A DEVOTED husband who established the city’s first cancer support service after watching his wife’s battle with breast cancer has been recognised with an Order of Australia Medal.
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Thomas Ignatious McMullen established the first Wagga branch of Can Assist, formerly Cancer Patients Assistance Society, in 1979.
The Wagga local has since spent years dedicating his life to a myriad of other causes by volunteering his time and money.
Mr McMullen, now 83, has received one of the country’s highest honours, awarded to Australians for outstanding achievement and service.
Mr McMullen wanted to establish a Wagga branch of Can Assist after seeing the good the organisation was doing in Sydney.
He and his wife, Patricia, made multiple visits to the capital, where she was undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
“It needed doing,” he said of bringing it to Wagga.
“They had one in Orange and on the coast.
“I was involved in Farmers Home Social Club and when they got on board, it was quite easy to get it up and running.”
Though Patricia passed away in 1994, Mr McMullen continued to be involved in the organisation.
Can Assist has grown to 50 branches across the state and provides support to families by way of travel and accommodation expenses.
But in a sad sign of the times, Can Assist Wagga collapsed earlier this month due to a lack of volunteers.
It is a sheer contrast to what a significant role the charity has played since it was established.
In 2015 alone, Can Assist Wagga gave financial support to 51 families, assisting with everything from electricity, rent and groceries to pharmaceuticals, medical bills and travel costs.
At its busiest time, Can Assist Wagga also offered assisted accommodation at Lilier Lodge.
It was here that Mr McMullen dedicated much of his time as a handyman, putting his building trade to good use.
Mr McMullen is a life member of Can Assist and received an award recognising his 25 years of service in 2008.
He has also volunteered at various other Wagga organisations, including Apex Club, St Vincent de Paul Society, Eden Quinn Shelter and Loreto Home of Compassion, prior to 1978.
The modest Mr McMullen was notified of the honour just before Christmas but has kept it a secret ever since.
“It’s a bit of a surprise,” he said of the accolade.
“But it’s nice.”
It is unclear who nominated Mr McMullen, but his daughter, Cathy McMullen suspects it was Can Assist chair and president Kay Hull.
“We’re all very proud of him,” Ms McMullen said.
“It’s a lifelong achievement.”
