05/08/2026
It is with sadness that we share that Sorell Relay For Life will not be held in 2026.
After careful consideration, Cancer Council Tasmania has made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event due to the absence of an organising committee with the capacity to plan and deliver Relay For Life. Relay is powered by volunteers, and without a committed team working together over many months, an event of this scale simply cannot proceed. Volunteers are at the heart of Relay For Life, assisting with everything from logistics and ceremonies to participant engagement, sponsorship and event operations.
Relay For Life is much more than a fundraising event. It is an opportunity for communities to come together to Celebrate cancer survivors, Remember loved ones lost, and Fight Back by raising vital funds for Cancer Council’s research, prevention and support services. Every dollar raised in Tasmania stays in Tasmania to support local people affected by cancer.
Reflecting on the announcement, Sorell Relay For Life founder Joe Birch said:
“This is an incredibly difficult outcome to come to terms with because I know how much Relay means to so many people in our community. I sincerely apologise to everyone who was looking forward to coming together again this year.”
“While stepping away was one of the hardest decisions I’ve made, I’ve also learnt that it’s important not to take on more than I can realistically manage. Looking after my own wellbeing means I can continue showing up each day and giving my best to the commitments I already have. I truly hope people understand that this decision came from a place of wanting to do the right thing, not only for myself, but for the future of Relay.”
The inaugural Sorell Relay For Life demonstrated the extraordinary generosity of our community, with participants, volunteers, sponsors and supporters raising more than $45,000 to support Tasmanians affected by cancer. That legacy is something our entire community can be proud of.
Although there won’t be a Sorell Relay For Life in 2026, the fight against cancer continues. We encourage our community to support another Relay For Life event across Tasmania, including Hobart Relay For Life in March 2027, or to continue supporting Cancer Council Tasmania through volunteering, fundraising or donations.
To every participant, volunteer, survivor, carer, sponsor and supporter who has been part of the Sorell Relay For Life journey—thank you. Your compassion, generosity and community spirit have created a lasting legacy, and we remain hopeful that Relay For Life will one day return to the Sorell community.
