Townsville City Council is giving five local sporting groups their own sun safe marquee as part of National Skin Cancer Action Week.
The marquees will be given out at a presentation at Strand Park on Thursday, with former Australian Cricketer Andrew Symonds taking part to highlight the importance of sun safety to local sporting clubs and groups.
Council invited local groups to take part in a pledge for sun safety with those participating going into the draw to win one of five marquees.
Runners up will receive a Clubhouse sunscreen holder and an active and healthy pack with sunscreen.
Community and Cultural Development Committee Chair Cr Colleen Doyle said sun safety is a critical part of life in North Queensland.
“Queensland is often called the skin cancer capital of the world – particularly in the tropical North – and while we love the sunshine and beautiful weather, we do need to make sure we take sun safety seriously,” Cr Doyle said.
“There were 191 submissions for this competition which is a fantastic outcome – these marquees will help keep residents safe from the sun’s bite while keeping up an active lifestyle.”
Local Councillor Ann-Maree Greaney said the competition is a great way to teach residents methods of protecting themselves from the sun.
“This presentation is not only about giving winners a prize for taking the sun safety pledge, it’s also an education opportunity and that’s why Council is following it up with a Community Pop-Up Stall on the weekend.”
The Community Pop-Up Stall will be held at Strand Park on Saturday 24 November with Andrew Symonds and professionals from the Skin Cancer Repair Clinic attending – there will also be free activities and a sun safety quiz with prizes for the first 100 people.
Winners:
- Ross River Senior Football Club
- Whirlwinds Basketball Club
- Townsville District Bowhunters Club
- Neptunes Netball Club
- Phoenix Netball Club
Runners Up:
- Townsville Western Suburbs Cricket Club
- Tennis Townsville
Presentation: Sport and Recreation Club Sun Safety Initiative
When: 9.30am – 10am, Thursday 22 November
Where: Strand Park (adjacent to playground)
Sun Safety Community Pop-Up
When: 8am – 11am, Saturday 24 November
Where: Strand Park
