To kick-start the event, it was publicly launched by Moorabool Shire Mayor, Di McAuliffe at Darley Markets on Saturday, 17 November. In her speech, the Mayor spoke of how cancer has touched most families in our area and said that this event would be a great community builder in our area. She gave it the Shire's strongest endorsement.

Cr. Michael Tudball chaired the proceedings, in which the area coordinator for Relay For Life, Rob Petrie explained how Relay For Life operates, and the local committee's chair-manager, Paul Brown encouraged local groups to get involved and enter teams.

A highlight of the presentation was a short interview and a talk by well-known local hero and Western Bulldogs footballer, Doug Hawkins, who is the patron of the event.

Then teenager Laura Miller (our first team captain) gave a brave and inspiring talk about her father’s ongoing battle with cancer. She has gained support from family and friends and now has a team of 15 keen supporters of Relay for Life.

The crowd was entertained by musical and vocal items and an appearance of the Cancer Council's Sid the Seagull. The local committee members (including Rotarians Ellie Taffe, Bob Levy & Tim Grosvenor) were prominent in their purple coloured "Relay For Life" Polo tops, which all participants will receive when they register.

Pamphlets with further information will be distributed widely, and more information is available at www.relayforlife.org.au or by phoning 1300 65 65 85