CQU Emerald put together a team of people to participate in what has become one of the major fundraising events of the year for cancer research – the Relay for Life.

On Saturday, August 19, the CQU Emerald team of 12 people led by Senior Administration Officer, Gai Sypher, and Administration Assistant, Kathy Howard, gathered at the Emerald Show Grounds to take part in the 2006 Relay for Life.

With a host of activities and games throughout the afternoon, there was fun to be had for young and old.

There were on-stage musical performances, bush poetry readings and line dancing displays. Off stage, there was face painting, mask-making, cent sales, hat-making and plenty of walking.

As evening approached, each team stopped walking and everyone laid tribute to those lost to cancer and to those still fighting. As the bagpipes played 'Amazing Grace' for a guard of honour, hundreds of candles were lit and tears shed in remembrance of lost loved ones.

In the morning, there were a lot of exhausted people, particularly those who camped at the showgrounds for the night. As the event drew to a close and the clean-up was complete, all teams joined together for the final laps of the 2006 Relay for Life.

The event was a major success with Emerald raising more than ever before – a staggering $136,000 for Cancer Research. CQU Emerald Campus is proud to have been a part of this outstanding achievement.