05 March 2026
Men living with prostate cancer across the Snowy Monaro region are being encouraged to connect with others facing the disease, with efforts underway to revitalise a local support group for the rural community.
Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse Stephanie Ratcliffe is based in person at the South East Regional Oncology/Haematology Unit and the Eurobodalla Cancer Care Centre, which covers the Eurobodalla and Bega Valley Shire, as well as providing telehealth support to the Snowy Monaro Regional Council area.
Steph, who has worked in community nursing, oncology and palliative care for more than 20 years, said supporting men from diagnosis through treatment can be especially challenging in rural and remote communities.
“A lot of the men we support live across very large distances,” she said.
“Many patients from the coast or the Snowy region have to travel to Canberra for biopsies, scans, radiation or surgery, so a big part of my role is helping coordinate that care and making sure they feel supported along the way.”
Steph said she had seen firsthand how valuable peer support can be, particularly for men navigating a new diagnosis.
“In my previous role in palliative care, I often met men much later in their journey,” she said.
“Being able to support people earlier, when they are first diagnosed and facing treatment decisions, can make a real difference.”
Michael Platts helped establish the Snowy Monaro Prostate Cancer Support Group about 18 months ago after being diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020.
Following successful treatment, he said he felt compelled to help other men in the region access reliable information and support.
“My motivation came from my own experience,” Michael said.
“I happened to talk to someone who had already been through treatment, and that conversation completely changed the direction I took. If I hadn’t had that chat, my outcome could have been very different.”
He said rural communities often face additional challenges accessing information and second opinions.
“In rural areas, there can be fewer opportunities to talk with someone who has been through it,” he said.
“The group isn’t about giving medical advice. It’s about helping men find the right information and connect with people who understand.”
Michael said the group was designed to be welcoming and flexible, particularly for men in farming communities who may feel hesitant about attending meetings.
“Sometimes people just need a space to listen,” he said.
“There’s no pressure to talk. You can come along, hear other stories and know you’re not facing this alone.”
Steph and Michael plan to meet in Cooma later this month to explore options for relaunching the group, beginning with an informal community gathering to gauge interest from men and families across the region.
The long-term goal is to rotate meetings across towns such as Cooma, Bombala and Jindabyne so that men living across the widely dispersed Snowy Monaro region have the opportunity to attend.
Steph said building connections locally was key to ensuring men knew help was available.
“We want men and their families to know they are not alone and that support is available close to home,” she said.
Anyone wishing to speak with PCSN Steph Ratcliffe about support services can contact her on 0437 747 257 or via email at stephanie.ratcliffe@health.nsw.gov.au.
Men interested in learning more about the Snowy Monaro Prostate Cancer Support Group or attending upcoming meetings are encouraged to contact Michael on 0409 584 096.
For more information about prostate cancer, or to find a support group, visit www.prostate.org.au or phone 1800 22 00 99 to speak with a Prostate Cancer Specialist Nurse.
