EACH year the Southern Downs community comes together at Relay For Life with one important goal - to create hope for a cancer free future.

In an effort to enable even more people to join the fight and raise vital funds for Relay, Cancer Council Queensland will now host the Southern Downs Relay For Life on alternating years in Stanthorpe and Warwick.

In 2016, we're excited to bring Southern Downs Relay For Life to Stanthorpe for the very first time.

We're encouraging locals from Warwick and Stanthorpe to get involved by joining the organising committee or volunteering to help continue the success of the event.

Those who take part give hope for cancer survivors, hope to better treatments, and hope for a cancer free future - our ultimate goal.

Sadly, one in two Queenslanders will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime - something that is within our reach to change.

With community support, Cancer Council Queensland will continue to invest in life-saving research and support services that will significantly reduce the burden of cancer in south-west Queensland.

From offering cancer support services, including free accommodation for patients travelling for treatment, counselling and financial support, to providing educational programs and resources, we are committed to the cause.

Southern Downs Relay was launched in Warwick in 2013 and to date has raised more than $240,000 for Cancer Council Queensland's work in cancer control.

For more information visit www.relayforlife.org.au.