The Illawarra community is being encouraged to come together this September for the Illawarra Relay for Life, a major fundraising event supporting cancer research, prevention programs and services for people affected by cancer.
The event will take place at the University of Wollongong Innovation Campus in North Wollongong, where participants will walk, jog and run as part of a community relay while raising awareness and funds for the fight against cancer.
Relay for Life has a long history in the Illawarra, with the event first beginning locally in 2001. Over the years, the community has raised more than $4 million through the event, helping support cancer research and services for local families.
One of the people who continues to support the event is Sue Meehan, whose daughter Katrina died from cancer at just 27 years old. Sue and her family have participated in Relay for Life for more than two decades, keeping alive Katrina’s memory while supporting others facing cancer.
The event has evolved from an overnight endurance challenge into a community celebration where people of all ages can participate. Teams take turns ensuring someone is always walking or moving around the track, while other participants enjoy entertainment, food, activities and time with family and friends.
The day begins with an opening ceremony and concludes with the Ceremony of Hope, where participants remember loved ones lost to cancer while recognising progress made through research and treatment.
Organisers say the event is about more than fundraising. It provides an opportunity for cancer survivors, carers, families and supporters to connect, share experiences and show solidarity with those affected by the disease.
Funds raised through Relay for Life help support cancer research and provide important local services, including assistance for people travelling to cancer treatment.
The choice of Innovation Campus as the venue provides a scenic setting for the event. The University of Wollongong Innovation Campus is a major research and business precinct focused on collaboration, health innovation and community development in the Illawarra region.
The campus has become a hub for research and innovation, supporting projects across areas including health, technology and sustainability. Its connection with research makes it a fitting location for an event focused on improving outcomes for people affected by cancer.
Community members are encouraged to register a team, participate individually or attend to support those taking part. Organisers say every contribution, whether through fundraising, volunteering or simply attending, helps move closer towards better cancer outcomes.
The Illawarra Relay for Life 2026 will be held on Saturday, 19 September 2026, from 9am to 9pm at the University of Wollongong Innovation Campus.
For many participants, the event represents hope, remembrance and community strength — bringing people together to support cancer research and local cancer services.
