Residents now have a new space for support and information with the launch of the Cardinia Prostate Cancer Support Group.
The initiative is a partnership between Cardinia Shire Council, the Cardinia Foundation Community Grants Program, and a respected local resident.
Pakenham resident Span Hanna said he was thrilled when the council approached him to help, seeing it as an opportunity to bring his personal experience to the new support group.
Diagnosed six years ago with a non-aggressive form of prostate cancer, he first sought out support groups in Dandenong, Ringwood, and Warragul.
Attending support groups in nearby suburbs helped him connect with others and gain insights he couldn’t find in books or from doctors alone.
When those groups were out of reach or leadership positions became vacant, he stepped up, eventually being invited to help establish a local support network in Pakenham.
“I wanted to raise awareness on prostate cancer, but importantly, we’ve just never had a support group here,” Hanna said.
“One thing led to another—I found myself becoming more proactive about it. It wasn’t part of my retirement plan, but it’s what I’m doing, and I’m happy to take on that role.
“I get a great deal of satisfaction out of helping people. Since I’m retired, I have the freedom to spend my time how I choose, and I see it as a kind of wealth that I can share with others.
“I do a lot of voluntary work to support the community, and this cause is personal for me—two of my friends passed away from prostate cancer in their early 50s.”
Support groups are often volunteer-run and difficult to sustain, particularly for men. Stigma, hesitation to speak openly, and the misconception that these groups are men-only can limit participation.
The Cardinia group encourages partners and friends to attend, creating a supportive, confidential environment where participants can share experiences and access information.
One lesson Hanna hopes to share is that prostate cancer is far more common than many realise.
According to Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), one in five men will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Every day in Australia, 11 men are diagnosed, and 72 die from the disease. Simple PSA blood tests can detect risk, yet many men go untested until the cancer has progressed.
The new support group aims to address these gaps, offering both peer support and knowledge. The hope is that by establishing a local hub, more groups will eventually be set up across Cardinia Shire, making support accessible to more residents.
Cardinia Shire Council’s Manager of Community and Planning Services Debbie Tyson said the Prostate Cancer Support Group provides a safe, welcoming space to bring together people who are affected by prostate cancer.
“The support group aims to enhance the awareness of prostate cancer and to build a supportive community for those impacted by the disease,” Tyson said.
“It provides a platform for sharing experiences, accessing information, and receiving support.
“The group is officially registered with the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), ensuring that participants benefit from a national network of resources and information.”
Council is supporting this initiative by hosting the inaugural meeting at the Outlook Community Centre on Wednesday, 4 September.
Throughout September, the Cardinia Cultural Centre will also be lit up in blue to recognise Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and to raise awareness about the disease.
The group has already received positive community feedback. During Men’s Health Week in June, an information table at the Pakenham Library generated expressions of interest from 11 local residents. Hanna has also presented to the Seniors Network and received backing from local Men’s Sheds.
Residents interested in joining the Prostate Cancer Support Group can attend the meetings beginning on 4 September at the Outlook Community Centre from 7pm to 8:30pm. Sessions will be held regularly on the first Thursday of each month.
A gold coin donation is requested, and booking is preferred. To reserve a spot, please contact Outlook Community Centre on 5940 4728. For enquiries, contact Span Hanna, at 0422 917 386 or spanhanna@hotmail.com.
