A truly powerful and heartfelt episode on Talkin Toowoomba. Lorraine shares her remarkable journey — from growing up in regional Toowoomba to becoming a dedicated volunteer at Hope Horizons. What star

ted as receiving support during her own cancer experience has turned into giving back to others walking a similar path.

Every Wednesday, Lorraine volunteers at Hope on the Hangar in Highfields, helping run a high-end thrift shop that funds vital allied health services for people on their wellness journey. But for her, it’s about far more than just raising money, it’s about connection, community, and lifting people up when they need it most.

Lorraine opens up about profound personal loss, losing her son, her mother, her husband, and facing her own cancer diagnosis. Through it all, her outlook remains grounded in resilience, positivity, and a simple but powerful mindset: focus on today, because it’s a gift.

Her story is a reminder of the impact of community support, the strength of the human spirit, and how giving back can help heal not only others, but yourself as well.

If you’ve ever considered volunteering, Lorraine’s message is simple: just give it a go. You’ll get just as much out of it as you give.

This is one of those conversations that stays with you.

Listen now and be inspired.

#TalkinToowoomba #HopeHorizons #Community #Volunteering #CancerSupport #RealStories #Toowoomba

• (00:00:15) - Talkin Toowoomba
• (00:01:26) - Meet Lorraine
• (00:05:14) - One woman's story of cancer
• (00:09:32) - One volunteer's story of prostate cancer
• (00:18:11) - "This is My Day..."
• (00:19:21) - A message about volunteering at Hope Horizons

On this episode of The Talkin’ Toowoomba Podcast, Shane sits down with Lynda to share a powerful and deeply personal cancer journey.

After self-diagnosing for four years and pushing through the warning signs, Lynda was eventually told she had an 8.5cm tumour. What followed was major surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and the removal of her pelvis, a life-altering operation that changed her forever.

But this isn’t a story about fear.

It’s a story about faith.
About attitude.
About asking questions.
And about the power of support.

From learning to walk again, to managing pain, to embracing services at Hope Horizons Cancer Wellness Centre, Lynda shares how community care, meditation, acupuncture, natural therapies and a fierce determination helped her rebuild her life.

She speaks honestly about the physical and emotional toll, the importance of advocating for yourself, and why staying positive isn’t naïve, it’s powerful.

If you or someone you love is navigating cancer, this conversation is real, raw and incredibly inspiring.

Listen now and be reminded: you are not alone, and there is support available.

• (00:00:15) - Talking Toowoomba
• (00:01:22) - Talking To Him With Cancer
• (00:05:08) - What did you do after being told you have cancer?
• (00:07:32) - The surgery for bowel cancer
• (00:09:26) - How has the cancer surgery changed your life?
• (00:14:44) - A single doctor's help after an operation
• (00:16:39) - Hope Horizon for cancer patients
• (00:20:58) - A Week in the Life with acupuncture
• (00:24:54) - Cancer treatment and allied health services
• (00:32:52) - One woman's battle with cancer on Talking Toowoomba

Welcome to another episode of Talking Toowoomba.

This week the tables are turned as Rachel Carter from Hope Horizons Wellness Centre steps into the host’s chair and puts Shane in the hot seat.

In a raw and honest conversation, Shane shares his personal prostate cancer journey — from diagnosis and surgery to facing radiation treatment — and opens up about the mental battle that comes with it. He speaks candidly about the power of community, the importance of not going it alone, and the life-changing support available right here in Toowoomba.

We also unpack the real impact of Hope Horizons’ allied health services, why local business support matters, and how the community can get involved — including the 10-year celebrations and the Sapphire Soirée.

It’s real, it’s heartfelt, and it’s a reminder that even when you get knocked down, you can get back up — especially with the right people beside you.

Listen now. Share it. And if you’re able, support a cause that’s making a genuine difference in our region.