The 2019 Cessnock Relay For Life has been postponed to Sunday, November 10 due to this weekend's poor weather forecast.
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With a 90 percent chance of 10-20mm of rain predicted for Cessnock on Saturday, the committee made the decision last night to postpone the Cancer Council fundraising event.
Last year's Relay was called off in the late afternoon after a wild storm hit Cessnock, and an emergency management plan was enacted. While everyone left the site safely, that experience was taken into account when making the decision about this Saturday's event.
"Cancer Council are committed to delivering safe and enjoyable events so working with the volunteer committee we have decided to postpone our event planned for this weekend," Cancer Council community relations coordinator Clint Ekert said.
"Decisions like this are incredibly tough as we have all planned all year for this weekend, but ultimately we need to ensure everyone is safe and has a good time.
"The rain predicted coupled with the chance of thunderstorms means we can't be confident of a safe event."
Mr Ekert said the committee is excited about having the Relay on a Sunday this year, and hope more of the community will be able to come and see what Relay is all about.
"It's a massive weekend of events in Cessnock LGA that weekend with Relay, the Postie Bike Grand Prix and the Greta Migrant Camp event - there really is no reason to leave town that weekend, there is something for everyone.
"We are looking forward to seeing everyone on the track on November 10 at Baddeley Park."
Relay For Life is a teams event that raises funds for Cancer Council's research, prevention, information and support services - including transport-to-treatment, the SunSmart program and the Cancer Council Helpline.
The event opens at 10am with a survivors' and carers' lap, and there's plenty of entertainment on stage throughout the day, including kids' activities, live music, dance performances and more.
Food and drink will be available throughout the event.
The candlelight ceremony of hope - which honours loved ones lost to cancer - will be held on dusk, followed by a lap of remembrance, then a fireworks display. The event will close at 8.30pm.
Survivors and carers are encouraged to register as a morning tea will follow the opening lap. Email cessnockrfl@nswcc.org.au or call 6572 5400.
To register your team, visit cancercouncil.org.au/cessnockrelay.