awarded Hunter Business Chamber Award for Excellence
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ProCare had the esteemed honour of taking out first place in the Social Enterprise category. The award was presented to ProCare due to an innovative approach to providing accessible mental health services to the Hunter community. READ HERE
As a not-for-profit organisation, your donations help us empower local people to meet life’s challenges.
GP Psychiatry Support Line is a free service to GPs to help manage the care of mental health consumers.
GP SUPPORT
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Grants $800K Locally
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The Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation has granted $113,000 towards a collaborative community partnership with ProCare and Hunter New England Health. Funding supports affordable mental health services for the Hunter Region. VIEW ARTICLE
Out of the Square raises $22,193 for HPCA
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Out of the Square Media (OOTS) immortalised Newcastle’s Queens Wharf Tower in a limited-edition bottle opener to mark a moment in Newcastle’s history, raise funds for prostate cancer and generate a laugh along the way. VIEW ARTICLE
Pink Frangipani Ball 2018
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Held at Wests City on 21 April 2018, The Pink Frangipani Ball is to reduce the impact of breast cancer on individuals, family, friends and the wider community. The Ball was a staggering success and in an emotionally charged evening with 460 guests we raised over $100,000. VIEW ARTICLE
Community Building Partnership
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We have been fortunate to receive a Community Building Partnership grant to improve security at our Waratah premises. This makes our facility a safer place for people to improve their mental health, and seek support around prostate cancer and breast cancer.
Donation from Rotary of Club Belmont
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Tony Larkin President of Rotary Club of Belmont Inc presented HPCA with a cheque for $1000 to help support prostate cancer awareness in the Hunter. Tony said that "Our club chose HPCA to keep the funds local. We also have a lot of older guys so this cause was very relevant."
Blue Boxer Supermoto Championship
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The team at Blue Boxer was at the FIM Oceania Supermoto Championships held at Newcastle Showground on 2-3 September 2017. They helped support HPCA and also helped promote prostate cancer awareness there.
2HD Interview World Mental Health Day
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Nick Sovechles, Chair of HPCA and ProCare Mental Health Services, told Richard and Kim about the services ProCare offers and procedures for caring for those living with mental health problems.