Mother of two, Mel Callow, was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and the village is taking giant steps to help out.

Friend and previous work colleague Cass Blyss is heart-broken to see Mel, her husband Richard, and children Caleb (13) and Bridget (8), faced with such adversity. 

“It really is always the good ones this seems to happen to and Mel is one of the best. This has rocked a lot of people's worlds,” she said. 

“Anyone that meets Mel knows that she has the best attributes. Knowing the kind of person she is, I know she will get through this and she'll do it with a smile on her face.”

Cass hopes to raise $7000 for Mel by February 7, Mel’s favourite number, and has promised to shave her head for the cause.

“If a hairdresser can’t do it who can?” she said.

Mel worked with Cass as a salon assistant and makeup artist and graduated yesterday from the Canberra Makeup Academy (CMA).

“She is the hardest working person. To chase her dream through her studies, care for her family and work two jobs would make anyone cranky, but not Mel, she is just so positive. Yet, if you ever needed help she will always be there,” Cass said.  

Around 30 community members attended an impromptu meeting at Bowning Hotel on Monday night, to show their support for Mel and her family.

And now, for each appointment and any treatment that may be necessary in the future, the community will rally around, offering support, assistance, meals and some reasons to smile.

Bowning Lions president Cecile Felderhof has organised a year-long list of events to help the family through 2015.

“There is going to be at least 12 events held in the New Year. We have really tried to think outside the box to raise these funds,” she said.

The first event will be held on Christmas Eve at the dining room at the Bowning Hotel. 

The hotel, which usually closes the Friday before Christmas, has  opened its doors tonight as well. 

Local resident and friend Richard Glover is moved by how the community has already stepped up to help. 

“She is a remarkable person and anyone who knows her doesn’t need that explained to them,” he said. 

“The chef at the hotel will come back on the eve of Christmas to cater for the special lunch, at $30 per head, this will provide enough to kick-start the 

December 24, 2014 - Christmas Buffet lunch, Bowning Hotel. 

January, 2015 - Blue Light Disco.

January 1, 2015 - Golf day.

January 24, 2015 -  Trivia night.

February 7, 2015 - Cass shaves her head. 

March 15, 2015 - Beard and bald day auction. 

April 1, 2015 - April fools day, baked beans and marshmallow competition. 

April 26, 2015 - Speed dating night.

May 30, 2015 - squares and monster raffle.

June, 2015 - Mower pull and lamb on the spit.

August 29, 2015 - Menshed dinner and auction. 

September 26, 2015 - Oktoberfest. 

October 3, 2015 - Music festival.

November 20, 2015 - Bowning family day.