MAYORAL MINUTE NO 4/2021
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF HILLS RELAY FOR LIFE
Councillors,
In 2020, approximately 150,000 new cases of cancer were diagnosed in Australia and just under 50,000 people died from the disease. It is unimaginable that one in two Australian men and women will be diagnosed with some form of cancer by the age of 85 – yet this is the dire prediction.
Cancer remains a leading cause of death in Australia, despite improved understanding of the disease and better diagnostic tools.
But throughout the suffering, there is always hope. Hope that recovery is possible. Hope that better treatments will be developed. And the ultimate hope that a cure will, some day, be found.
On Saturday 15 May, we have reason to celebrate. We will celebrate the lives of those who have survived their battle against cancer, and we will celebrate the legacy of those who bravely fought the disease. And we will also celebrate an event that has been raising awareness of cancer, and funds for cancer research, for an incredible two decades.
We will be celebrating 20 years of Hills Relay for Life.
Globally, Relay for Life is a movement that brings communities together to fight back against cancer and support those battling the disease. Locally, the iconic Hills Relay for Life celebrates cancer survivors, recognises carers and honours those who have been lost. This amazing event continues to raise funds for world-class research and implements local support services to help people through their cancer journey.
The Hills Relay for Life has raised close $4.5 million over the past two decades, and already more than $85,000 has been pledged for 2021 with a target of $150,000.
As a regular attendee and former Committee Member, I’m always so impressed by the enthusiasm and unparalleled community spirit that is present at Relay. Incredible efforts are made by volunteers to ensure the event is so much more than a walk for teams and individuals – rather it is an unforgettable whole community experience – a time to pause and reflect on how far we have come, and how much more there is to do.
Last year, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, the event was forced to go virtual. This year, COVID restrictions have been relaxed, and all going well, The Hills Relay for Life will take the form of a five-hour picnic-style event from 3pm to 8pm at the Castle Hill Showground with entertainment and the much-anticipated HOPE candlelight ceremony.
As a former cancer researcher, the Hills Relay for Life remains close to my heart. Cancer does not discriminate – it can touch any one of us at any time, irrespective of our age or background, and there is always someone we know who is suffering. Advances in medicine are making breakthroughs, but more research is always needed. The more that is raised, the more that can be funnelled into research for a brighter future.
On behalf of the Hills Shire Council, and our residents, I would like to congratulate The Hills Relay for Life on reaching such an exciting anniversary and touching the lives of so many people over the past 20 years. I encourage everyone to participate on the day, or make a donation online, and join The Hills Relay for Life in their mission to beat this insidious disease once and for all.
MOTION:
Accordingly, I move that this Mayoral Minute be received.
Dr Michelle Byrne MAYOR
