Community
5 February, 2025
Cancer House celebrating a decade of local service
The not-for-profit centre has reached a major milestone.
Cancer House founder Tony McGrady says fresh milk in the fridge and a few slices of cake have been the secret to its decade-long service to the community.
Founded on February 4, 2015 to coincide with International Cancer Day, Mr McGrady said the iconic purple building along the Alma Street Crossing in Mount Isa had helped countless locals struggling through cancer diagnosis and treatment.
He said the simple concept behind Cancer House had been to provide a homely environment where people could meet and find comfort from others who had confronted similar health struggles.
“I have taken different community leaders from all over the country to Cancer House when they have visited our city and they all believe there is nothing else quite like it,” he told North West Weekly on the eve of the milestone.
“We designed it to be a place that has a kitchen and couches, where people can make a cup of tea and have a slice of cake and talk about their health experiences.
“It must be very very difficult when you first hear you’ve been given a cancer diagnosis, so it is comforting to be able to talk to someone who has been through the same thing.”
While various groups have had a presence at Cancer House, it currently hosts organisations such as the North West Queensland Prostate Cancer Support Group and Mount Isa & North West Queensland Breast Cancer Support Group as well as the Mount Isa Men’s Shed.
North West Prostate Support Group secretary-treasurer Yvonne McCoy said Cancer House has allowed the various community groups to better work together for a common cause.
“We all used to meet in locations that changed, but being in the same place now, we can work together and share ideas,” she said.
Cancer House will hold its AGM on February 19.