BIG BARBIE TO RAISE FUNDS FOR PROSTATE CANCER
August 29, 2013
Efforts by a local support group to raise funds for world-leading research into prostate cancer have been boosted by donations from Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and State Member for Morwell Russell Northe.
Mr Chester and Mr Northe are supporting the Latrobe Valley Prostate Support Group’s Big Aussie Barbie which will be held on the morning of AFL Grand Final Day, Saturday, September 28, at Bunnings in Traralgon.
The Big Aussie Barbie, which is held right across the nation, raised a total of $800,000 last year and organisers are this year aiming for $1 million.
Mr Chester said around 20,000 men each year are diagnosed with prostate cancer in Australia with almost 3,300 losing their lives to the disease.
He has called on local residents to support the fundraising initiative.
“Too many men are losing their lives at an early age to prostate cancer because they’re going undiagnosed. The disease has a higher annual fatality rate than breast cancer yet many men are still uninformed about what it is,” Mr Chester said.
“Organisations like the Latrobe Valley Prostate Support Group are trying to not only raise awareness of the disease for the benefit of local men, they’re also trying to raise funds for an important cause.
“I encourage local residents to support the Big Aussie Barbie next month or if they can’t get down to Bunnings, donate online.”
Mr Northe commended the group for their ongoing work in the Latrobe Valley community.
“The Latrobe Valley Prostate Support Group does a great job in supporting local men who are affected by the disease and encouraging others to undertake a prostate health check,” Mr Northe said.
“The group is helping to save lives and I commend all members for the efforts.”
Latrobe Valley Prostate Support Group Secretary Colin Bermingham said this is the third year that the Latrobe Valley Prostate Support Group have been involved with the Big Aussie Barbie.
Mr Bermingham said the group is aiming to raise between $2000 and $3000 at a local level.
“Our group helps Latrobe Valley men through the early stages of prostate cancer and we offer on-going support through the various treatments,” Mr Bermingham said.
“This event will build on our successful Big Blokes BBQ which was held in May where we had in excess of 700 men attend Kernot Hall, raising $120,000 in one day.”
Further details on the information on the Latrobe Valley Big Aussie Barbie be found at www.bigaussiebarbie.com.au or by contacting Colin on 0419 116 825.
The Latrobe Valley Prostate Support Group meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month at the Morwell Club, 136 Helen Street, Morwell, from 6pm.