Our cousin-sister, Tara Lloyd, was diagnosed with a brain tumour in September. Tara is a proud Baramadagal and Wiradjuri woman, wife of Lloydy and Mum of three. Tara is 38 years old and started working as an Aboriginal education assistant in schools across the Riverina in August 2024, as such will need to take unpaid leave in order to undergo an urgent operation and take recovery time. Lloydy also having started new employment through the year, will need to take unpaid leave to be with Tara for her operation and provide care for her during her recovery phase at home. This has come unexpectedly and is taking a huge emotional and financial toll on our sis and the family. While health insurance will cover part of the surgical costs, there is a gap of $8,000 that Tara will need to cover herself in order to pay for the surgery. Tara will undergo surgery on 31 October 2024, on-Country, in Sydney, and will be hospitalised for at least a week, before continuing her recovery at home in Wagga Wagga over several weeks. Despite this shock diagnosis, Tara has been focused on supporting her son Fletcher’s golfing aspirations, with Fletcher competing in the Jack Newtown International Golf Tournament in October, where there were 15 countries represented in the tournament, and Fletcher competed against 511 players, ranking 12th in the scratch-score and 14th in the net-score. However, general cost of living, having life-saving surgery and trying to still facilitate opportunities for the kids is going to be a stretch over the next couple of months. We appreciate that everyone has existing financial commitments, which is why we appreciate anything you can afford to contribute to help Tara and the family through this unexpected difficult time. If you are not in a position to give financially, we would appreciate you sharing the link and sending your love and highest thoughts to our Tara during this time. We will provide updates on Tara’s surgery and recover via this page. Marri Didjurigura, Linda and Jayne