In the lead-up to Gunnedah Relay For Life on Saturday, Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson says its time to “Wake up, Australia. Get yourself tested” for cancer.
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The local MP will officially open the NSW Cancer Council event at 10am at Kitchener Park and said he liked to support Relay For Life events because “everyone everywhere knows someone immediately affected by cancer”.
Mr Anderson said incidences of cancer were clearly on the rise and country people had a “higher rate of a bad outcome” because of various reasons such as not seeking treatment or not feeling they can access treatment.
“Not only is Relay For Life supporting those touched by cancer, it’s an awareness day,” Mr Anderson said.
“Men in particular, they are the ones that don’t get checked and they should.
“It’s, ‘Wake up, Australia. Get yourself tested’. Australians are so bad at preventative health. We wait until it’s too late and that’s the problem we face.”
Gunnedah mayor Owen Hasler will support Gunnedah’s Relay and is calling on the community to take part.
“It’s great to see that it’s been reactivated after four years because it’s an extremely worthwhile cause highlighting a clear need in our community and I would hope that the community gets behind it,” he said.
“Early indication is that numbers are low and I hope that when the message gets out, that we will really rally.
“I’ll be there and look forward to seeing many others support the cause,” he said.
The Gunnedah Relay for life will kick off with a free barbecue breakfast for participants before the opening ceremony at 10am where cancer survivors and carers will take to the track for the first lap.
Morning entertainment will include performances from RAD dance group, music, zumba and a performance by The Plains Highland Dancers.
Kids activities have been organised in the centre of the oval until dusk, with a Slip, Slop Slap Relay.
The candlelight ceremony will pay tribute to those lost to cancer with a special remembrance ceremony at 5.45pm, followed by a Lap of Honour to the tones of a piper.
After the ceremony, a DJ will keep the crowd pumping until 8.30pm under the floodlights, with the relay to wrap up at 9pm.
Underage drinking and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated at the event and police and security will be patrolling the oval throughout the day and night.
To get involved in the Gunnedah Relay For Life, contact the Cancer Council office on 6763 0900 or email amyw@nswcc.org.au
