Outstanding efforts by Community Fundraisers all over Australia

Macksville Zumba Dance Party

Huge thanks to the incredible Macksville Zumba community for choosing to support Melanoma Institute Australia at this year’s annual fundraising Zumba Dance Party! Over the past six years, they’ve raised funds for causes close to their hearts. This year, their generous donation is very meaningful, as several members of their Zumba family have been affected by melanoma. Thank you to everyone who danced for a cause — your energy and commitment are truly inspiring!

Point to Pinnacle & Point to Pub – Barney’s Crew

We are blown away by the incredible effort of Barney’s Crew—a remarkable team of 75 people who came together for the Point to Pinnacle and Point to Pub event in Tasmania. This is the largest team we’ve ever had participate in a third-party event, and their passion and dedication have left us in awe.

In honour of Barney, who sadly lost his life to melanoma, this amazing group united to raise over $26,000 for Melanoma Institute Australia. Your generous support will help us continue our mission to end melanoma and provide hope to others impacted by this disease.

To Barney’s family and friends, and to everyone who walked, ran, and cheered in his memory—thank you for showing the power of community, love, and determination. Barney’s legacy shines brightly through you all.

Aiden Snowling – Perth Kilt Run

A huge thank you to 13-year-old Aiden from Kalgoorlie, who recently took part in the Perth Kilt Run to raise funds for Melanoma Institute Australia. This fun and creative fundraiser was inspired by his Nanna, who was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic melanoma in 2020. Thanks to advances in immunotherapy, she currently has no evidence of disease (NED). Aiden’s efforts reflect his hope for even more breakthroughs in melanoma treatment—not just for his Nanna but for everyone facing this disease. Thank you, Aiden, for your amazing support and for putting your heart (and kilt!) into making a difference!

Pimped in Pink!

A heartfelt thank you to Jenny & her wonderful community for raising an amazing $3,880 for melanoma research!

Inspired by a friend beginning their melanoma treatment, Jenny hosted a fantastic pink-themed event to raise awareness and funds. The weekend was not only fun and beautifully decorated but also educational, with a representative from SunLife Skin Cancer Care Centre in Maroochydore sharing valuable sun safety tips.

Your efforts make a huge difference in our mission to combat melanoma—thank you for your generosity and support!

Run from the Sun – South

On Sunday, November 3, 70 riders and passengers joined the 8th annual ‘Run from the Sun’ Southern Ride organized by melanoma survivor Ken Harriss. This year riders enjoyed a scenic motorcycle ride through Tasmania’s Channel and Huon areas, starting and ending at the Margate Tavern. Thanks to Peter for hosting us.

Each year the event brings together motorcycle enthusiasts and supporters to raise melanoma awareness and funds for research. Special thanks to the American V Twin Motorcycle Riders Group who donated gift cards and items for the Dutch auction. Thanks, as always, to Ken and to ride leader Yorke Montford who lead from the front all whilst recovering from a kidney transplant. Despite the strong wind, all riders made it safely from start to finish thanks  to our corner markers and tail end riders Gaylene and Marco.

Run from the Sun – North

On Sunday 24  November, around 60 riders from the Leisure Riders Tasmania motorbike club and supporters in cars, set off on a ride/drive in picturesque North West Tasmania to raise awareness and funds for Melanoma Institute Australia Tasmania. The first stop was at Round Mountain Lookout with stunning 180 degree views and Cradle Mountain in the distance. The setting was perfect with different hues of green against a bright blue sky and fluffy white clouds. The hospitality was warm at the Railton Hotel – our destination for lunch and a raffle. Thanks to Caroline and Phil at Railton Hotel for looking after everyone, and shout out to our DJ Mobile Music Enterprises. Huge thanks to ride organiser George Schynol (“Big George”) and his family – Brygida, Martin, Melissa and Amanda for a wonderful day of riding, raffles and auctions, but most of all fun and friendship.

Aircon Rentals Christmas Cards

A heartfelt thank you to Kylie and the team at Aircon Rentals for their generous decision to donate to Melanoma Institute Australia this year in lieu of corporate Christmas gifts. Your support is inspiring, and we are so grateful. Aircon Rentals shares our vision of making a difference—a value at the core of their mission statement. They’ve closely followed the incredible work of Melanoma Institute Australia, whose research aligns with their own commitment to driving positive change. As a proud Australian-owned family business, Aircon Rentals knows firsthand the impact of melanoma, with the disease touching their family for generations. Thank you, Kylie and the Aircon Rentals team, for helping us move closer to a future free from melanoma. Your generosity has a meaningful impact!

In Memory Pages

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have honoured the memory of their loved ones by setting up a dedicated fundraising page in their honour.

Your compassion and support have not only honoured the legacies of those dear to you but have also contributed significantly to our mission.

In this period, we honour those who have sadly lost their battle with melanoma: Bruna Manduci, Lil, Paul Pritchard, Jill Schneider, Barry Thomas Partlin, Werner Kruger and Patricia Mary Hamilton.

If you would like to organise a community fundraiser to support Melanoma Institute Australia, we’d love to hear from you. Please see our website, using link below, or email Peta on fundraise@melanoma.org.au