Thank You to Our Incredible Volunteers: MIA Melanoma March 2026

Two smiling women standing in front of a table with a tablecloth that says melanoma patients australia

Behind every successful event is a group of passionate people who give their time, energy and heart to the cause. This year’s MIA Melanoma March was no exception. Across the country, Melanoma Patients Australia volunteers stepped forward to represent our community, share vital information, and ensure that people affected by melanoma know they are not alone.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to every volunteer who helped make Melanoma March such a powerful and meaningful event. Melanoma Patients Australia has proudly supported the March for many years, standing alongside Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) while they raise funds for research and we connect communities with patient support.

Spreading Melanoma Awareness Nationwide
Group of five people bending down at a table filling out forms

People signing up for Melanoma March in Melbourne 2026

Throughout March, MPA volunteers were a visible and welcoming presence at Melanoma March events across Australia. Wearing our bright orange MPA shirts, they proudly represented MPA in Canberra, Perth, Manly, Adelaide and Melbourne, no matter what the weather, sparking conversations and making it easy for participants to ask questions and seek support.

At each event, volunteers engaged with patients, carers and supporters, speaking about the importance of melanoma awareness and early detection. Just as importantly, they shared information about Melanoma Patients Australia’s free services, including the National Melanoma Support Line, Melanoma Nurse Telehealth service, Melanoma Nurse Counselling service, peer support groups, and trusted educational resources. These services are vital in helping people navigate the physical and emotional challenges of a melanoma diagnosis—no matter where they live.

Volunteers also ensured attendees went home with practical information brochures and, of course, the ever‑popular MPA stress balls, which proved to be a hit at every location.

These small but meaningful interactions sit at the heart of what Melanoma Patients Ausatralia does: connecting people affected by melanoma with support, information and community at the moments that matter most.

The Power of Lived Experience
Three people smiling and standing in front of a table underneath a gazebo.

Melanoma Patient Volunteers at Melanoma March Canberra 2026.

Many of our volunteers brought lived experience into their conversations, helping others feel understood, supported and less alone. Their openness created powerful connections and reminded people affected by melanoma that help is available when they need it most.

One particularly moving moment took place at the Perth Melanoma March, where lead organiser Nick Mosenthal courageously shared his personal melanoma story. By speaking openly about his experience, Nick helped highlight both the realities of a melanoma diagnosis and the strength that can be found through support, research and community. Stories like Nick’s are a powerful reminder of why melanoma awareness, funding for research and patient support remain so important.

Whether coordinating logistics, welcoming participants, handing out resources or simply being there for someone who needed to talk, our volunteers embodied the compassion and resilience that define the Melanoma Patients Australia community.

With Gratitude for our 2026 Volunteer Team
Two people standing in front of a table and under a gazebok with the sunrise behind them on Manly Beach

Melanoma Patients Australia volunteers at Melanoma March Manly Beach 2026

We would like to offer special thanks to everyone involved in organising and supporting this year’s MIA Melanoma March events:

Canberra – 1 March

  • Drew Sculthorpe (Lead Organiser)
  • David Thiele

Perth – 15 March

  • Nick Mosenthal (Lead Organiser)
  • Ross Kyrwood

Manly – 15 March

  • Martin Sander Burns
  • Natalie Rupil

Adelaide – 22 March

  • Karen van Gorp

Melbourne – 28 March

  • Audrey Colbert
  • Kathy Bond

Your dedication, leadership and generosity of time made these events possible and impactful.

Thank you for Making a Difference
A table with a brochure holder and brochures and a bowl of stress balls in front of the beach.

Melanoma Patients Australia resources were available at each event

Every conversation held, every resource shared and every step walked helped spread awareness of melanoma and the support available through Melanoma Patients Australia. Thanks to our volunteers, more people now know they can access expert nursing care, counselling, peer connection and reliable information, when they need it, wherever they are.

On behalf of Melanoma Patients Australia, thank you for being the face of the organisation across the country and for helping ensure that no one faces melanoma alone. We are deeply grateful for your continued support and look forward to walking alongside you in the years to come.

Like this blog? Head to Melanoma Patients Australia News & Events to read more.

If you or a loved one is affected by Melanoma and needs support, we’re here for you, because no one affected by melanoma walks alone. Contact us here.

📞 Call the National Melanoma Support Line 1800 884 450
💻 Book a referral for a Melanoma Nurse Telehealth appointment
🧡 Speak with our Melanoma Nurse Counsellor
🤝 Join a Melanoma Patients Australia Support Group