Free breast screens in Ballarat

WOMEN across the Golden Plains Shire will be able to access a free mammogram as part of a municipal partnership with BreastScreen Victoria.

Attendees between the ages of 40 and 74, who are due for a mammogram, will be able to take a bus to the Ballarat BreastScreen clinic and each have an appointment with a female radiologist.

“The annual health program [helps] local women overcome the transport and cost barriers to having regular breast screens,” a statement from the Golden Plains Shire said.

“We encourage eligible women to register to take part in this important program, which is a free health initiative designed to support community health and wellbeing.”

The trip to Ballarat BreastScreen is set for Tuesday 5 March, and will run from 10am to 12pm, with pick-up and drop-off options at both Bannockburn and Smythesdale.

Refreshments will be provided to attendees, and Golden Plains Shire officers will run an activity with a wellbeing and socialisation focus.

There are a limited number of 15 mammogram appointments available to women in the Golden Plains Shire, and registrations can be made at the municipal website, by calling 5220 7111 or emailing [email protected] by Sunday 3 March.

In Bannockburn, attendees can meet at The Heart at 11 Milton St, and in Smythesdale, they can meet at The Well at 19 Heales Street.

Contact can be made at the same Shire health and wellbeing email address if extra transport help to the pick-up and drop-off points is needed.

The free breast screening initiative is being held during the week of International Women’s Day on Friday 8 March.