Federal Member for Longman Terry Young welcomed Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt to Bribie Island in the electorate of Longman yesterday to announce a two-year $20 million investment to raise skincare awareness across Australia.
Also, present were representatives from Cancer Council Australia.
A $10 million national awareness campaign will hit iconic Australian beaches this summer to remind Australians to be UV aware and stay safe in the sun in 2022.
The campaign is part of the $20 million Australian Government investment over the next two years in skincare awareness activities.
“Australia has long been known as the sunburnt country, we love getting outside and enjoying long summer days, particularly after the challenges of the past two years,” the Prime Minister said.
“But it’s important that we protect ourselves against the dangers of sun and that we all know exactly how to guard ourselves against skin cancer, with Australia having one of the highest rates of melanoma cancer in the world.
“The good news is skin cancer is avoidable. The new awareness campaign reminds Australians of how they can be UV aware and what simple actions they can take to protect against sunburn and skin cancer this summer.”
Mr Young said the campaign would go a long way towards warning Australians about the dangers of skin cancer.
“Although the COVID-19 pandemic has taken the limelight, we need to realise that life-threatening issues like skin cancer still exists and is still out there,” Mr Young said.
“I am thankful to both Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Australian Health Minister Greg Hunt for taking the time to visit beautiful Bribie Island and announce this commitment to raising awareness about skin cancer.
“I think it’s a very important time coming into the middle of the peak season of summer to make sure that we’re taking precautions.
“Don’t forget to wear a hat and sunscreen these holidays and protect yourself against the sun.”
The Australian Government has engaged the experts at Cancer Council Australia to create a national campaign that follows the renowned Sid from the Slip, Slop, Slap campaign of the 1980s.
Jimmy and his faithful side kick Fido will hit screens across the country and appear at awareness raising events from Bondi to Cottesloe to remind Aussies to check the UV index and be SunSmart this summer.
The campaign is designed to educate people that when it comes to skin cancer protection, it’s ultraviolent radiation (UV) – not heat – that people need to be aware of.
The campaign will be on free-to-air TV, digital and social media, outdoor advertising, and radio stations across Australia. It will be backed by events in every State and the Northern Territory, where people can pick up free sunscreen, Cancer Council hats, play games, and grab some shade under a Cancer Council cabana.