The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) announced today that it is supporting the McGrath Foundation to ensure every Australian woman experiencing breast cancer, and her family, has access to the support of a breast care nurse, as well as educating all young
Australian women to be breast aware in conjunction with the NECA Conference 2013 in Malaysia next April.

As many contractors have too little time for holidays or family time, this conference is an opportunity to combine business with pleasure and share the trip with the significant woman in their life.

The conference, organised by the NSW, ACT, Victorian, South Australian and Tasmanian chapters of NECA, will be held from the 15 to 20 April 2013 on the island paradise of Langkawi. As a fiveday holiday and a learning-networking event, NECA hopes to attract a high number of delegates and sponsors.

NECA NSW executive director Oliver Judd says, “The electrical and communications contracting sector is often perceived as a male dominated industry but it’s important to acknowledge that there is a significant and growing number of women now working on job sites and NECA is keen to increase the number of women taking up careers in the industry.

“It’s also important to acknowledge the work that is being carried out by the wives and partners of some of our members behind the scenes in the back office. In many cases member businesses would not survive without the vital work that is being undertaken by the wives and partners.

“NECA holds a number of award nights recognising the work undertaken by the membership on the coal face, but the hard work done behind the scenes often goes unsung and unrecognised.

“This conference gives our members the opportunity to take a little time out in a tropical holiday destination, to spoil and pamper their better halves and what better way to recognise the women of our lives than to support breast cancer awareness.”

As of October 2012, there are currently 78 McGrath Breast Care Nurses supporting Australian women experiencing breast cancer and their families in communities throughout Australia, helping to coordinate care and ensure their physical, psychological and basic support needs are met, regardless of their financial situation.

NECA will be organising some exciting fundraising opportunities during the conference, including a raffle and both live and silent auctions, 100 per cent of the proceeds of which will be donated directly to the McGrath Foundation.

Those members that are not able to attend the conference will also be able to take part in the silent auction. Members will be notified of the prizes available and will be able to bid on the prizes via twitter.

A call for donations of prizes for the fundraising activities is now underway. All enquiries can be directed to Oliver Judd on 02 9744 1099 or oliver.judd@neca.asn.au.