Nickolas Varvaris (Barton, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The 2015 St George Beachside Dash took place yesterday in Barton, encouraging participants to run, jog or walk for the St George and Sutherland Medical Research Foundation. It was a perfect day to be out and about, especially along the water's edge at Brighton-Le-Sands. I am pleased to inform the House that over 605 people participated, a 10 per cent increase from 2014.

This fantastic local event really brings out the best in Barton constituents where community groups, families and volunteers all come together to support medical research in the St George region. The Beachside Dash included approximately 1,500 volunteers, including 20 from the local Rotary Club alone.

Volunteers came from the local State Emergency Services and about 100 direct volunteers came from St George Bank. This did not take into account the many family members who came with the volunteers, who stayed and cheered on the participants. There were also 15 stalls dotted along the beach, dedicated to the promotion and awareness of the importance of healthy lifestyles.

It was an absolute pleasure to be able to welcome all the participants, meet the volunteers, their families and organisers of the Beachside Dash. Needless to say, the event was a huge success, raising approximately $40,000 for the St George and Sutherland Medical Research Foundation. Well done to all the participants and volunteers for making it a fun-filled day. I am certainly looking forward to the next one.