Sixty four entrants participated in the 2025 Sunshine Swim Relay.
As Cancer impacts the lives of many people, Yarrawonga Mulwala Swimming Club (YMSC) Secretary Renee Cox suggested participating in a summer cancer fundraiser, to help raise some funds while swim training.
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The YMSC committee loved the idea with further discussions opened to support something local, with many larger events already getting national support.
District locals that have been impacted by cancer have found treatment at the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre (AWRCCT). The centre provides cancer support and services for patients and their families including patient beds, a chemotherapy ward, consulting rooms and paediatric services.
Also, a wellness centre provides therapies and support services complimenting the treatments provided.
Having a cancer centre in the district is invaluable, providing patients treatment much closer to home.
Lila McCall aged 5 from Corowa swam in the relay in honour of her two grandparents currently receiving treatment at the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre.
AWRCCT already has major annual fundraising events, including the Sunshine Walk and Sunshine Ride.
Yarrawonga / Mulwala Swimming Club President Dario Prighel, in association with the Yarrawonga /Mulwala Golf Club Resort, is currently organising the Sunshine charity golf classic at the end of May.
Having not had a swim event organised, it was decided the AWRCCT would be the perfect candidate to lend support, therefore the launch of the inaugural Sunshine Swim had occurred.
The aim was for the swimming community to raise funds throughout February by sourcing lap sponsors and/or direct donations to the AWRCCT.
Swimming can be completed anywhere across the region, and in any form.
From laps swum at training, to those preferring social swimming, the event was open to anyone wishing to participate.
Swimming caps were produced and available for sale, following in the Sunshine theme of yellow.
The Ovens & Murray District Swimming Association (OMDSA) quickly offered their support by donating a kick off sum of $1000, promoting the fundraiser to their member clubs as well as offering a relay event at their end of season, Corowa relay championships.
Fletcher, Charlie, Ella and Darcy from YMSC showing their support to the cause at the launch of the fundraiser.
The Sunshine Swim Relay event was decided as the perfect way to end the month-long fundraiser.
Everyone who purchased a swim cap was eligible to enter the Sunshine Swim relay. 64 entrants participated on the day with ages ranging from five to 74.
Many swam in honour of loved ones currently or previously impacted by cancer.
To promote inclusivity, relay teams were not club based. Instead, individuals were randomly allocated a lane.
The team who finished in first place were awarded vouchers donated by Nicole from Ashley Grace swimwear.
The event raised roughly $7500, exceeding initial expectations.
“I am hoping that next year’s event will have a committee comprising OMDSA member clubs to spread the workload, enhance and surpass this year’s event and ensure the project’s continuity,” Mr Prighel said.
Suzi and Caitlin lending a hand with fundraising for the event.
“Hopefully it will become as prestigious as the Sunshine Walk and Sunshine Ride.”
Dario Prighel gave credit to Renee Cox for putting in a massive amount of effort, in such a short time to get this up and running.
Treasurer of the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Anne-Marie Humphries expressed gratitude for the support from the Yarrawonga / Mulwala Swimming Club and the Ovens and Murray District Swimming Association.
"We were incredibly grateful for this partnership, the funds raised will make a real difference in providing vital cancer services and support to families in our region," Ms Humphries said.
Renee Cox looks forward to the 2026 Sunshine Swim, encouraging everyone to participate.
"We are already planning for 2026, and with the success of this inaugural event, we aim to make it even bigger and better!" she said.
Gratitude to local businesses who donated raffle prizes, extended to Woolworths Yarrawonga who were a major sponsor towards the BBQ at the launch in February.
All money raised on that day was contributed towards the fundraiser.
Swimming caps are still available for sale through the Yarrawonga / Mulwala Swimming Club.
Donations can also be made directly to the AWRCCT.
