The community is encouraged to hold individual events for the July 16 launch.

Whether it be a barbeque or a cake stand, chairman Carl Friedlieb called on as many people as possible to don the relay purple and start fundraising.

“So many teams are dedicated to relay and we encourage them to hold a fundraiser on that same Saturday of the launch,” he said.

“The idea is wherever you go that morning, you see purple balloons and raffle tickets.

“We are the second biggest relay in the country, but we may have overtaken number one last year.

“For the last four years, we've been raising over $400,000 which is an amazing effort by the region.

“We are so lucky to see that funding go to research and the transport to treatment program which recently launched here.”

The public launch will run from 10am to 2pm at Junction Place and at Terry White Chemist on Dean Street.

It will come in the lead up to the big event at Birallee Park on October 22 and 23.

Fore more information about this year’s fundraising extravaganza, visit cancercouncil.com.au/event/relay-for-life-border-2016.