Walk for ENCORE October 31, 2026

Walk for ENCORE October 31, 2026

Already enrolled? Access the Participant Area here

Free 8-Week Wellness Program for Women After Breast Cancer

A safe, gentle, and empowering program designed to support women at any stage post-breast cancer. Through movement, connection, and care.

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  • What is ENCORE?

    ENCORE is a FREE, 8-week program for women who’ve experienced breast cancer - whether recently or many years ago.

    Each 2-hour session includes gentle pool and land-based exercises, relaxation, and educational support in a friendly, small group environment.

  • Key Benefits

    • Improve mobility, flexibility and strength

    • Relieve discomfort post-treatment

    • Reduce fatigue

    • Boost self-confidence

    • Connect with other women

    • Reduce risk and manage lymphoedema

  • What You Can Expect

    • A small group environment

    • Trained ENCORE facilitators

    • Gentle pool and land-based exercises

    • Structured 8-week program (2 hours per week)

    • Guest speakers and local support services

    • Relaxation and mindfulness

    • Take-home exercises and peer support

  • Who Can Join?

    Women of all ages who are at least 8 weeks post-surgery following breast cancer treatment. ENCORE is designed to be safe and supportive for every fitness level.

    Please ensure you submit your signed medical form before the first session.

Upcoming Programs

  • Newcastle

    When: Mondays, 20 July–7 September 2026
    Time: 11:45am–2:00pm
    Where: The Forum Sports & Aquatic Centre (NuSport), University of Newcastle (Callaghan campus)
    Cost: FREE (funded by GoKindy)

    Enrolment: Click here to enrol

    Once enrolled in an upcoming Encore program, you will receive a password to access our Participants Area for further information: https://www.ywcahunterregion.org.au/encore-members-area/

    Medical approval required:
    Download Medical Approval Form

    Prefer to enrol over the phone? Call us on (02) 4929 2954
    Or email: info@ywcahunterregion.org.au

    —

    Can’t make these dates but interested in the next Encore program in this area? Please submit your information to join the Encore Waitlist.

  • Maitland

    When: Wednesdays, 22 July–9 September 2026
    Time: 12:00pm–2:30pm
    Where: Maitland Netball Association Meeting Room & Maitland Aquatic Centre
    Cost: FREE (funded by Club Maitland City)

    Enrolment: Click here to enrol

    Once enrolled in an upcoming Encore program, you will receive a password to access our Participants Area for further information: https://www.ywcahunterregion.org.au/encore-members-area/

    Medical approval required:
    Download Medical Approval Form

    Prefer to enrol over the phone? Call us on (02) 4929 2954
    Or email: info@ywcahunterregion.org.au

    —

    Can’t make these dates but interested in the next Encore program in this area? Please submit your information to join the Encore Waitlist.

  • Valentine

    Interested in the next Encore program in this area? Please submit your information to join the Encore Waitlist.

  • Singleton

    Interested in the next Encore program in this area? Please submit your information to join the Encore Waitlist.

  • West Wallsend

    Interested in the next Encore program in this area? Please submit your information to join the Encore Waitlist.

Every Step Supports Women After Breast Cancer

Join us on Saturday 31 October 2026 at 8:00 AM for a 3km foreshore walk from Empire Park to Merewether SLSC and back. Walk for ENCORE is more than a fundraiser — it’s a celebration of strength, recovery, and community.

This is a family and dog-friendly event, so bring the kids, gather your friends, and enjoy a fun morning together while supporting a great cause.

Together, we can keep ENCORE free and accessible for every woman who needs it.

Sign Up Today
Become a Sponsor

Meet the Experts Behind ENCORE

read more about the experts behind encore

Meet our Encore Team

  • Yela Wilson

    Encore Facilitator

  • Cindy Cawsey

    Encore Facilitator

  • Jodie Standen

    Encore Facilitator

  • Cindy Lidbury

    Encore Facilitator

  • Caz O'Brien

    Executive Director & Encore Support Facilitator

  • Natalie Smith

    Operations Manager & Encore Coordinator

  • "I now thank ENCORE with great enthusiasm because it has kept me feeling my normal self, made me far better informed about breast cancer and given me some very special friends."

  • "One of the most valuable elements for me, as well as those mentioned before, has been the socially supportive aspect. It has been wonderful to meet new people in a safe environment where others have experienced, we all have in varying degrees of severity admittedly, but all of whom have shown resiliency and a joy in living. We have made lovely friendships."

  • "My emotional health has definitely improved and physically I am making progress as well."

  • "Facilitators have been exceptional, very approachable, well prepared and encouraging."

  • "The pool exercises have helped the mobility of my right arm/lymphoedema."

  • "The facilitators were excellent. Everyone was made to feel welcomed. It helped me to appreciate taking time for myself. Taught to be more proactive. Has helped so much."

Join the waitlist

If you're interested in joining the ENCORE program but missed the start date in your area, don’t worry.

Join the waitlist to secure your spot in the next available program.

You deserve to feel empowered, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

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Choose from one of our five program locations

Need help enrolling?

We are here to make the process easy:

Call us on (02) 4929 2954
Email info@ywcahunterregion.org.au
Or simply use our Contact Form.

ENCORE is proudly supported by:

Logo for Go Kindy, featuring colorful text and a stylized sun with rays, with the tagline 'Early Education Centres' underneath.
Logo of Yan Coal, featuring a stylized black and red flame and a black pickaxe, with Chinese characters and the text "MT Thorley Warkworth."