David Gillespie (Lyne, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Last weekend, two very successful important local community events happened in Port Macquarie. Firstly, the Melanoma March held at Rainbow Beach, Bonny Hills, witnessed nearly 500 keen walkers take to the beach to help support the Melanoma Institute Australia with its research into this aggressive form of cancer. Last weekend's march followed a very successful march last year, which raised over $16,000. I take this opportunity to congratulate the local organising committee: Paula Jackson, Kaela Croft, Maureen Stephens, Brett Kenzig, and Tenille, Jackson and Peter Daniels.

Secondly, my wife, Charlotte, and I also took part in the annual Hastings Relay For Life walk, from Woods Street in Port Macquarie, in support of the Cancer Council's research work. Along with carers and survivors, more than 1,000 community members, parents and children, school groups, students from the University of Newcastle and Newman college, we walked to raise over $100,000. So congratulations to Kellie Seymour and the organising committee for another wonderful effort.

There are so many people in our community who are suffering from various forms of cancer, and there are so many aggressive forms, which is why this research is so critical. If we can find a cure, we can improve the lives of many people and the families that support them or that are part of their broader network. I am pleased our government is increasing investment in medical research and treatment, particularly in relation to cancer as well as diabetes and other diseases. I am delighted to be able to support fundraising activities like those initiated at the community level.