30 July 2025
For the second year in a row, personnel from HMAS Coonawarra have undertaken the Relay for Life to fundraise for their ship’s charity, the Cancer Council of the Northern Territory.
The Relay for Life is an annual event that raises vital funds for the Cancer Council’s research, prevention and support services.
It gives local communities a chance to recognise and celebrate local cancer survivors, honour and remember loved ones lost, support those experiencing cancer and their carers, and raise money to help save more lives.
Coonawarra formed two relay teams of 10 volunteers, along with a third team from the Base Security and Estate Group. The teams competed in running and walking events.
Command Warrant Officer Coonawarra, Warrant Officer Dennis Bentley, explained how Cancer Council NT was selected as the ship’s charity, and why base personnel were so keen to be involved.
“Our wellbeing committee selected the Cancer Council NT as the ship’s charity because, compared with many other charities, it receives less government, corporate or private funding and is heavily reliant on community donations, support and sponsorship to fund its work,” Warrant Officer Bentley said.
“And as many people can relate, with the high prevalence of cancer in our communities, most people have either had cancer or have had a loved one, relative or friend who has had cancer. We have people in each team who have been impacted in some way by cancer, so this is personal for many of them.”
Relay team members took shifts to either walk or run all night long at TIO Oval 2 in Marrara, Darwin.
'Cancer touches us all indiscriminately and this event, while extremely challenging, is immensely rewarding, knowing that your effort is going to save lives.'
They were encouraged during the 14-hour event by the Royal Australian Navy Band NT, which performed until late in the evening, as well as a base physical training instructor who guided the teams’ warm-ups and ran tug-of-war games and other activities for those present.
As a new day dawned, all involved enjoyed a breakfast barbecue cooked by a Navy chef.
By any measure, the event was an enormous success. Across the three teams, the 27 volunteers completed a total of 799 official laps, a total of 245km, and raised just under $11,000.
While all participants put in a great effort for their teams, special mentions go to Warrant Officer Jason Rowe, who completed 30km of walking, and Chief Petty Officer Adam Traugott, who won the trophy for the most laps completed.
Commanding Officer Coonawarra Captain David Shirvington said the event was one of many ways Navy can contribute to the local community in the Top End.
“Our Navy is a strong and integral part of the Darwin community. Cancer touches us all indiscriminately and this event, while extremely challenging, is immensely rewarding, knowing that your effort is going to save lives,” Captain Shirvington said.
The effort of those involved in the event was even more notable as it coincided with an extremely busy time for Coonawarra, which was directly supporting Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025.
Warrant Officer Bentley summed up the feelings of relay participants: “While there were many sore bodies when the event was over, and heat cream used by some older members, we all did it knowing we were supporting a very worthy cause.”
