Get involved...
Preparations for an annual Horsham and district community fight against cancer are primed and organisers want as many people as possible to get involved.
Horsham and District Relay for Life will be at Dock Lake Reserve next week and is likely to attract hundreds of walkers determined to keep a cancer conversation strong.
Horsham Relay for Life committee member Tami Lane described the event as a touching and unique opportunity to bring the community together and raise money for Cancer Council Australia.
She said taking part in the event was a perfect way to honour and admire people affected by cancer.
The March 15 and 16 relay will involve teams and individuals setting up camps and sites and relaying around the reserve oval for 18 hours.
Participants will use the occasion to honour loved ones who have been lost, fighting or have survived battles against cancer.
“A lot of people coming along are there because family and friends have been diagnosed,” Ms Lane said.
“But we’re seeing many more because they have work and former colleagues battling cancer too.”
Long-term Relay for Life supporter Michael Grayling from Heathmont will be guest speaker at the relays ‘Survivors and Carers’ function this year.
The gathering follows the opening ceremony at 5.45pm on Friday and the first relay lap honouring carers and survivors.
Also known as ‘Mr Relay’, Grayling is a cancer survivor himself and has participated in more than 800 relays.
Wimmera performing artists also have an invitation to showcase their talent throughout the event, in order to maintain motivation.
Artists this year include Maddi Ostapiw, Kessia Brooke and All the King’s Men.
“It’s a bit like a carnival atmosphere,” Ms Lane said.
“There are home-baked goods, cakes, activities and live music. It’s very familyorientated and supportive.”
Be creative
Ms Lane said awards on offer at the relay would encourage participants to be creative.
She said awards included ‘best decorated site’ and ‘most unique baton’.
“There’s been some ingenious ones in the past,” she said.
“It’s just a fun atmosphere, and such a social event too.”
Horsham Relay for Life has a reputation for generating social connectivity.
Ms Lane described how it sparked discussions between strangers, prompting them to consider their own health.
“Even if just one person goes and gets checked as a result it’s life changing,” she said.
“Cancer is just unstoppable right now. But if we can get people to think outside the square – there’s so many places it comes from. It’s injury, it’s trauma.”
Relay for Life raises money for Cancer Council research, information, disease prevention and support services.
Ms Lane said fundraising became particularly important when considering the isolation and struggle many regional patients experienced while undergoing treatment.
“It’s not just about funding the research but about providing support for patients in the region,” she said.
For people keen to get involved and support this year’s Relay for Life but don’t know where to look, ‘Team Involved’ is again up and running, led by Mary Dalgleish.
Team Involved is a random collective of people put together to form a relay team.
“It’s open to absolutely anybody. Just come and see us on the day and we’ll chaperone you to the registration tent,” Ms Lane said.
“You’ll meet a group of people who are in the exact same boat.”
She also said despite the relay being at a Horsham district site, it would be fantastic to see people from across the region attend and support the cause.
“We also know it’s a little bit of a drive for Horsham people, but we still encourage everyone to come out. What’s 10 minutes of your day?” Ms Lane said.
“And we have no neighbours, nobody to disrupt. So, the live music can go a bit longer and help those walking.” Number of participants in team: 10 to 15 members. Team leader: Tara King. Number of years participating: This will be our first year. Reasons for participating: Like too many Australians, we have been affected by cancer. Whether it be immediate family members, extended family or friends. We chose Relay for Life as it is a well-supported community event in Horsham region, so it was a no brainer to join in. Fundraisers planned: Work lunches throughout the year, guess the baby gender, Christmas raffles, lucky squares, just to name a few. We will also have an upcoming murder-mystery night. Age range of team members: 24 to 60.
Nhill College VCE PE
Number of participants: Team leader: Peter Hedt. Number of years participating: Five. Reasons for participating: For students to learn about event organisation and fundraising for a great cause. Fundraisers planned: We 12. Five so far. We are aiming for have ‘Funky Sock Friday’ where students wear funky socks once a week and donate loose change. We also have some other student fundraising activities to come. Age range of team members: Students aged 17 and 18.