Diving in for a good cause for the inaugural 'Sunshine Swim' during February are Yarrawonga Mulwala Swimming Club members Sophie Archibald, Alexandra Bridgeman, Flynn Cox, Lachie Cruikshank and Darcy Cox. The young swimmers have joined the Sunshine Swim fundraiser launched on Sunday to support regional cancer services.
The Yarrawonga Mulwala Swimming Club is rallying the community against cancer with the launch of the heartwarming inaugural Sunshine Swim.
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The Sunshine Swim encourages people to swim anytime, anywhere to help raise vital funds for the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre.
The Yarrawonga Mulwala Swimming Club, with the support of the Ovens and Murray District Swimming Association and swimming clubs across the region, have partnered with the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund in launching the ‘Sunshine Swim’ for the month of February.
Dario Prighel, Ovens and Murray District Swimming Association President and 2025 Yarrawonga Citizen of the Year conceived the Sunshine Swim fundraiser.
As a long-time cancer patient, he was inspired to give back to the centre, drawing on the success of the trust fund's Sunshine Walk.
“I have lived with my cancer since 2012, and the centre has provided the means to have my immunotherapy close by, the centre has helped me and many local people in the region,” he said.
Dario emphasised how cancer affects entire communities, from patients to their loved ones, highlighting the strong support network within the swimming community.
Ovens and Murray District Swimming Association Officials officially launched the inaugural Sunshine Swim at the Yarrawonga pool on Sunday.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
“The Ovens and Murray District Swimming Association have immediately supported the Sunshine Swim kicking off with a $1,000 donation,” he said.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Swimming Club Secretary Renee Cox said the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund plays a vital role in providing treatment and care for patients across our regional towns.
“We are proud to partner with the trust fund to raise money for much-needed cancer services in our community,” Renee said.
“Held throughout February, participants can swim anytime, anywhere, and in any way—whether it’s laps of freestyle or a casual swim.
“Participants may also pledge a distance goal to encourage donations from family and friends,” explained Renee.
Be seen in sunshine yellow: Yarrawonga Mulwala Swimming Club Members proudly wearing the new Sunshine Swim cap.
Trust Fund’s Justine Rofe said she is absolutely thrilled to add another Sunshine event to the annual calendar and invites everyone who loves to swim to take part.
“All funds raised will directly support cancer services in our region, ensuring that patients and families receive the highest quality care close to home,” Ms Rofe said.
With over 300 swimmers competing last Sunday as part of their summer competition calendar, it was a perfect opportunity to showcase the Sunshine Swim.
Anne-Marie Humphries, Treasurer of the AWRCC Trust, was on hand at the launch to address the crowd, expressing the Trust’s excitement for this new event and detailing how the funds raised will be allocated.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Yarrawonga Mulwala Swimming Club and the Ovens and Murray District Swimming Association for their support,” said Humphries.
“This event will make a real difference in providing vital cancer services and support to families in our region.”
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