‘It’s just a rotten number that you’ve drawn out of the hat’

Cancer Council Queensland reflects on 60 years of helping Mackay residents live with cancer including some quirky toilet and flamingo-themed fundraisers

A flock of flamingoes had roosted on the front yards of Marian homes but if residents wanted them gone, they had to pay up.

Known as flocking, Mackay and Pioneer Valley Relay for Life co-chair Lauren Lord explained it was a fun fundraiser for the Cancer Council Queensland a few years back.

But if you thought pesky pink birds were wacky, Ms Lord said there was also a drive in Mackay where you could pay to have a toilet installed on your mate's front lawn, an effort raising $7000.

Ms Lord joined Cancer Council Queensland chief executive officer Chris McMillan and about 30 other guests including Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson on Tuesday to celebrate the organisation's 60th anniversary.

"I am surprised every single year at what people come up with," Ms Lord said.

"In terms of what we have planned for 2021, we're certainly hoping for a physical Relay for Life event in the second half of the year and I know I've got another paint and sip fundraiser coming up soon.

"We had the first one at the end of January and it was a massive success … tickets were $65 and that included food, glasses of wine and a three hour painting tutorial on creating your own masterpiece."

Ms Lord said she joined the organisation during high school after the "coolest" 24 hours of her life attending a Relay for Life event.

"Since then, it's transformed a little bit for me," she said.

"I've lost some loved ones to cancer and in 2018 my dad was diagnosed with multiple myeloma."

Pioneer Valley Relay for Life co-chair Lauren Lord at the 60th anniversary celebrations in Mackay, February 23, 2021. Picture: Heidi Petith

"He had the opportunity to stay in one of (Cancer Council Queensland's) lodges in Townsville … he had reliable, affordable accommodation the whole time while he was having his treatment.

"He also received a lot of treatment at the Icon (Cancer) Centre which is partnered very heavily with the Cancer Council.

"I've never been there and not had the Cancer Council volunteers greet me."

Ms McMillan said it went to the core of the organisation to help make it easier for people to live with cancer.

"(Cancer is) just a rotten number that you've drawn out of the hat," Ms McMillan said.

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She said one in two Mackay residents would receive a cancer diagnosis by the time they were 85.

Cancer Council Queensland CEO Chris McMillan at the 60th anniversary celebrations in Mackay. Picture: Heidi Petith

And each year, 233 people in the region lost their fight against the disease.

"The celebrations in Mackay will involve thanking the community in a huge way … to say thank you to our volunteers who have been there year-

in, year-out," Ms McMillan said.

"Like many charities we've grown from the grassroots community fundraising and activities.

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"Years ago, 60 years ago in fact, when the Cancer Council came into being as the Queensland Cancer Fund, treatment was really just focused on the south east corner in Brisbane."

She said the charity had grown to now provide regional accommodation, counselling, prevention information, and a host of other support.

To keep up to date with the Cancer Council's activities including the upcoming Biggest Morning Tea event, you can follow the below Facebook pages:

Mackay Relay For Life

Pioneer Valley Relay For Life

Cancer Council Queensland

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