When it comes to Carl Friedlieb and the enormous contribution he has made within our community and well beyond, the words almost seem a little trite.

Last week we learned the Border Relay For Life committee head was stepping down from the position after six years.

In his time at the helm of the hard-working committee, Mr Friedlieb has overseen the event as it has grown from a single weekend with 1000 participants in his first year to six months of team preparation and more than 2800 people joining in.

Last October’s relay at Wodonga’s Birallee Park was Mr Friedlieb’s last as he now hands the baton over to his replacements, Kate Wilkinson and Peter Whitmarsh.

With a great committee behind them – and what can only be described as phenomenal support from their community – the pair are confident of continuing “the legacy” left by Mr Friedlieb and committee members.

Over the past 12 years, the Border Relay For Life has become the second largest event of its type in the NSW, raising more than $2.25 million for Cancer Council NSW.

Last year’s event at Birallee Park raised more than $418,000.

It is no small achievement that our local event has grown to become the second biggest in the state. That’s a result that is a credit to the community and has been largely achieved only by way of the commitment and hard work of people like Carl Friedlieb. 

Mr Friedlieb would no doubt acknowledge the efforts of the many who have supported him over the years, and the many thousands of people who have taken part in the relay.

But it simply would not matter how hard the Border Relay For Life committee worked – the event’s success would not be possible without the support of the people who fundraise all year, and turn out in droves every year.

It is a truly significant achievement that our community has every right to feel proud of.

And so as he departs it is timely to shine the spotlight on the efforts of this one man, and to pass on our thanks and appreciation.

On behalf of this newspaper, his community, cancer sufferers, cancer survivors, those who have lost their battle and those who are fighting it, we say thank you. Just two little words in recognition of one man’s very big effort.