Key posts put Relay in jeopardy

The 2017 Relay For Life Midwest could be under threat of folding if nobody can be found to fill several crucial roles on the committee.

The relay is expected to be held on October 21-22 at the GBSC Sports Park to raise money for the Cancer Council.

But if committee members aren’t found before next month the relay could be put on hold until 2018.

Currently the most crucial role the committee needs filled, by either one or two people, is a logistics manager to organise things such as equipment, lighting, portable toilets and site mapping.

Acting team co-ordinator Marg McNaught, who has been a member for six years, said the committee had struggled last year with low numbers.

“Last year we definitely had a hard time but to be honest this year things are worse,” she said.

“One or two people to take on the logistics portfolio is so vital and if we don’t have someone by the end of May we might have to bypass it for this year, which is not something any of us want to do.”

The committee is also looking for people to take charge of event ceremonies and a number of other roles.

Someone is also needed to replace Ms McNaught, who has taken on two relay portfolios, in the role of team co-ordinator so she can focus on other duties.

Ms McNaught said the committee had faced a similar situation in 2010 and it wasn’t something they’d like to repeat.

“A few years ago we struggled when we couldn’t find a venue to host the event,” she said.

“It was a very stressful night when we made the decision to postpone the event for that year.

“It was an awful decision to make and not something we want to face again.”

More than $1.6 million has been raised over the last 13 Geraldton relays.

Currently there are 21 teams and 132 participants registered to walk in this year’s event.

Ms McNaught said participants and volunteers would be disappointed if the event didn’t run.

“It’s so important that it runs so we can raise that money,” she said.

For more information on becoming a committee member, phone 0477 007 631 or email relaymidwestteams@westnet.com.au.