Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre

Thank you to everyone who took part in Dry July 2025, supporting the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre (ONJ Centre)!

By participating in Dry July 2025, you have supported the ONJ Centre in providing a welcoming space where patients can access reliable, consumer-approved cancer information to support their journey. This service is available to all patients at the ONJ Centre, ensuring they have the knowledge, tools, and support to navigate treatment.

Since reopening and extending its hours, the cancer information lounge has experienced a notable rise in patient and visitor engagement, driven by a range of enhancements designed to improve the overall patient experience.

In 2025, the lounge space was revamped, with furniture reconfigured to improve the flow and accessibility. This includes the addition of a computer, puzzle table, and a drop-in help desk for immediate assistance, while also introducing an updated display area to highlight educational sources and community support services. The re-designed lounge allows for increased collaboration between staff and patients, improving the flow of communication and ensuring patients are informed and supported throughout their treatment journey.

Thank you for to everyone who supported the ONJ Centre through Dry July 2025. Your contribution allows patients to thrive through their experience and enables us to continue expanding the support available for patients and their families.

For Jan and Maureen, two dedicated volunteers at our Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre, supporting people through cancer is something deeply personal.

This July, they’re taking that support one step further by going alcohol-free for Dry July.

Maureen has been part of the Centre since its very beginning in 2012, witnessing firsthand the impact it has on patients and families.

“It really opened my eyes… to how many young women there were with breast cancer,” she says. “I thought, this is something I want to be part of.”

Together, they spend their time listening and supporting patients, often in moments when people simply need someone to talk to.

“It’s a privilege to sit and listen.”

That’s why Dry July matters.

“We always need funding. Any way we can raise money to support the Centre, we’ll give it a go.”

Their message to those taking part is simple.

“Thank you. We thank you on behalf of the patients. Every little bit helps.”

This July, their small sacrifice is helping make a big difference, supporting patients and ensuring our Wellness Centre has everything our patients will need. Sign up and support the ONJ Centre

Overview:

The Oncology Massage Therapy at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre, funded by Dry July 2024 – 2025, supports patients by alleviating symptoms such as anxiety, stress, and pain. Since its inception in 2013, the service has been highly valued, consistently having a waiting list. From July 2024 to March 2025, 654 massages were provided. Staff and patient feedback highlight the positive impact of the therapy on patient well-being and care outcomes. The program continues to thrive thanks to philanthropic support.

Service Delivery:

Massage therapy supports patients with anxiety, stress, insomnia, reduces pain and nausea. The service is highly valued by patients who are able to benefit from some relief from symptoms even if it is for a short time. Anthony, one of the patients who has benefited, is the feature of a video completed last year (attached), he makes some important points regarding the service and what it has meant for him, the impact of a massage session that enables him to feel energized during the day and help him to sleep better at night.

Watch Video

The Cancer Information and Programs Service, including the Cancer Information Lounge, is a welcoming space where patients can access reliable, consumer-approved cancer information to support their journey. With comfortable seating, a collection of trusted resources, and a computer for further research, it’s a place to relax, learn, or work at their own pace.

Our experienced cancer nurses are available to guide patients to credible information and offer personalised wellness consultations. Whether they need help managing side effects, making lifestyle adjustments, or simply seeking support, our nurses provide expert, compassionate care. This service is available to all patients at the ONJ Centre, ensuring they have the knowledge, tools, and support to navigate treatment with confidence and maintain the best possible quality of life.

Exercise services offered at the ONJ Centre’s Wellness Gym are vital to strengthening the mind, body, and spirit of patients with a cancer diagnosis.

The exercise programs assist patients through individually tailored and group exercise sessions that meet their current fitness levels. These programs and exercises are designed to build and restore strength, resilience, and hope in patients throughout their cancer treatment, and form an integral part of their weekly routine.

Senior Physiotherapists at the ONJ Centre, Clare O’Donell and Kristen Capron, worked on an educational video titled ‘VidEx’, which promotes and endorses exercise throughout the course of cancer treatment for those with a recent cancer diagnosis.

Kristen says, “In my opinion, exercise helps people do the things that they enjoy in life and live their best life regardless of having a cancer diagnosis”.

Medical Oncologist, Dr Belinda Yeo adds, “exercise in the setting of a diagnosis of cancer improves your survival and anything we can do that not only helps the patient live better but live longer is important”.

These exercise programs not only improve patients’ physical health, but also positively impact their mental health and overall quality of life. Physiotherapy aims to improve patients’ flexibility and mobility, enabling them to overcome the challenges and setbacks of cancer and surgery.

“Exercise can save your life. Cancer is a diagnosis, it doesn’t have to be the rest of your life”, says ONJ Centre Consumer Atlanti.

Exercise programs at the ONJ Wellness Gym are only made possible thanks to our incredible Dry July’ers! We are deeply grateful for the difference you make to the lives of our patients and their families.

Watch the VidEx Video: Exercise at the Olivia Newton-John Centre