House debates

Tuesday, 24 October 2017

Statements by Members

Cancer Council Border Relay for Life

1:52 pm

Photo of Sussan LeySussan Ley (Farrer, Liberal Party) Share this | | Hansard source

I rise to pay tribute to the wonderful combined efforts of more than 2,500 people from the Albury Wodonga region who took part in our annual Border Relay for Life at the weekend. As many in the House will know, these relays are one of the Cancer Council's major fundraisers to help in research, prevention, information and support for people suffering from cancer. The figures from the weekend are still coming in, but once again the border community rose to the challenge, with 123 teams raising more than $400,000. Even though official registrations were slightly down on last year, Alexandra Park in Albury came alive, with community members from all walks of life paying tribute to members of their family or friends forced to fight the cancer battle.

Specifically, congratulations to the major fundraising efforts from teams Happy Feet, the local X-ray Group, and Cross Border Justice League, and a big shout-out to the year 11 students from Trinity Anglican College, who, I'm told, will likely top the local schools tally again this year, with $9,000 raised so far. These funds not only go to the Cancer Council but also towards a second local patient transport vehicle, which is so important for our people in the fight against cancer. So 'Bravo!' to the local organisers, who continue to make the Border Relay for Life one of the biggest and best in Australia.