April 29, 2026 • 8 mins
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Earlier in the week we touched on this story. But
had you been around well the State Square pre scened
each year, you've probably seen the big Pink Bus. Now
it's a state of the art vehicle which travels all
around the Northern Territory from top to bottom, delivering vital
breastscreen services and access to some of the most remote communities.
(00:22):
Over ten years, Millie has screened about twelve thousand women,
providing that opportunity for vital early detection as well. And
twenty twenty six, well it's going to see her final
tour before retirement. And joining us on the show is
breascreen ENT's senior health Promotion Project Officer, Rhiannon Banks School.
(00:44):
Morning to you, Rhiannon, morning, Katie, how are you? You're
really good? Lovely to have you on the show. Rhiannon.
What a year might be a bit weird to say,
but I imagine it's a little bit sad to get
ready to say goodbye to Milly after so many years.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
It certainly is, but I'm very happy to see that
we're sending her off in the true style that she deserves,
that's for sure.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
Yeah, tell me a little bit about her farewell to
her Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
So she we've done a theme as the Princess Highway
Warrior and it's effectively similar to Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
She's got some big eyes and some literary lips and
disco balls and all that sort of stuff. So we
just want to send her off to the territory and
true style. Really, I love.
Speaker 1 (01:27):
That, and she has. You know, she's done so much
for the Northern Territory and so much to support Northern
Territory women through breast screening. Tell for those out there
listening this morning who don't know a lot about Millie,
give us a little bit of background.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
Sure. So Millie was first commissioned in twenty fourteen to
help deliver remote smobile screening to communities all around the territory.
She's been with us for like ten over ten years now,
and she's been a true asset to the Northern Territory
in providing that service that potentially these communities and areas
would not normally have access to. We go to Top
(02:09):
End alternate years and to Central the other years and
provide the screening services all around the territory.
Speaker 1 (02:15):
So around twelve thousand women have been screened in Milli
the breast screen bus. Is that correct?
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Correct?
Speaker 1 (02:22):
Yes, it's a phenomenal number. And I can't imagine, you know,
the number of women whose lives have potentially been saved
as well through early detection on that breastscreen bus and
through the wonderful work that the incredible staff do.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Correct. And I think that's the most important thing to
remember is even though this year may look different with
Milli and how we get her around for the communities,
but it's really important for the community to remember that
Milli is retiring, but we do have a new truck
that's in place and in development, and our service will
continue for twenty twenty seven and those years to continue
on as well.
Speaker 1 (03:00):
Now, how important is that early detection and the opportunity
to access such a vital service, as you've said, obviously
merely going into retirement, but there will be a new service.
How important is that.
Speaker 2 (03:12):
I think it's really important that territory women continue with
their two yearly screen and if they do have any concerns,
you know, it's really important to have those conversations with
their GP or their health service and if they're unsure,
they're more than welcome to ring breast screen on thirteen
twenty fifty and have those conversations with our staff. But
this is a vital service and it's one that should
everyone in the Northern Terrectory should be really proud of
(03:33):
as well.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
Where's she gone? I would imagine she's been literally everywhere
around the territory.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
Yeah, she certainly has. So she's traveled to Group Island,
the Teeweis, She's gone to water, all the way down
to Catherine Madaranka, Baranga t Tree. She's done nearly eighty
seven thousand kilometers and nearly twenty seven thousand nautical miles.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
Wow. And so what's she up to now for the
you know, I know you touched on this a little
bit before, but what's she going to be doing? You know,
Priscilla Quinta the desert style in terms of getting around
the place for those final bits and pieces of time.
Speaker 2 (04:12):
Yeah. So, because she is the princess and we want
to look after Emilie will be transported a little bit
differently this year. So instead of being on her own wheels,
we've taken put her onto the back of a prime
move and we're moving her around so she can be
cared for and looked after in the style that she deserves,
but also so that our service can continue and we
offer you know, we continue to offer the screening services
(04:33):
to those communities and regions.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
Yeah, hey, tell me in terms of any woman listening
this morning who maybe hasn't been for a breast screen
or hasn't been for a breast ultrasound, at what age
do we need to start thinking about these things and
how important is that early detection.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
So the breast screening program is from fifty to seventy four,
but here in the Northern Territory we encourage all women
from forty to start greening with us. Obviously, we are
a well women's check, so we were only looking for
ladies that have no concerns, no symptoms. If there are
women out there that do have any concerns or symptoms
with their breasts at all, we do strongly encourage them
(05:13):
to go and have those conversations with their GPS. But
again if they are if anyone has a new concerns,
they are certainly welcome to call Breast green on thirteen
twenty fifty and we are more than happy to guide
them in the right direction that they should head for
their breast care.
Speaker 1 (05:26):
Now you touched on this before. Obviously Millie is going
to be replaced, so that new bus is sort of
in commissioning at the moment or what's the where are
things at?
Speaker 2 (05:37):
Yeah? Correct, So the new bus is in commissioning and
it's in the process of development and obviously looking at
the sort of criteria that we need to get out
into these communities as well. We have definitely made some
big improvements on a two point zero, so hopefully we'll
be able to stretch our reach and get more territory
women in for screening.
Speaker 1 (05:58):
Any idea what her name's going to be the new.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
Girl on the old Katie? Have you got a good
idea for us?
Speaker 1 (06:04):
Well, we can put it out there to territorians, couldn't.
Speaker 2 (06:07):
We Yeah, we could. That would be a great idea
to see what they think the next two point zho
should be called?
Speaker 1 (06:12):
For sure, Oh, something catchy. I love Milly. It's such
a like it's you know, it's a great name. But
Millie's done such an incredible job and you know, like I,
you girls probably feel quite attached to her and maybe
a little bit emotional, you know, thinking about her her
going into retirement, because I would imagine like she's literally
(06:33):
helped so many Northern Territory women and helped you guys
in such a huge way. To be able to assist
all those women that have stepped on board.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
Yeah, I have to mean it's a little bit of
bittersweet for me. I mean, we've had some really good
memories with Milly and we've had some not so great
memories with Millie. But I think the biggest thing as
well is just to remember is you know, she's a
true legacy of the Northern Territory and for breath green
and tea and going into communities and people going oh
the pink trucks here and things is really I guess
(07:04):
the best legacy and memory that we will have. And
you know there are some of the really cool things
that we got to do and take part in the
Oudsie Day Ute Run, and you know we've done some
women's weeks with Man and Greetera and Boro Lula community.
So I think we've got some really good memories and
I guess for us, we're really reaching out to Territory
women to say, if you've got fond memories of Millie
or photos of Millie, we would really love for you
(07:24):
to share those with us as well.
Speaker 1 (07:26):
Yeap, Oh, how good, Rihannam. What about any times where
she's blowing a flat tire or something at the worst
possible time.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
Yes, she certainly. She blew four tires coming out of
ev Rock last year. So that was a bit of
a gray hair moment for us all, but in true
style and true Millie style, she got back there and
we continued our run. So yes, we've had those moments.
Speaker 1 (07:47):
How good. Well, you guys would be such a wonderful team.
I reckon everybody there at Breastscreen and ta you do
God's work. I think you do such a wonderful job
at supporting Northern Territory women. Now, just remind us this morning,
if there is anybody out there listening who's thinking I
actually need to, you know, to speak to breast Screen,
(08:08):
or I haven't been for a breast check, where's the
best way for them to do that or how should
they go about it?
Speaker 2 (08:16):
Yeah, So if they want to check where Millie's coming
to their region, if they just head onto the NTG
health website, her schedule is up on that page. Otherwise
they are one hundred percent more than welcome to call
breast Screen nt I'm thirteen twenty fifty and we can
help them make that appointment well.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
Breas Screen NTE Senior Health Promotion Project Officer Rhiannon Binks,
It is lovely to speak to you this morning. Thank
you so much for your time.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
Thanks Katie, Thanks for your supporters all. We appreciate it
anytime
Earlier in the week we touched on this story. But
had you been around well the State Square pre scened
each year, you've probably seen the big Pink Bus. Now
it's a state of the art vehicle which travels all
around the Northern Territory from top to bottom, delivering vital
breastscreen services and access to some of the most remote communities.
(00:22):
Over ten years, Millie has screened about twelve thousand women,
providing that opportunity for vital early detection as well. And
twenty twenty six, well it's going to see her final
tour before retirement. And joining us on the show is
breascreen ENT's senior health Promotion Project Officer, Rhiannon Banks School.
(00:44):
Morning to you, Rhiannon, morning, Katie, how are you? You're
really good? Lovely to have you on the show. Rhiannon.
What a year might be a bit weird to say,
but I imagine it's a little bit sad to get
ready to say goodbye to Milly after so many years.
Speaker 2 (01:01):
It certainly is, but I'm very happy to see that
we're sending her off in the true style that she deserves,
that's for sure.
Speaker 1 (01:07):
Yeah, tell me a little bit about her farewell to
her Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
So she we've done a theme as the Princess Highway
Warrior and it's effectively similar to Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
She's got some big eyes and some literary lips and
disco balls and all that sort of stuff. So we
just want to send her off to the territory and
true style. Really, I love.
Speaker 1 (01:27):
That, and she has. You know, she's done so much
for the Northern Territory and so much to support Northern
Territory women through breast screening. Tell for those out there
listening this morning who don't know a lot about Millie,
give us a little bit of background.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
Sure. So Millie was first commissioned in twenty fourteen to
help deliver remote smobile screening to communities all around the territory.
She's been with us for like ten over ten years now,
and she's been a true asset to the Northern Territory
in providing that service that potentially these communities and areas
would not normally have access to. We go to Top
(02:09):
End alternate years and to Central the other years and
provide the screening services all around the territory.
Speaker 1 (02:15):
So around twelve thousand women have been screened in Milli
the breast screen bus. Is that correct?
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Correct?
Speaker 1 (02:22):
Yes, it's a phenomenal number. And I can't imagine, you know,
the number of women whose lives have potentially been saved
as well through early detection on that breastscreen bus and
through the wonderful work that the incredible staff do.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Correct. And I think that's the most important thing to
remember is even though this year may look different with
Milli and how we get her around for the communities,
but it's really important for the community to remember that
Milli is retiring, but we do have a new truck
that's in place and in development, and our service will
continue for twenty twenty seven and those years to continue
on as well.
Speaker 1 (03:00):
Now, how important is that early detection and the opportunity
to access such a vital service, as you've said, obviously
merely going into retirement, but there will be a new service.
How important is that.
Speaker 2 (03:12):
I think it's really important that territory women continue with
their two yearly screen and if they do have any concerns,
you know, it's really important to have those conversations with
their GP or their health service and if they're unsure,
they're more than welcome to ring breast screen on thirteen
twenty fifty and have those conversations with our staff. But
this is a vital service and it's one that should
everyone in the Northern Terrectory should be really proud of
(03:33):
as well.
Speaker 1 (03:34):
Where's she gone? I would imagine she's been literally everywhere
around the territory.
Speaker 2 (03:40):
Yeah, she certainly has. So she's traveled to Group Island,
the Teeweis, She's gone to water, all the way down
to Catherine Madaranka, Baranga t Tree. She's done nearly eighty
seven thousand kilometers and nearly twenty seven thousand nautical miles.
Speaker 1 (03:58):
Wow. And so what's she up to now for the
you know, I know you touched on this a little
bit before, but what's she going to be doing? You know,
Priscilla Quinta the desert style in terms of getting around
the place for those final bits and pieces of time.
Speaker 2 (04:12):
Yeah. So, because she is the princess and we want
to look after Emilie will be transported a little bit
differently this year. So instead of being on her own wheels,
we've taken put her onto the back of a prime
move and we're moving her around so she can be
cared for and looked after in the style that she deserves,
but also so that our service can continue and we
offer you know, we continue to offer the screening services
(04:33):
to those communities and regions.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
Yeah, hey, tell me in terms of any woman listening
this morning who maybe hasn't been for a breast screen
or hasn't been for a breast ultrasound, at what age
do we need to start thinking about these things and
how important is that early detection.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
So the breast screening program is from fifty to seventy four,
but here in the Northern Territory we encourage all women
from forty to start greening with us. Obviously, we are
a well women's check, so we were only looking for
ladies that have no concerns, no symptoms. If there are
women out there that do have any concerns or symptoms
with their breasts at all, we do strongly encourage them
(05:13):
to go and have those conversations with their GPS. But
again if they are if anyone has a new concerns,
they are certainly welcome to call Breast green on thirteen
twenty fifty and we are more than happy to guide
them in the right direction that they should head for
their breast care.
Speaker 1 (05:26):
Now you touched on this before. Obviously Millie is going
to be replaced, so that new bus is sort of
in commissioning at the moment or what's the where are
things at?
Speaker 2 (05:37):
Yeah? Correct, So the new bus is in commissioning and
it's in the process of development and obviously looking at
the sort of criteria that we need to get out
into these communities as well. We have definitely made some
big improvements on a two point zero, so hopefully we'll
be able to stretch our reach and get more territory
women in for screening.
Speaker 1 (05:58):
Any idea what her name's going to be the new.
Speaker 2 (06:00):
Girl on the old Katie? Have you got a good
idea for us?
Speaker 1 (06:04):
Well, we can put it out there to territorians, couldn't.
Speaker 2 (06:07):
We Yeah, we could. That would be a great idea
to see what they think the next two point zho
should be called?
Speaker 1 (06:12):
For sure, Oh, something catchy. I love Milly. It's such
a like it's you know, it's a great name. But
Millie's done such an incredible job and you know, like I,
you girls probably feel quite attached to her and maybe
a little bit emotional, you know, thinking about her her
going into retirement, because I would imagine like she's literally
(06:33):
helped so many Northern Territory women and helped you guys
in such a huge way. To be able to assist
all those women that have stepped on board.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
Yeah, I have to mean it's a little bit of
bittersweet for me. I mean, we've had some really good
memories with Milly and we've had some not so great
memories with Millie. But I think the biggest thing as
well is just to remember is you know, she's a
true legacy of the Northern Territory and for breath green
and tea and going into communities and people going oh
the pink trucks here and things is really I guess
(07:04):
the best legacy and memory that we will have. And
you know there are some of the really cool things
that we got to do and take part in the
Oudsie Day Ute Run, and you know we've done some
women's weeks with Man and Greetera and Boro Lula community.
So I think we've got some really good memories and
I guess for us, we're really reaching out to Territory
women to say, if you've got fond memories of Millie
or photos of Millie, we would really love for you
(07:24):
to share those with us as well.
Speaker 1 (07:26):
Yeap, Oh, how good, Rihannam. What about any times where
she's blowing a flat tire or something at the worst
possible time.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
Yes, she certainly. She blew four tires coming out of
ev Rock last year. So that was a bit of
a gray hair moment for us all, but in true
style and true Millie style, she got back there and
we continued our run. So yes, we've had those moments.
Speaker 1 (07:47):
How good. Well, you guys would be such a wonderful team.
I reckon everybody there at Breastscreen and ta you do
God's work. I think you do such a wonderful job
at supporting Northern Territory women. Now, just remind us this morning,
if there is anybody out there listening who's thinking I
actually need to, you know, to speak to breast Screen,
(08:08):
or I haven't been for a breast check, where's the
best way for them to do that or how should
they go about it?
Speaker 2 (08:16):
Yeah, So if they want to check where Millie's coming
to their region, if they just head onto the NTG
health website, her schedule is up on that page. Otherwise
they are one hundred percent more than welcome to call
breast Screen nt I'm thirteen twenty fifty and we can
help them make that appointment well.
Speaker 1 (08:31):
Breas Screen NTE Senior Health Promotion Project Officer Rhiannon Binks,
It is lovely to speak to you this morning. Thank
you so much for your time.
Speaker 2 (08:40):
Thanks Katie, Thanks for your supporters all. We appreciate it
anytime
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