We were thrilled to welcome ABC Newcastle’s Jenny Marchant to an ENCORE session at The Forum, University of Newcastle, to hear firsthand about the impact of the program on women following breast cancer treatment.

Jenny spoke with our Executive Director, Caz O’Brien, and current ENCORE participant Judy Wells, about what makes ENCORE so important and why programs like this provide more than just exercise.

ENCORE is a FREE eight-week wellness and exercise program designed to support women following breast cancer treatment. Alongside gentle exercise, the program provides opportunities to connect with other women who understand the breast cancer journey, build confidence and strength, and access valuable information and support.

For Judy, being part of ENCORE has been about more than simply getting active — it’s about the friendships, connection and sense of community that come with being part of the program.

Keeping ENCORE Free

The fact that ENCORE is free is incredibly important. Breast cancer can bring many unexpected costs and challenges, and we don’t want the cost of a wellness and recovery program to become another barrier for women who need support.

That’s why fundraising and community support are so important.

During the interview, Jenny also spoke with Judy and Caz about Walk for ENCORE, our annual fundraising event that helps us raise the funds needed to continue providing ENCORE free to women across the Hunter.

Every registration, donation, fundraising effort and act of support helps us keep the doors open for the next woman who needs ENCORE.

Walk for ENCORE 2026

This year, our community will come together on Saturday 31 October 2026 at Empire Park, Bar Beach, for a 3km walk to Merewether SLSC and back.

It’s more than a walk.

It’s a chance to stand together for women like Judy, to celebrate the strength of our ENCORE community and to help ensure that women following breast cancer treatment continue to have access to a program where they can move, recover, connect and feel supported.

Because sometimes knowing you’re not alone makes all the difference.

Thank you to Jenny Marchant and ABC Newcastle for helping us share the ENCORE story and shine a light on the difference this program makes to local women.