Going for gold

ONCE again the Warrnambool and surrounding communities have dug deep for the Cancer Council, with last weekend’s ‘Relay for Life’ event expected to surpass its $60,000 fundraising target.

Emmanuel College students Elina Mansbridge, Bridget McKenzie, Grear Collins and Saskia Warren were among more than 50 from the school who added colour, light and laughter to last weekend’s Relay for Life event in Warrnambool. Together, the school students struck ‘gold’ for the Cancer Council – raising more than $4,000 so far this year.

More than 350 walkers were bathed in sunshine as they walked laps of the Deakin University oval on Saturday afternoon and into the evening.

Warrnambool event coordinator Jodie Carey and her team of dedicated volunteers once again provided the perfect setting for the 29 registered teams to gather for what was an emotional yet exciting day of reflection, remembrance and hope.

“The committee worked extremely hard over the last 12 months planning for the weekend and I’m extremely grateful to them all; they were the backbone of our relay,” Jodie said.

“And to the 350 plus walkers who gathered on the oval at various times I say a huge thankyou.

“Thankyou all for your time, your efforts, your fundraising campaigns and for helping spread awareness and share stories of love, endurance and hope.”

With a little under three weeks remaining to bank donations for this year’s Relay for Life, Jodie encourages everyone who is yet to do so, to jump on board and give what they can.

“We are very close to our $60,000 target and I am confident this will be well surpassed once again,” she said.

“The generosity of our community is just amazing; they really know how to dig deep and help such worthy causes as the Cancer Council.”

This year’s Spirit of Relay award was presented to the Pal Carers, while Heather’s Heroes took out the highest fundraiser title (raising an incredible $10,000).

The best dressed team on the day went to the Four Leaf Clovers.

“While it was certainly a very important day to stop and remember loved ones and friends lost to cancer, and to pay tribute to those still fighting, it was also a wonderful time to come together and share stories and spread messages of hope.”

With the 2026 Relay for Life now over, Jodie and her committee are already planning “even bigger and better things” for 2027.

Cancer Council Victoria is hoping to see the return of overnight relays next year – a concept that Jodie is eager to also pursue.

“Prior to the Covid years we did run overnight relays in Warrnambool and I’d love to see that come back,” she said.

“I’m told it is certainly on Cancer Council Victoria’s business plan to bring back the overnight event for all relays across the state which would be amazing.

“It would run from 6pm on the Friday night through to 12 noon on the Saturday – stay tuned for updates on that!”

Anyone who is yet to make a donation towards this year’s Warrnambool Relay for Life tally can simply head to the website and follow the ‘donate now’ links.

“Along with all our regular teams we would certainly welcome new ones next year – it would be great to also see more schools, community groups, sporting clubs and others on board.”