Tony Pasin (Barker, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Over 20,000 men in Australia are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year. Indeed, prostate cancer kills more men than breast cancer does women; yet awareness of the deadly statistics remains relatively low. The Big Aussie BBQ aims to raise awareness and understanding of the disease and raise funds to support research and awareness programs. Last year, I held my first Big Aussie BBQ at my office in Mt Gambier, raising much-needed funds for the foundation. This year, together with the Limestone Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group, we raised a further $1,000 for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia for the fantastic work they do in reducing the impact of prostate cancer on Australian men and their families. Our Big Aussie BBQ was a fantastic opportunity for members of the Mt Gambier community to come together, share some food and raise awareness and funds, of course, for prostate cancer. I am grateful for the level of support for this important initiative, which raised not only important funds but also awareness of the disease and the need for men to undergo appropriate health checks.

I pay tribute to Malcolm Porter, Ian Minge, Paul Arnold, Lea Clarke, and Bruce and Joan McGregor, members of the Limestone Coast Prostate Cancer Support Group, who assisted with the barbeque and, more importantly, were on hand to provide support and information to members of our community. I also extend my thanks to Baxter Hire, Baker's Delight and Shelton's Butchers for their generous in-kind donation, without which this very successful event could not happen.

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