The generosity and dedication of our Community Fundraisers, and their supporters, will save lives from melanoma. This month the fundraising events included a gym challenge, a vintage car exhibition, a golf day, a big morning tea, a marathon, and a day of AFL – we can’t thank our fundraisers enough!

Project 100

Twenty-five Toowoomba locals laced up their sneakers and hit the gym for a 24-hour endurance event to raise awareness and life-saving funds for melanoma. The event, coined ‘Project 100’, was organised by Rhiannon Stone in honour of her friend Jillian Bright who lost her life to melanoma in 2023. The event involved five teams of five completing 100km of rowing and 100km of running per team, within 24 hours.

Their original goal was $15,000 but thanks to the generosity of their community, they’ve reached over $20,000 – what an incredible achievement! We are unbelievably grateful and in awe of everyone who got involved.

Lazy Lizard Caravan Park – “The Shed”

June saw the opening of “The Shed” – a private collection of vintage cars, bikes & all things motor related at the Lazy Lizard Caravan Park in the Northern Territory.

Owner, Grahame Wilcox, lost his sister Karen Knuckey to melanoma in December 2021. For years Grahame has been collecting vintage cars, motorbikes, number plates, match box cars, rego plates, vintage bottles, vintage signs – the list goes on!

It’s always been his dream to open up a huge shed and have all the items on display, and this dream has now come true. Grahame can’t show this special collection to his sister, so instead he has arranged for all entry fees to “The Shed” to be donated to MIA in honour of Karen. Over $1,400 was raised through donations on the opening night alone. What a wonderful thing to do in Karen’s memory, and we are so grateful for the support.

Mucosal Melanoma Big Morning Tea

A huge thank you to the incredible Michelle, a patient at MIA currently battling mucosal melanoma, who organised a remarkable fundraising event at the Warwick Condamine Sports Club in QLD.

Despite facing her own health challenges, Michelle’s determination and generosity raised nearly $4000 through raffles and auction items. Michelle, your strength and dedication inspire us all. We are deeply grateful for your support and efforts.

‘Chip & Sip’ golf fundraising event

Janine Barney recently hosted a ‘Chip & Sip’ golf fundraising event, with all funds raised donated to MIA – a cause close to Janine’s heart.

In 2022 Peter Barney (Janine’s husband) was diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma, which had metastasised to his lungs. Peter received life-saving immunotherapy treatment, and the experience changed their perspective on life.

Janine’s event, involving 70 women at a ladies’ golf day, raised $1600. The event was made even more fun with the black dress code – spot the pirates and KISS! Thank you so much Janine for your incredible contribution to melanoma research through your fundraising efforts!

Brendon Browning Memorial Day

There was an amazing atmosphere at the 2024 Brendon Browning Memorial Day held on Saturday 29 June. It was a wonderful chance for the community to come together and celebrate the life of Brendon Browning, who passed away from melanoma at just 48 years of age in 2020. This event also shone a light on the real dangers of melanoma and the importance of sun safety.

The day consisted of three AFL matches and a lunch, hosted by the Brighton Robins Football Club.
🏅 Well done to the Brighton Seniors team for winning the Brendon Browning Shield.
🏆 Congratulations to Jack Tremayne who was awarded ‘Best on Ground’.
🏉 Brighton Robins Football Club won the Reserve’s & Senior’s games, and New Norfolk District Football Club won the Women’s game.
🏏 Thank you to Tasmanian cricket legend Brett Geeves for being the entertaining guest speaker at the lunch.

Massive thanks to the Browning and Barwick families, both football clubs, and the generous sponsors Bennett’s Petroleum Supplies, TFH Hire Services Tasmania, SRT Logistics, and Brian Mitchell MP – Federal Member for Lyons.

With the support of the community, this event raised life-saving funds for melanoma research. Thank you to everyone who supported the day!

Brisbane Marathon

Celebrating the 32nd year in 2024, the Queensland Country Bank Brisbane Marathon Festival is one of the oldest and most friendly events on the Australian calendar attracting thousands of participants from over 35 countries annually.

Often labelled the “boutique” marathon of choice, in part due to the VIP treatment all participants receive, the event celebrates fun fitness and the test of ultimate human endurance – the marathon.

This year, Kerri-Anne & Amelia decided to run the event, creating the team ‘In Stitches’ & raised $635 for MIA. Well done team, and thank you so much for your amazing support!

In Memory 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have honoured the memory of their loved ones by setting up dedicated fundraising pages. Your compassion and support have not only honoured the legacies of those dear to you but have also contributed significantly to our shared mission.

In this period, the following In Memory pages have been created: In Memory of Ann-Marie Julia Gil, In Memory of Norma Kunach, Remembering Sue Power, In Memory of Dianne Green, Remembering Clint Shumack, and Remembering Chloe Van Reenen-our little angel. Our thoughts are with you all loved ones.

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