Talkin' Toowoomba Season 3 Episode 1

[00:00:17] Speaker A: Welcome to Talking Toowoomba, the podcast sharing real stories that matter. We're proud to partner with Hope Horizons, shining a light on the journeys of locals impacted by cancer and the incredible people who walk beside them every step of the way. Today's episode is brought to you by Men's Health Physiotherapy, Toowoomba, helping men across our region take charge of their health and well being. Whether it's recovery after prostate surgery, pelvic floor rehabilitation, or building strength and confidence again, their experienced team is there to support you every step of the way. A quick note before we dive in. The content of the Talk on Toowoomba Podcast is provided for general information and community interest only. It shouldn't be taken as professional, medical, financial or legal advice and must not be relied upon as such. Please seek independent, qualified advice relevant to your own circumstances before making any decisions. Now, let's get into today's conversation. [00:01:29] Speaker B: G' day and welcome to another episode of Talking Toowoomba Podcast. Can you believe it's already 2026? Another year has rolled around and with it comes a chance to hit reset. Look forward and really focus on the stories that matter, the ones that connect us as a community. This episode is one of those stories. Today we're going to spend some time reflecting on something that touches so many lives, cancer care and support here in Toowoomba. Now, I know cancer is a heavy topic. It's something that affects a huge number of people in some way, whether personally, through a loved one, or even just in your wider community. But it's also a story of hope. It's a story of resilience, and most importantly, it's a story of community, of people coming together to make a difference when it really counts. When I think about cancer care in Toowoomba, the first thing that comes to mind is the incredible work happening at the Icon Cancer Centre. They play a critical role in supporting people through diagnosis, treatment and recovery, providing care that is both clinically advanced and deeply human. As we move through 2026, this podcast will be taking a closer look at the work being done at the Icon Cancer Centre, with future episodes focusing specifically on prostate cancer, breast cancer and skin cancer. These are some of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in our community, and taking the time to understand how they're treated, managed and supported locally is an important part of these conversations. It's not just about the treatment themselves. It's about the pathways, the support, the experience people have while navigating care here in Toowoomba. Of course, treatment is only one part of the journey, there's another side. The emotional, mental and practical support people need just to keep going. And that's where Hope Horizon comes in. Hope Horizons is our local cancer wellness centre. And it's more than just a building. It's a community. It's a safe place. It's somewhere people can breathe, feel understood and regain a sense of control. They support people across all cancer types. And that holistic support comes even more important as we explore prostate, breast and skin cancer in future episodes. I often think about the small, everyday victories that come out of places like Hope Horizons. A weekly group session that creates connection. A counseling session that brings clarity. A simple conversation that reminds someone they matter. These moments seem small, but repeated day after day, they change lives. Cancer isn't just a medical condition, it's a life experience. Some people are diagnosed suddenly. Others face a long, ongoing journey. Some lean on family and friends. Others find strength in community support. But across all these experiences, the constant is the need for support, understanding and hope. [00:05:52] Speaker A: Today's episode of Talking Toowoomba is brought. [00:05:54] Speaker B: To you by Men's Health Physiotherapy Toowoomba Helping men across our region take charge of their health and well being. Whether you're recovering after prostate surgery, working on pelvic floor strength, or just want to build confidence and mobility again, their. [00:06:12] Speaker A: Experienced team is there to support you every step of the way. And right now, listeners of Talking Toowoomba can get 10% off their first consultation. [00:06:22] Speaker B: Just mention the podcast when you book Men's Health Physiotherapy Toowoomba Expert Care close. [00:06:29] Speaker A: To home. [00:06:32] Speaker B: Now, for anyone listening who wants to support this work, there's a fantastic opportunity. [00:06:37] Speaker A: Right now. [00:06:39] Speaker B: Hope Horizons is currently running a raffle and this one truly makes an impact by entering your Helping Hope Horizons build additional treatment and therapy rooms, expand wellness programs, counselling and allied health services, and deepen the centre's roots in our community for years to come. And you'll also be going in the draw to win a Haval H6 Ultra Hybrid valued at over $41,000, proudly donated by Jenny Black. Your ticket doesn't just put you in the driver's seat, it drives hope home. I want you to imagine receiving a cancer diagnosis. The uncertainty, the fear, the flood of information. But alongside that, there's care, there's support, there's a network ready to walk with you one step at a time. What inspires me most is the resilience people show, not just in the big milestones, but in small decisions. Showing up, asking for help, taking one step forward. Even on the hardest of days, these small acts of courage matter. And there's the community around them. Friends, family, neighbours, volunteers. From getting a lift to an appointment, to meals, being dropped off, to simply listening, these acts of care are powerful. And that's why Hope Horizon matters so much. Hope isn't something you you either have or don't have. Hope is built moment by moment, day by day. As we step into this new year, I hope this episode reminds us of the strength of our community and the importance of supporting each other when it matters most. And as this series unfolds, we'll continue to explore cancer journeys in more detail, particularly prostate cancer, breast cancer and skin cancer, to name a few. And what support looks like here in Toowoomba. One last reminder before we wrap up. The Haval H6 Ultra Hybrid is on display right outside Kmart at the Grand Central Shopping Centre. Here in Toowoomba, every ticket supports local people living with cancer. Your ticket doesn't just put you in the driver's seat, it drives hope home. See the show notes for a link to buy a ticket. Thanks for tuning into this episode of Talking to Woman podcast. Stay safe, stay connected and remember, even in the hardest times, community and hope carry us through. [00:10:28] Speaker A: Thanks for joining us on Talking Toowoomba. If today's episode inspired you, please share it to help spread hope and connection right across our community. A special thanks to our sponsor, Men's Health Physiotherapy Toowoomba, for supporting this episode and the important work of Men's Health in our region. And as always, a big thank you to Hope Horizons for their incredible contribution to local families living with cancer. The content of Talking Toowoomba podcast is provided for general information and community interest only. It should not be taken as professional, medical, financial or legal advice and must not be relied upon as such. Please seek qualified advice relevant to your own circumstances before making any decisions. Until next time, keep Talking Toowoomba. [00:11:32] Speaker B: Sa.