Senator for Tasmania, Catryna Bilyk, said she was extremely pleased with the success of an auction which helped raise over $10,000 for brain cancer research.

The auction was held in conjunction with a concert held at Home Hill Winery on Sunday, 13 September and attended by 600 people.

ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Russell Morris led the concert line up with his band, performing songs from the albums Shark Mouth and Van Diemen’s Land including the popular hit, ‘Real Thing’.

They were supported by local cover bands Rewound and Band24Seven, who performed Australian classics from John Farnham, AC/DC, Daddy Cool, INXS and Angels.

An auction organised by Senator Bilyk with the help of a group of volunteers, including members of the Rotary Club of D’Entrecasteaux Channel, raised much-needed funds for Cure Brain Cancer Foundation.

As a survivor of two brain tumours, Senator Bilyk addressed the crowd about how her experience motivated her to work towards making sure no-one else had to go through the fear and uncertainty of a brain cancer or tumour diagnosis.

“Compared to other brain cancer and tumour survivors, I am one of the lucky ones,” Senator Bilyk said.

“Only one in five people with brain cancer survive the next five years after their diagnosis.

“Brain cancer kills more Australians aged 18 to 40 than any other form of cancer, and more Australian children than any other disease.”

The funds raised will help Cure Brain Cancer Foundation to work towards its goal of increasing the five-year survival for brain cancer to 50% in the next ten years.

Among the dozens of generous auction sponsors were Virgin Australia, Home Hill Winery and Restaurant, Strahan Village, MONA, Jimmy Emms Photography, Elandil B&B and Federal and State Parliamentarians.

Senator Bilyk will continue her fundraising efforts, having led the organisation of the Walk4BrainCancer Hobart event to be held 22 November 2015 at Dru Point Bicentennial Park in Margate.

Participants can register for the walk or sponsor other walkers by visiting www.walk4braincancer.com.au/events/9/walk4braincancer-hobart.
SENATOR CATRYNA BILYK DEPUTY OPPOSITION WHIP IN THE SENATE SENATOR FOR TASMANIA