Sharman Stone (Murray, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

As the patron of the Shepparton Relay For Life for the last 14 years, I want to congratulate the hard-working organising committee and all of the fundraisers for another great relay event last weekend, held at Princess Park, Shepparton. There were over 300 people involved in the 35 teams, who walked 18 hours, from Saturday through the night to mid-morning Sunday, which was a truly marathon effort by all—young children, mums, dads and the elderly.

It is always a privilege to participate in this community event. The first lap of the relay honours those who are now cancer-free, those who are undergoing treatment, and also their carers. This year's relay raised nearly $50,000 for cancer research. Over the last 14 years of the Shepparton Relay For Life we have raised over $2.5 million for cancer research. Each year in the City of Greater Shepparton some 345 people are diagnosed with cancer—young children through to the elderly. Funds raised also go to fund our two local support groups, who provide financial support to cancer sufferers in financial difficulty, and to support education and preventive programs.

In the City of Greater Shepparton, 31 out of the 34 primary schools and 30 of the 41 childcare centres also are members of SunSmart schools and early childhood programs, which educate all about ultraviolet radiation and skin cancer. Well done to the Relay for Life. It is a great contribution from a community that really cares.

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