NEWLY-appointed breast care nurse Rosie Gillies says she is passionate about supporting women and their families.
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Ms Gillies, who has more than 25 years of experience in nursing, will be based at St John of God Hospital.
The position is funded through the McGrath Foundation.
"Breast cancer is a life changing experience for women and for men," Ms Gillies said.
"My role as a breast care nurse will provide me with the opportunity to promote breast cancer awareness and highlight the importance of early detection, as well as ensuring women and their families facing breast cancer feel emotionally supported and well informed."
Ms Gillies is one of two McGrath Foundation breast care nurses working in the Bendigo area.
She said her role would be to support women with breast cancer and their families from the time of diagnosis to the beginning of treatment and throughout.
"As a breast care nurse I offer practical, psychological and emotional support from diagnosis and throughout treatment - so I am a familiar face," she said.
As a breast care nurse I offer practical, psychological and emotional support from diagnosis and throughout treatment - I am a familiar face.
- Rosie Gillies
"Our role is very much emotional support, provision of information - sending people to the right information - and supporting families."
Ms Gillies said another aspect of her role was raising awareness of breast cancer in the community.
"Getting that message out to all women and men - who can also be diagnosed with breast cancer - is very important," she said.
The McGrath Foundation was started by former cricketer Glenn McGrath's wife Jane, who passed away from cancer in 2008.
The foundation aims to raise much-needed funds to place McGrath breast care nurses in communities across the country while increasing breast awareness in young women.
It has 99 McGrath breast care nurses currently working.
McGrath Foundation ambassador and director Tracy Bevan said the appointment of Ms Gillies was important for the community of Bendigo.
"Coupled with their professional knowledge, the McGrath breast care nurse will be able to offer a hand to hold, a shoulder to cry on and the opportunity for families to share their frustrations and emotions," she said.
"These nurses act as a patient advocate, they co-ordinate care not only for women with breast cancer but also for the families and their carers.
"To date our McGrath breast care nurses have helped support more than 25,000 Australian families."
Bendigo families can self-refer to the McGrath Foundation free service by phoning Ms Gillies on 5434 3160.
