MALE Bag Foundation will deliver a third probe to Ballarat in the New Year so even more men across the Grampians region can access far less invasive prostate biopsies.
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This will be Male Bag’s third donation to a transperineal grid prostate biopsy system at Ballarat Health Services Base Hospital: first, offering $60,000 in partnership with Wendouree Rotary Club to help purchase the machine (worth a luxury vehicle); the second, an extra $9000 in September for BHS to purchase a second probe and double the number of men undergoing the procedure in Ballarat each day.
The latest $15,000 funding boost will arrive via United Way Ballarat’s Courier Charity Fund.
Male Bag promotes men’s health via road trips on iconic old postman motorbikes across rural and regional Australia. AFL legend and prostate cancer survivor David Parkin is the foundation’s ambassador.
Riders and members take pride in the fact every cent they raise is donated to prostate cancer research or treatment.
Male Bag chairman Rob Glover, a former Ballarat-based councillor, said it was important to give back to the communities of the people they meet along their rides.
The transperineal grid prostate biopsy machine at BHS is the only one of its kind in an Australian public hospital. It is less invasive, with almost no pain or risk of infection, compared to traditional biopsy methods.
United Way announced 2017 Ballarat Foundation, including sub-foundation, grants for more than 20 community organisations and programs across Ballarat in a pre-Christmas gathering this month.
Spirit of Ballarat Christmas Party was a chance for United Way to thank key workplace giving companies and honour people working hard to make a difference in the community.
United Way chief executive officer Geoff Sharp said it was a great way to celebrate “what was and what will be”. Mr Sharp said there was incredible work being done across the community to tackle big issues, like homelessness and youth unemployment, and it was important organisations continue work together on the bigger picture.
“Ballarat has a long history with a lot of organisations working in their own place and own space,” Mr Sharp said. “Particularly as we deal with these issues, let’s as a community do what we do together.”
United Way Ballarat has identified four priority areas in which the organisation can have the most impact within the next five years: early childhood success, youth success, housing security and food security.