Please take this opportunity to support our local hero, William “Doddy” Dodd.
Many in our community know Doddy through the NSW SES Forster Pacific Palms Unit, where he has dedicated years of tireless volunteer service. From responding to floods and saving lives to supporting communities through local disasters, Doddy has always put others first.
His extraordinary commitment was recognised in 2025, when he received several honours, including NSW SES NAIDOC Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Person of the Year – Volunteer.
Alongside his volunteer work, Doddy is a familiar and friendly face around Taree, working for Australia Post. Anyone who has met him knows he’s a devoted family man, always up for a good yarn, and constantly looking for ways to help others.
Recently, Doddy was diagnosed with a nasopharyngeal tumour.
While treatment has temporarily slowed him down and forced him to stop working as a postie, the biggest challenge has been time away from his family and friends. Encouragingly, Doddy’s condition is responding well to the first rounds of chemotherapy, and he remains positive as he prepares to begin radiation therapy.
His radiation treatment will run for nine weeks, involving five days of treatment followed by two days off each week, requiring regular travel to Newcastle.
With lost wages while Doddy is unable to work, combined with the ongoing costs of travel for treatment, the family is now facing significant financial pressure. Expenses for fuel, accommodation, rent, and everyday living costs are quickly adding up.
How Your Support Will Help
Funds raised through this GoFundMe will help support Doddy and his family by covering:
• Rent for their Taree home
• Fuel and travel expenses
• Accommodation during treatment
• Essential day-to-day living costs
It will be some time before Doddy is well enough to return to work and provide for his family. Any donation — big or small — will help ease the burden on a man who has given so much to others.
If you’re unable to donate, sharing this page would mean the world to Doddy and his family.
Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during this challenging journey.