Nearly 70 women attended this year’s record-breaking NPA Ladies Gala in memory of a young community member lost to cancer. Photo: Supplied.
There wasn’t a dry eye on the Punsand Bay sand when the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) community came together for a young life cut short by cancer.
The community’s deeply personal loss made for the most successful Punsand Bay Cape York Camping NPA Ladies Gala with nearly 70 women in attendance raising more than $31,000 for the Childhood Cancer Support organisation.
Each year, the fundraising gala chooses a locally relevant charity to support. This year’s 12th annual event on 18 October was dedicated to locals Della and Daryl Goodings, who chose the charity after losing their 18-year-old daughter, Tiana, to cancer earlier this year.
When Tiana was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma at 15, Childhood Cancer Support helped keep the family together with free accommodation while the teenager underwent treatment away from home.
Punsand Bay Cape York Camping manager Kahlia Colquhoun said it was extremely special to have Tiana’s family, including her siblings, at the event.
“They were all there on the night. They were really happy they could contribute back to something that supported them for quite a long time while they went through everything,” she said.
“She’d been battling for quite a while, so it was really personal to them and a lot of families in the NPA. But also a lot of families that used to live up here and have moved away.
“Della spoke at the event and explained to everyone what we were all there for. There were a lot of tears during her speech, even people who didn’t know the family”
Ms Colquhoun said the charity would use the funds raised at the gala night to provide more than 200 nights of accommodation for rural and regional families while their child underwent cancer treatment in Brisbane.
“I think it’s incredible how such a small community from the Torres Strait, NPA, and some ladies from Cairns, all came up to celebrate a night, let their hair down and have a bit of fun at the end of the season. But also really dig deep in their pockets,” she said.
“We also had some tradies out here for the night that contributed quite a bit to the auction.
“It’s incredible what happens when the community comes together to support something that’s near and dear to other members.”
She said Far North Queensland businesses with connection to the NPA also stepped up incredibly for the Gatsby-themed event, making for the largest auction the gala has seen.
“There was over 50 prizes donated, which is humongous. Normally, we have around 20 to 25 at the most,” she said.
“There was a huge variety of incredible items auctioned off and they went for some exorbitant prices for what they were, which is so special.
“We just want to show how grateful we are for everyone who was a part of the night, whether it was donating prizes, bidding or donating some money.”
Tiana Goodings’ family honours her life at the NPA Ladies Gala. Photo: Supplied.
