THE phrase “big shoes to fill” comes out a couple of times as the new leaders of a major Albury-Wodonga event consider the challenge ahead.
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But Kate Wilkinson and Peter Whitmarsh feel sure they can oversee this year’s Border Relay For Life successfully. The pair will share the responsibility of heading the organising committee for the annual Cancer Council fundraiser, taking over from the chairman of six years Carl Friedlieb.
Ms Wilkinson said she and Mr Whitmarsh had a great committee behind them.
“That gives us confidence that it will be a consistent event and Carl’s left a legacy that we’re really hoping to continue,” she said.
“I think we both have different strengths and I think that’s what’s going to help the committee move forward.”
Both co-chairs have been committee members and team leaders in past years.
“I’ve participated for nearly 12 years now, here and in other areas, so this is natural progression to move up and try and maintain the standards the committee's set,” Mr Whitmarsh said.
Last October’s relay at Birallee Park, Wodonga, raised a final total of more than $418,000, one of the best-ever Border results.
Mr Friedlieb said the relay had grown from a single weekend with 1000 participants in his first year to six months of team preparation and more than 2800 people.
“The weekend’s actually a celebration of how much work you’ve done for each year’s relay for life,” he said.
“That’s one thing that we do sometimes forget, it is actually such a fun community event.
“It’s not all doom and gloom, there’s actually a lot of fun and excitement that people build themselves up for.”
The money raised goes towards Cancer Council research, programs and support services like Transport to Treatment, which offers free transport for Border cancer patients.
Another scheme is Improve Your Long Game, a skin cancer prevention program aimed at golfers in the region.
Cancer Council community relations co-ordinator Emma Ryall thanked Mr Friedlieb for his efforts.
“He has done wonderful things for Cancer Council, cancer patients and their families who live on the Border, we wish him all the best,” she said.
The 2017 Border Relay For Life will be held October 21 and 22, with sponsorship work continuing in February.