Australia’s unique motorsport event, the Rob Roy Revival, which combines a competition hill climb and a vintage festival, will also drive home a lifesaving message to Australian men: get checked for prostate cancer.
Organised by the MG Car Club Victoria, the Rob Roy Revival Festival, held at Christmas Hills on 30 March, encourages revivalists to “drive back in time” and experience the glitz and glamour of the 1950s and 1960s.
This year, a portion of the proceeds from the Rob Roy Revival will be donated to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA), the country’s leading organisation for prostate cancer support, research and advocacy.
PCFA, the event’s official charity, will also have an information booth at the event on Sunday 30 March.
MG Car Club Secretary Tony Lupton said the festival aimed to recreate the nostalgic and bustling atmosphere of the fabulous 1950s and swinging 1960s, both on and off the track.
This year, Mr Lupton and other members of the MG Car Club Victoria also want to drive home a lifesaving message to Australian men: get checked for prostate cancer.
“Prostate cancer impacts a lot of blokes in our community, and we know that early detection saves lives,” he said.
“Through this event, we hope to raise vital awareness about prostate cancer, risk factors and the importance of getting tested.”
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia.
The estimated risk of a man being diagnosed with prostate cancer in his lifetime is one in five.
Event Patron John Bowe AM, an Australian motorsport legend and Hall of Fame inductee, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020.
This year, he’s going full throttle to make sure Australian men get checked for prostate cancer and said he owes his life to a simple PSA test.
“A PSA test is just a tiny prick of a needle, and you’re on your way. It’s dead simple. It’s very easy, so go and do it,” Mr Bowe shared.
“I’m proud to support Roy Rob Revival and, in turn, help raise awareness about prostate cancer.”
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia CEO Anne Savage thanked all involved for their support.
“Awareness levels of prostate cancer in Victoria, and Australia more broadly, are still low, and many men fear getting tested for prostate cancer, unaware that the primary screening test is just a simple blood test,” Ms Savage said.
“We know that community awareness is key to combatting prostate cancer, which makes this partnership a powerful strategy in our fight against the disease.
“Together, we will continue to drive towards zero deaths in our lifetime.”
To get involved in Rob Roy Revival, visit robroyrevival.mgcc.com.au
