They're dedicated to helping people with the insidious disease through financial and/or morale support, and it's something close to Trish Keightley's heart.

"I've been there myself," she told the Times, and knows all too well what faces those diagnosed with cancer.

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As president of the group, she's lead the team through a "challenging but equally rewarding" year amidst the significant obstacles posed by COVID-19.

"The need for our support for affected members of the community was sadly stronger than ever," she said.

Unable to fundraise through normal means as pandemic restrictions kicked in, the group was able to rely on the "strong financial base" they've built up over several years.

But in a mammoth effort, once things kicked back up even in a limited capacity, groups and individuals pulled together $33,000 for them at the end of the financial year.

In that 12 months alone, they helped 47 women and children. A financial cost of $38,000.

"We can only help people we know about, and we often get referrals from a friend or someone who knows," she said.

"A lot of it is word of mouth. The other day I saw a lady in front of me in a turban at the shops, and I just thought, 'oh I hope we've helped you'."

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Offering support can be a tricky business, with some people reacting with insult while others cry from gratitude.

A draining task, and emotional rollercoaster of seeing loved ones lost in a tight-nit community, it's one Ms Keightley - Inverell's 2020 Citizen of the Year - wouldn't give up for the world.

"But how we manage to do what we do is because of the generosity of the Inverell community," she explained.

"What's even more rewarding, is to see some of the people we've helped come to organise fundraising efforts to give back. It's just wow."

Offering phone support to sufferers through treatment, the Christmas luncheon and the Pink Ribbon street stall, one of the things to really take off recently is their bus trips across the New England.

They've been to pecan farms and more recently, the Sapphire Wind Farm - who put on a morning tea and made a sneaky donation of $1500.

"The social bus trips are for all women - they don't need to have to have had cancer, and it really helps with their mental health - for some if could be their only outing."

If you would like more information call Trish on 0411 968 113.

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