Luke Gosling (Solomon, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to speak about prostate cancer, which affects around 230,000 Aussie men each year, including 630 in my hometown of Darwin. Prostate cancer will likely be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in our country this year, just as it has been in the past.

I would like to pay tribute to one man who is a beacon of hope for many in the Northern Territory. Don Lockley is a 91-year-old prostate cancer survivor and the legendary leader of Prosper, which is our Darwin prostate cancer support group. Prosper meets Monday monthly in the Harbour Room at the Christ Church Cathedral on Smith Street, Darwin, at 7.30 pm.

Don retired back in 2013 after 12 years of working and serving in the Air Force, 22 years in OHS roles and 50 years in scouting. In August, Don ran a 72-kilometre marathon to raise awareness and funds for men with prostate cancer. He was 91 years old! But he doubled that to run 166 kilometres. Don encourages men of all ages to take their health seriously. He says, and I quote, 'Don't be so macho and bulletproof'. That's his advice to Aussie men, whom he urges to listen to their GPs and get a prostate cancer check.