Relay given support

THE Wondai Town Hall was packed to the brim on Saturday with enthusiastic locals digging deep to support the South Burnett's Relay for Life event in October.

ROUND ONE: Guest speakers Gold Medallist Steven Bradbury and world Heavy weight champion Joe Bugner entertained the packed town hall at the Wondai Relay For Life fundraiser dinner. Photo: Jordan Philp . Picture: Jordan Philp

THE Wondai Town Hall was packed to the brim on Saturday night with enthusiastic locals digging deep to support the South Burnett's Relay for Life event in October.

Hundreds of South Burnett residents attended the dinner for fundraising auctions and to hear from guest speakers, winter Olympics gold medallist Steven Bradbury, cricket legend Jeff Thomson and heavyweight boxer Joe Bugner.

South Burnett Relay for Life committee member and cancer survivor Rowena Dionysius said it was a "fantastic night".

"It was fantastic to see so many people come out, the food was lovely and the guests were really entertaining," she said.

"Everyone had a great time."

The three guest speakers had the Wondai hall paying attention as they told stories of their sporting history, career highlights and memorable achievements.

Boxing champion Joe Bugner - who fought against Muhammad Ali - said Relay for Life was a charity he loved to get behind.

"There is nothing more fearful in this world than cancer and if we can help to wipe it from the earth we should be dedicating our efforts to do so," he said.

Fellow guest speaker and short track speed skating gold medallist Steven Bradbury said he was "honoured" to be a part of such a charitable event.

"I had never heard of Wondai before coming here tonight, but to be here for such a great cause is wonderful," he said.

"I think we all need to lend a hand and do our bit in helping raise money to fight cancer."

A charity auction and raffles on the night saw thousands of dollars raised for Cancer Council Queensland.

Mrs Dionysius said she was shocked at the generosity of the guest speakers.

"I was pretty impressed that the guests donated memorabilia and pieces from their own collections to be auctioned off."

The Relay for Life overnight relay will be held at the Kingaroy Showgrounds on October 13-14. If you would like more details or are interested in registering a team contact Heather Rowberry on 0427220324 or Rowena Dionysius on 0418922572.

More photos on page 9.

Originally published as Relay given support