FUN: Vacy Public School children get excited for the Relay for Life following a visit from the Cancer Council mascot.

Hundreds are expected to take part in the annual Dungog Shire Relay for Life this weekend.

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The event officially kicks of at 2pm on Saturday, March 30 at Barnes Oval on Chichester Dam Road.

Relay for Life is held throughout NSW and aims to give local people the opportunity to have fun, celebrate, remember and "Fightback Together" as well as raise money for cancer research.

Organisers have urged the community to band together in the fight against cancer.

"Whether it is being part of a team, walking a few laps solo, experiencing the atmosphere at the candlelighting ceremony or buying raffle tickets, there are numerous ways to support survivors and their carers," said Dungog Relay for Life Co-Chair Lyn Moseley.

The new venue means the relay is back to an overnight event, continuing until Sunday, March 31.

The fun starts on Friday, March 29 when shire businesses go purple and yellow for the day to promote the relay with prizes for the best decorated.

Dungog mother Mel Faulkner will have her head shaved outside Chic Clothing in Dowling Street at 11am on the Friday.

Mel is losing her locks for cancer awareness and to raise money for her relay team "Hope".

Four years ago Mel lost her mother, Karen Slee, to rectal cancer and years later she lost her dad, Bill Slee, to lung cancer. Mel's grandmother Doris Murray died of cancer a few months ago and Mel's father-in-law Craig is a survivor.

There will be something for everyone with plenty of kids' activities including a box car derby which this year will feature an inaugural business house box car derby to start at 4pm.

There's a jumping castle, giant games, a visit by Cancer Council mascot Dougal Bear and musical entertainment.

"Any survivors and carers, past or present in the shire are invited to take part in the relay opening lap and join us for afternoon tea. There is no need to be in a team," said Mrs Moseley.

Participants can register to walk from 1.30pm.

"We encourage the community to support our amazing survivors and carers at this opening lap following the official opening at 2pm.

"All money raised from the relay goes to fund vital research, support and prevention programs through Cancer Council NSW, benefiting many across our shire and helping create a cancer free world for the next generation."

Of the money raised locally, $6500 comes back directly to Dungog Shire to provide free transport through Dungog Shire Palliative Care Volunteers driving people to treatments and appointments which can assist those on their cancer journey.

If you're not already in a team you can register on the day and walk a few laps or come and sit to support walkers.

This year's theme is "Dungog's Biggest Sleepover a night under the stars" as a nod to the return to the overnight format.

People are welcome to camp overnight but no vehicles will be allowed into the venue after 12pm.

The new venue has easy access and parking nearby in the school bus bay.

The candle lighting ceremony at dusk is a unique experience.

"It involves a slide show of loved ones lost to cancer, hearing a talk by a cancer survivor, lighting of candles, and walking a lap together in silence as memorial flares are lit around the track in remembrance of those lost to cancer," said Mrs Moseley.

"The candle lighting ceremony is emotional but we are fortunate in Dungog as, being a small community and small relay, we can all support each other as we walk and share our stories and journeys together."

It is still not too late to register a team - simply search for Dungog Shire Relay for Life 2019 online or as an individual you can register on the day at the Cancer Council marquee.

Palliative Care volunteers will man the canteen which will be open from lunchtime with sandwiches, a barbecue and gluten free and vegetarian options available.

The candle lighting ceremony is emotional but we are fortunate in Dungog as, being a small community and small relay, we can all support each other as we walk and share our stories and journeys together.
- Lyn Moseley Co Chair Dungog Shire Relay for Life