Organisers of this year's Goulburn Relay for Life were all set to call off this year's event when a stroke of luck came their way.
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Chairperson Rosemary Chapman said coronavirus considerations made it far too risky to physically stage the cancer fundraising event at the usual Eastgrove venue.
But Radio Goulburn has come on board as an event partner to host a 24-hour broadcast on its stations, 2GN and Eagle FM.
It means that the community, rather than gathering en masse, can come together in smaller groups at home, work or in their neighbourhood to support Relay for Life.
"This is a chance for our teams to come together and Relay the way in which they are comfortable and safe," Mrs Chapman said.
"There have been many creative ideas that have come out already, of people choosing an activity that suits them and we are really excited to see it all come together."
The event will be held on Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1.
Radio Goulburn station manager Josh Mathews said the broadcaster was looking forward to being part of something "fun and different," at the same time raising much needed funds for the Cancer Council.
"Our team is very passionate about supporting Goulburn Relay...," he said.
"We are going to bring to life the special elements of Relay on air, the opening, Hope and closing ceremonies, as well as interviews with teams, live performances and a 24-hour broadcast to raise money. We will be rallying the Goulburn business community to get behind this year's Relay and support our on-air effort."
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Organising committee members Paula St Vincent and daughter, Emma, have participated for the past 14 years. They will call their team 'The Two Ronnies.'
"This year we will be relaying at my uncle's caravan for 12 hours," Paula said.
"2020 has been a terrible year but cancer doesn't stop. It keeps going and every day people are being diagnosed with cancer. We need to keep going and help these people and their families."
Mrs Chapman said last year's event raised $75,000, thanks also to a ball that was held.
Money raised has come back to the community in the form of counselling and patient transport, as well as programs like Eat it to Beat It in schools and Sunsafe.
She hopes to raise a similar amount this year but is grateful for any support.
Mrs Chapman's mother died from cancer and she has lost friends to the disease. She has been involved in organising the event for several years.
"You have to give back and help people as much as possible. That's my theory," she told The Post.
To register a team visit cancercouncil.org.au/goulburnrelay
For more information contact Brooke Manzione on 4223 0201 or Mrs Chapman on 0419 42 7987.
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