The relay, held in March, raised about $39,000, and saw 190 people participate on the day. 

The Relay for Life’s delegate’s conference, held between July 8 and 10, was attended by Dungog Relay for Life co-chairs Lyn Moseley and Margaret Jones.

The NSW population participation award was presented by NSW Cancer Council CEO Jim L’Estrange to the Dungog delegates for the fact 10 per cent of Dungog Shire’s population participated in the event on the day.

Dungog Shire also received a second acknowledgement for the number of survivors and their careers who participated in the relay, for which the shire was placed second in the state.

Ms Moseley said there are 63 Relays held across NSW.

“This is an amazing achievement for our shire,” Mrs Moseley said. 

“We just want to thank everyone in the shire.”

However, the success of the event, which has been held 14 times in Dungog Shire, also relies heavily on those who participate in the lead up to the relay, Mrs Moseley said. 

“There were a lot of people who worked for the event in the lead-up who weren’t registered to walk,” she said.

“We have sponsors...primary schools, clubs and organisations all put their hand in their pocket, the award is not just for the people who registered, hundreds more were involved.

“The award belongs to all those in Dungog Shire who contributed in any way shape or form for Relay 2016.” 

The Relay for Life began in Australia in 1999 to raise funds for the Cancer Council NSW for research, support services and prevention of cancer. 

“This year, $5000 of the funds raised will come back to Dungog Shire to fund free transport provided by Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers,” Mrs Jones said. 

The palliative volunteers provide transport to doctor’s appointments and treatments. 

Registrations are open for the 2017 Relay, March 25 and 26: relay.org.au