Having retired from “one of the best jobs she’s ever had” last month, members of the Bairnsdale Prostate Support Group said farewell to Judy Mays, East Gippsland prostate cancer nurse specialist, with an afternoon tea at the Nicholson Hotel last Tuesday.

Judy came to the end of her three-year contract in the first week of January, finishing up her role as specialist nurse, though she will continue as a community nurse until Easter when she will retire fully.

In addition to her days at the Ross Street clinic as a community nurse, Judy has worked two days a week as a prostate cancer nurse specialist for the past three years, a role that was brought into being thanks to funds raised by the annual East Gippsland’s Biggest Ever BBQ Lunch (Biggest Blokes BBQ), which takes place for the ninth year in Bairnsdale on March 1.

Judy has been nursing for 42 years in areas including palliative care, district and continence nursing. Her interest in prostate cancer nursing began through her work as a continence nurse.

“We used to get referrals from the urologist who did a lot of prostate cancer work at the hospital,” Judy said.

“That’s where we would see men with prostate cancer and where my interest in prostate cancer first began.

“I was involved in setting up the first prostate cancer support group. That was around 2011/2012.

“We could see a need for men to have support, and it’s been wonderful.

“Having partners helps, with wives coming along too. It’s been good to see it evolve.”

Linton Blackwell was the group’s leader for three or four years before he became involved last year with the Gippsland Waratahs dragon boat paddlers, which previously had focused on women with cancer and survivors but is now welcoming men and boys to share the fun.

“It’s good to see Linton getting heavily involved in that. So Wayne Stagg has now taken the helm for the support group. Born and bred in Bairnsdale he knows a lot of people about town and has a lot of contacts, so it’s good for the group,” Judy said.

“The support group has grown and it’s really quite a strong group now.”

Judy said support groups aren’t for everyone, and many ‘blokes’ have their own support groups already established.

“Those who play golf or bowls, tend to support each other. They’ll sit around after a game and chat about their prostate problems. Men’s sheds are great too. But for those who don’t play golf or bowls, or don’t want to be involved with a men’s shed, this group is great for them,” she said.

“And it’s not all doom and gloom. The group goes out socially, like mini golf trips and bowling. It’s a fun group, really. It’s a social support group and they’re there when they need each other.”

Regardless of where they do their talking, Judy says talking about it is important.

“I’ve visited men’s sheds and given them talks on prevention, testing and all that. It’s a big part of the work; prostate cancer awareness and encouraging men to get checked regularly after they’re 50.

“A lot of support groups, a nurse is not involved with them at all. She might go and give a talk now and then, but I would go to their meetings most months. I know most of them, as they come through the clinic, but I think it’s nice to show your face and provide the support where and when you can.”


IMAGE: Retiring prostate cancer nurse specialist, Judy Mays, with Bairnsdale Prostate Support Group leader, Wayne Stagg, (centre) and support group members at a farewell afternoon tea held on Tuesday to thank Judy for her support of the group over the past three years.