THE Relay for Life will return to the physical world in 2023, after being restricted to two years of virtual events due to COVID 19. The Portland and District event committee has some fresh faces, headed by incoming chair Kathryn Oswald and as secretary/treasurer Magan Beavis. The cancelled events, and interruptions and stress on everyone over the last few years led to the change of guard on the committee, Ms Oswald thanked those stepping away for their work over the years, and said she is excited by the enthusiasm of the new members.
The overnight leg of the relay has been scrapped, to make it more accessible for families and school groups. “We’re aiming for the 25th of March to run the relay,” Ms Oswald said. “It’s going to be a 12-hour event, from 10am till 10pm, and we’re just locking in the venue, but most likely back at Nelson Park, just because it’s a nice even ground and it’s nice and big.”
“My kids were three and seven when we first did the relay, so we had to bring the caravan along and put them to bed in there, but I’m lucky my kids are a bit used to us pulling them around everywhere. “We want to make it a bit easier for people this time. “I’m really excited to be able to get the next generation involved, because we need them to pick it up and carry that on as they grow up. “So hopefully this will make it a bit easier, so we can get more schools involved “We want them to have that opportunity, so instead of those school age kids all having to be watched overnight, they can actually come along with all of their friends and have their own teams.”
From not being able to run the relays at full capacity, the Cancer Council has lost over $3 million a year in funds. Ms Oswald says she expects the Portland event to launch on the Relay for Life website soon, at that point teams will be able to register, so it is a good time to start putting teams together and nomination group leaders. Ms Oswald says they are on the hunt for people to take on volunteer support, team recruitment, and ceremonies and activities for this year’s relay.
In the meantime, Stratus Legal Group are hosting a fundraising ball on October 1 at the Portland Golf Club, with food from Clock by the Bay, drinks, and a live band fronted by ARIA award winner Sam Grayson. Funds will go to helping run the events, tickets are available from Stratus’ Portland office.
– OSCAR PERRI – Portland Observer