Wagga driving force recognised after 30 years supporting cancer charity

Greg Johnson isn’t much of a public speaker.

He would much rather work behind the curtain than be in front of a crowd and is often unaware of just how incredible his contributions to the Wagga Cancer Council branch have been.

So you can imagine his shock when he was announced as the Wagga Wagga Citizen of the Year in front of a packed Civic Theatre.

“You have no idea how nervous I was, I was petrified,” Mr Johnson said of the award presentation ceremony.

“When they put a microphone to me, I turn to water. When accepting the award, I had to have someone hold me up,” he joked.

“I’m friends with Dallas [Wagga Mayor], so I know he had one elbow, and [Federal Member for Riverina] Michael McCormack had the other elbow. I thought I was gonna drop.”

Although his nerves almost got the better of him, when Mr Johnson accepted his award, his work for the Wagga Wagga community was the main talking point of the ceremony.

He has volunteered with the Wagga branch of the Cancer Council for more than 20 years, driving people from all over the region to doctors and specialists to receive the care they need.

“My role in the Cancer Council is I’m a T2 driver. I and a group of great people drive out all over the Riverina area, as far as West Wyalong and Young, and we pick patients up who can’t drive, who are either elderly or have no way of getting to a cancer clinic for treatment,” he said.

“Sometimes it’s a little bit daunting and stressful to receive cancer treatment, so we just talk to them and try and make it as easy as possible for them.

“They will tell us their stories about their family and their treatment or whatever they feel comfortable to share and it really does help. It just makes it so much easier for them.”

Mr Johnson received the nomination from his friend and fellow Cancer Council volunteer Alan Pottie, who received the same award in 2023.

“I was absolutely blown out of the water when I was told I was nominated by Al,” he said.

“I just thought, God, I couldn’t hold a candle to Alan Pottie and the things that he does. I was so surprised and honoured that he nominated me.”

Mr Johnson’s story with the Cancer Council began in 1996 with Wagga’s first Relay For Life after tragically losing his sister to cancer.

“For this first Relay For Life, I had no idea what to expect,” he said.

“I was in the South Border Lions Club in 1996 and they asked me to cater for this event called Relay For Life. I had no idea what I had signed myself up for.

“Back then, I didn’t know the Cancer Council existed and I didn’t know what the Cancer Council could do. I found out they were researching ways to prevent, limit and treat cancer.”

Now, almost 30 years later, Mr Johnson is still volunteering for the Cancer Council and is encouraging even more people to take part in the 2025 Relay For Life.

“This year’s relay will be the same concept as last year,” he said.

“It’ll only be six hours, giving everyone an opportunity to take part, and there’ll be the best music and the best food Wagga has to offer.

“The relay is all about spreading a great message and getting everyone aware of the 13 11 20 hotlines and the different clinics and things around.

“We’d love to see everyone at the Riverside Precinct later this year, taking part in a great event for a great cause.”