Jane Govan was volunteering at Geelong Animal Welfare Society (GAWS) when in April a cancer diagnosis forced her to take a break.
The animal-loving UK expat talks to Luke Voogt about her journey so far and the “amazing” support around her.
Tell us about you.
I’m 59-years-old and was born near Birmingham, England. Both my parents are well at 79 and 82. I live in Newcomb and I’ve worked full time in the cleaning industry. I have a son, and a daughter who is married with three young sons. In my younger years, I played basketball until a taller opponent snatched the ball so hard from my hands that she pulled me down to the ground. The ambulance was called, my lower coccyx had bone fragments around it and that’s when I decided it wasn’t the game for me. But I continued on with netball until I was 35.
What’s your connection to Geelong?
When my dad successfully applied for a job as a rigger at Alcoa, Anglesea, he packed up his young family and took a big risk for the sake of a better life in ‘The Lucky Country’. I was only seven when we arrived in Australia in 1969 and it was a very strange land for us, but my mum and dad never regretted their decision to leave.
I decided to volunteer at GAWS because I love animals. I’m more of a dog-lover but I’m fascinated and amused with cats and the mischief they get up to. My role there was in the laundry but I did other things like fundraising, gardening and animal transport.
Why did you stop volunteering?
Unfortunately, with a diagnosis of metastatic cancer, I had to leave both my volunteer work and my job as school crossing supervisor.
The cancer started in the lung then travelled to my brain, liver, lymph glands and back. I had radiation for a week for the many small brain tumours. Now I have chemo every three weeks which is successfully shrinking all the cancer – so far so good. The side effects are tough but I’m strong-minded and I’m so blessed to have an amazing oncologist team at Andrew Love Cancer Centre. My sister Yvonne is my rock. I’m not allowed to drive anymore, so she drives me to all my appointments and treatments, and checks up on me every day. I have a beautiful network of family and friends, including my GAWS family, all supporting me.
What are your favourite things to do locally?
I like hiking, relaxing at the beach and having a barbeque with friends and family. I love everything about the Surf Coast: the beaches, boogie-boarding, restaurants, cafes, scenic views and bush walks. I love Geelong for its multiculturalism, scenery and tourism. Geelong waterfront, in my opinion, is our best asset.
How are you coping with COVID-19?
I’ve had no problems with the restrictions, I keep myself occupied with daily walks, jigsaw puzzles and craft projects. When the virus is wiped out, I hope to get back the new normal and catch up with friends and family for barbecue.
What’s something about you that people might not know?
I love photography, which is something I wish had pursued now.
Information on GAWS: www.gaws.org.au
