In memory of Tony Cain

Tony held multiple volunteer roles at Cancer Council and contributed to our organisation on so many levels, and was a finalist of the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards in 2019. Tony joined the Sutherland Shire Relay For Life committee in 2007 and since that time filled multiple roles including spending a couple of years as Deputy Chair. In recent years for the Relay, Tony put his strong organisation and planning skills to use as traffic and parking manager which saw meticulous traffic management plans, warm and respectful liaison with Council, and an opportunity to ensure the smooth operations, safety and enjoyment for his local community at this large scale event. Tony was chosen by his Relay peers as recipient of the Spirit of Relay award in 2018 and Shire Relay’s special Shelley Wood award in 2022.

Tony became an active member of the CanAct community, and was an MP Liaison for his local constituency for seven years. Drawing on his keen interest and following of the government and political landscape, mixed with a natural enjoyment of working in a team and amongst like-minded volunteer advocates, Tony worked passionately on advocacy priorities such as improving services for palliative care and tobacco control, amongst many others. In 2018, Tony commenced volunteering in the then Financial Assistance Services team processing financial assistance and Home Help payment assistance applications received from both health care professionals and cancer patients and their carers directly.

Tony was a highly respected and valued volunteer colleague and dear friend of so many current and past staff members, his fellow volunteer advocates and the Sutherland Shire Relay committee.