Ann Sudmalis (Gilmore, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Each year, many Australians take part in the Cancer Council's Relay for Life. Gilmore has four of these events. This Saturday, the Albion Park Showground will come alive for the Shellharbour Relay for Life. While I am not able to walk side by side with the survivors, patients and carers at this year's event, I would like to take a moment to praise their efforts, for in their short history they have raised more than $300,000 for the Cancer Council and grown to 900 purple-shirted participants, due to the efforts of their passionate committee.

On the weekend of 28 and 29 March, it is Nowra's turn for what will be a fantastic community event. This has been a longstanding, successful fundraiser. In fact, it is the Shoalhaven community enthusiasm that raised more than $1 million for the local Cancer Care Centre. In October, the Milton-Ulladulla Relay for Life will be on the weekend of the 17th and 18th and the Kiama Relay for Life will be on the weekend of the 24th and 25th.

Unfortunately, the statistics show that each of us will be directly affected by or know someone with cancer. These relays help the community come together not to only raise money but also to raise hope for a brighter cancer-free future for all those we love. There is nothing quite as poignant as a relay sunset, where you walk past the candlelit prayer and hope message bags. The relay volunteers and committees throughout Gilmore deserve great praise for giving up their time and their tireless energy to provide others with hope for a better future.

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