The show went on despite a tough week for the 14 southern region staff – half of whom face redundancy or redeployment due to a statewide restructure of the charitable organisation.

NSWCC Southern NSW senior regional manager Michael Cannon thanked the dancers, and the Illawarra community, for their continued support.

“The southern region has never been in a better position. Our fundraising and our investment into services and programs across the Illawarra have never been stronger,” he said.

“However financial pressures statewide have led to hard decisions that will impact staff. But I truly believe that none of our vital support services for Illawarra cancer patients and their families will be impacted.”

The Mercury understands that up to 30 regional jobs will go across CCNSW’s six regional offices, as the charity centralises its leadership, operations and communications.

CCNSW community engagement director Rory Alcock could not confirm the exact number of job losses on Sunday, as he said some staff were considering redeployment opportunities.

He said the restructure had been necessary to ensure the organisation’s long-term sustainability.

“We’ve made these changes to ensure that we are protecting frontline services and programs, such as Transport to Treatment, information services and accommodation partnerships,” he said.

“… I want to make sure the Illawarra community know that these decisions have had to be made because of a significant decline in bequests statewide.

“It is in no way reflective of the amazing support the Illawarra community continues to provide Cancer Council.”

Mr Alcock said the southern region office would remain in Wollongong. “We’re absolutely committed to keeping that physical presence for staff working in Wollongong and surrounds,” he said.

“We also want to reassure the community that the dollars raised at long-standing local events like Relay and Dance for Cancer will go back into local support services.”