Thousands of Australians at schools, businesses and community groups around the nation came together to enjoy a cup of tea and a bite to eat in aid of the Cancer Council last week.
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Australia's Biggest Morning Tea is officially observed on the last Thursday in May, but events can be held any time in May or June.
Believe Services, Kurri Kurri High School, Cessnock Leagues Club and Branxton Community Hall were among the local sites to host a morning tea last week.
Believe Services - a local, family-owned disability support provider - raised $1087 at its event last Thursday.
About 60 people attended the morning tea at the organisation's Vincent Street premises, including participants, their families and friends, local supporters and staff.
Believe Services senior support coordinator Jonea Owen said the day was a fantastic success.
"The Believe Services - Believers Day Program worked hard to make decorations, set up the tables and cook up the tasty treats," she said.
"We are honoured to host the Australia's Biggest Morning Tea at Believe Services as cancer affects everyone. It is heart-warming that we can come to together to celebrate as a community and share a cuppa together."
The Kurri Kurri High School event - which was hosted by its Kuta-kaya faculty on Friday - raised over $650 for the Cancer Council.
Special guests included federal member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson, and state MP for Cessnock, Clayton Barr.
"There were lots of happy faces, laughing and full tummies, dancing, networking and showing leadership!" Kuta-kaya relieving head teacher Kristy Davies said.
Cessnock Leagues Club held its morning tea last Wednesday, with about 80 people in attendance, raising $1420 through gold coin donation on entry, a 100 Club, tea cup challenge, raffles and guessing competition.
"The generosity of the Cessnock community was amazing with the business community and individuals donating raffle prizes and attending," Cessnock Hospitality Group marketing manager Natalie Kelly said.
The morning tea at Branxton Community Hall last Tuesday was organised by Helen Scott and Julie Farrell, with morning tea, clothing and craft stalls, and live entertainment. A sold-out event, it raised $2000.
Cancer Council community relations coordinator Gemma Pedri said the charity is fortunate to receive support from the community through events like Australia's Biggest Morning Tea.
"We have hosts across the country who have supported us for over 28 years! This generosity enables us to continue our work in cancer research, prevention programs, advocacy and support services," she said.
"Cancer affects people in so many ways and impacts every community in Australia, with over 138,000 Australians estimated to be diagnosed with cancer this year.
"It's vitally important that those affected can access suitable support services, such as Cancer Council 13 11 20 Information and Support Line, accommodation, counselling and peer support programs.
"Our services help Australians affected by cancer, providing vital support when they need it most and making every stage of their cancer journey easier.
"Every minute, every hour, every day, Cancer Council is here to help those touched by cancer."
Donations can still be made at biggestmorningtea.com.au.
Krystal Sellars
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
Krystal Sellars is the Senior Journalist at the Cessnock Advertiser. Born and raised in Cessnock, she started her journalism career at the Advertiser in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Communication at the University of Newcastle. Contact her on krystal.sellars@cessnockadvertiser.com.au.
