On this page you will learn:
How to renew your Will
Updating your Will can be important to do every few years or when you have significant milestones in your life.
Writing a new Will is often simpler and ensures clarity, as it overrides previous versions. Talking to your solicitor is usually the best approach, or you can find a trusted solicitor from our network using our search tool, or for more simple Wills, you can write one online using Safewill.
Deciding on the path forward can depend on how you like to manage your affairs.
Two ways you could renew your Will
For more complex estates, using a solicitor is encouraged. For more simple Wills, using an online Will writing platform like Safewill, can be a great way to get started.
1. Work with a Solicitor
For a more personlised approach, connect with a solicitor who understands charitable giving from one of the participating firms of the Planned Giving Platform – an initiative that brings charities and solicitors together to help Australians leave more than memories.
You can use your own solicitor or use the search tool to see the available solicitors, choose one and book an appointment. When you do this, Cancer Council NSW will put up to $300 towards your appointment to help cover costs.
There is no obligation for you to leave a gift in your Will to Cancer Council NSW, although we do hope that once you look after the ones you love, you consider us on this journey.
2. Renewing your Will online
Safewill is one of Australia’s leading Will writing platform, making it easy for you to write your bespoke, legally valid Will through their website.
They provide a step by step online form, where you can create and update your own Will at your own pace. Your Will is reviewed by their legal team when completed and you have options along the way for any additional costs.
When you create your Will with Safewill, you can update it anytime once you create an account. You can also jump back in online later down the track to update your Will that is stored on the Safewill platform.
It can be a convenient and cost effective way to manage your own Will.
Through the partnership with Safewill, Cancer Council NSW is offering its supporters the opportunity to write your Will for 50% off.
What is a gift in a Will
A charitable gift in a Will – often called a Gift in Will or bequest – is a donation that someone chooses to leave to a charity as part of their estate planning. It’s a way for individuals to support causes they care about beyond their lifetime and create a lasting legacy.
In practical terms, this means including instructions in your Will that allocate a portion of your assets to a charitable organisation.
What types of gifts you can give
You can choose from several options, such as;
- A percentage (residual) gift
- Fixed sum of money (pecuniary) gift
- Specific gift.
Use the correct wording to leave a gift in your Will
When going through a solicitor, your solicitor can help ensure the wording is legally valid.
When going through an online Will writing service, like the Safewill website, the wording is created for you as part of the template.
Wording for different types of gifts
I (insert name here) of [address], [occupation] bequeath/ GIVE to The Cancer Council NSW ABN 51 116 463 846 for its general purposes (or name a specific purpose, such as research, patient and support care services, cancer prevention programs) the whole of my estate.
I (insert name here) of [address], [occupation] bequeath/ GIVE to The Cancer Council NSW ABN 51 116 463 846 for its general purposes (or name a specific purpose, such as research, patient and support care services, cancer prevention programs) (insert number) percentage of my estate.
I (insert name here) of [address], [occupation] bequeath/ GIVE to The Cancer Council NSW ABN 51 116 463 846 for its general purposes (or name a specific purpose, such as research, patient and support care services, cancer prevention programs) the residue of my estate.
I (insert name here) of [address], [occupation] bequeath/ GIVE to The Cancer Council NSW ABN 51 116 463 846 for its general purposes (or name a specific purpose, such as research, patient and support care services, cancer prevention programs) the amount of $ (insert the value of your gift in cash).
I (insert name here) of [address], [occupation] bequeath/ GIVE to The Cancer Council NSW ABN 51 116 463 846 for its general purposes (or name a specific purpose, such as research, patient and support care services, cancer prevention programs) my (insert name of asset), free of all duties, and the receipt of the Secretary or other authorised officer for the time being shall be a complete and sufficient discharge for the Executor(s).
The impact your gift could have
A gift in your Will can have a profound and lasting impact on the work of Cancer Council NSW.
Anyone can leave a gift in their Will. Every gift, no matter the size makes a huge impact, ensuring our research, cancer information and prevention programs, and support services for people affected by cancer can continue well into the future.
Did you know Cancer Council NSW is majority funded by the community?
Specifically, in the last five years, Gifts in Wills represents over one quarter of our annual income making these gifts one of the most powerful ways to make a significant impact on the future of our work without costing you anything today.
Funding Research Breakthroughs
Gifts in Wills help fund world-class cancer research, leading to life-saving discoveries. For example, thanks to gifts in Wills and donations, the world’s first cervical cancer vaccine was developed in Australia, which is now preventing thousands of deaths and is expected to help eliminate cervical cancer in Australia by 2035.
Supporting Cancer Information and Prevention Programs
Gifts in Wills helped fund programs that educate communities about cancer prevention, early detection, and healthy lifestyle choices—reducing cancer risk for future generations.
Supporting people impacted by Cancer
Legacy gifts fund vital services for people affected by cancer, including emotional support, practical assistance, and information resources, helping patients and families navigate their cancer journey.
Our promise to you
Leaving a gift in your Will is a deeply personal decision. It reflects your values, your experiences, and the legacy you wish to leave behind. We are honoured that you are considering including Cancer Council NSW in those plans.
When you choose to support Cancer Council NSW through a gift in your Will, we promise to:
Your gift is an expression of what matters most to you. We will always respect your decisions and, wherever possible, honour any wishes you have about how your gift should be used. If you would like your gift to support a particular area of our work, we would be pleased to discuss this with you.
We are committed to using every gift responsibly and ethically. As a charity funded largely by the generosity of our community, we take our responsibility seriously. We will be transparent about our work, share the impact of donations, and ensure your gift helps create the greatest possible benefit for future generations.
Gifts in Wills play a vital role in helping Cancer Council NSW fund world-class cancer research, deliver prevention programs, advocate for healthier communities, and provide support services for people affected by cancer. These gifts help ensure progress continues long into the future and bring us closer to a world where no one faces cancer alone.
We understand that conversations about Wills and estate planning can feel deeply personal. Our team will always treat you with kindness, respect and confidentiality, without pressure or obligation. We are here to answer questions, provide information, and support you in whatever way feels right for you.
Every gift entrusted to us helps advance Cancer Council NSW’s mission to reduce the impact of cancer for all people in NSW. Through research, prevention, advocacy and support services, your legacy can help save lives, support families, and create a future with less cancer.
Most importantly, we promise to honour your generosity by striving every day towards a future where no one faces cancer alone.
What’s next…
Daffodil Circle stories
“I’m now a great-grandmother and I want those children to see their life through.”
For Jo and John, leaving a gift in their Will to Cancer Council NSW is a deeply personal decision shaped by love, gratitude and hope for the generations to come.
For Jo, it’s also about helping create a future where her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren can live free from the fear of cancer.
“I encourage you all to think about leaving a donation in your Will to Cancer Council NSW,” Jo said. “It is so important that they have the support.”
Contact Details
For any enquiries around renewing your Will and including a gift to Cancer Council NSW, please reach out below:
- Phone: (02) 9334 1479
- Email: [email protected]
- Contact form: Use our website form
Our team are here to help you with any questions.
Gifts in Wills Manager
Gifts in Wills Specialist
Gifts in Wills Specialist