Diving in for a good cause for the inaugural 'Sunshine Swim' during February are Yarrawonga Mulwala Swimming Club members Jade McInerney, Finn Angwin and Ella Knight. The young swimmers have joined the Sunshine Swim fundraiser launched on Sunday to support regional cancer services. More page 26.
The Yarrawonga Mulwala Swimming Club will dive back into fundraising this February with the return of its popular Sunshine Swim, raising vital funds for the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund.
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Now in its second year, the Sunshine Swim was established by the club in 2025 to give greater purpose to training while supporting a cause close to home.
The inaugural event was a strong success, raising $7,507.15 to support regional cancer services.
Jade McInerney, Finn Angwin and Ella Knight dive in for the inaugural Sunshine Swim at the Yarrawonga pool.
Club secretary Renee Cox said the response to the first Sunshine Swim exceeded expectations.
“We were so proud of the efforts of our participants last year and the amount we were able to raise for the centre,” Ms Cox said.
“We hope to see the event continue to grow each year.”
Funds raised through the Sunshine Swim go directly to the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust Fund, which supports the primary cancer treatment facility for the wider region.
Many residents from Yarrawonga, Mulwala and surrounding towns rely on the centre for treatment and support, avoiding the need to travel long distances to Melbourne.
The Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre is a comprehensive facility, featuring 30 inpatient beds, a 28-chair day chemotherapy ward, three radiotherapy bunkers, 17 medical and allied health consulting rooms, an on-site pharmacy and a dedicated Wellness Centre.
The centre also includes two paediatric treatment chairs linked to the paediatric unit, ensuring specialised care for younger patients.
The Wellness Centre provides a range of therapies and support services designed to complement medical treatment, offering holistic care for patients and their families.
Importantly, the centre enables regional patients to receive treatment closer to home, reducing the stress associated with travel, traffic and parking in metropolitan areas.
Developed with the support of the Ovens and Murray District Swimming Association, the Sunshine Swim aligns with other Sunshine events held throughout the year in support of the Trust Fund.
These include the Sunshine Walk and Ride events, as well as the Sunshine Charity Golf Classic, hosted in Yarrawonga last May.
The Sunshine Swim is open to all members of the community, not just club swimmers.
Participants can swim as much as they like throughout February while seeking sponsorship for their efforts.
A $20 entry fee includes a Sunshine Swim fundraising cap and helps kick-start each participant’s fundraising journey.
Club president Dario Prighel said the fundraiser holds deep personal significance for him and many within the swimming community.
“After being diagnosed with cancer in 2012 and experiencing a number of setbacks, I was later diagnosed with stage four cancer in 2017,” Mr Prighel said.
“As a patient at the cancer centre, I met people not only from Yarrawonga, but from across north-east Victoria and southern New South Wales.
“With many Ovens and Murray District Swimming Association families impacted by cancer, it was an easy decision to use this event to support the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Centre Trust.
“Soon after we began, we also became aware that one of our Yarrawonga swimmers was on her own cancer journey, which made the fundraising even more personal.
“What I love about this charity is that all the money raised is spent locally. While Renee has been the driving force behind the event since its inception, we welcome anyone who would like to support the Sunshine Swim.”
The Yarrawonga Mulwala Swimming Club hopes the Sunshine Swim will continue to bring the community together while supporting a vital regional health service that touches many local lives.
Registrations and donations can be made via the Yarrawonga Mulwala Swimming Club Facebook page or online at
