For most of the year, most townspeople could rattle off the names of its inhabitants, but the Gulf community swells each winter with the influx of gray nomads in search of warmth and good fishing. Among its permanent residents are those who think cancer must be fought on several fronts and any effort contributes to the collective battle against the scourge that has affected most people deeply and personally.

For 17 years, the town has raised funds through an annual morning tea, which it counts among its social highlights,  and has put it on the map.

The North West community, businesses and families have generously donated their time, efforts, goodies and gifts to make the morning tea fun, colourful, delicious and rewarding. 

Across the state, communities have been collecting for the Cancer Council, whose goal this year is to raise $2.5 million in Queensland and $13 million nationwide for cancer research, prevention and support services. 

The Karumbans aim to better last year’s record effort of more than $42,000 – the greatest fundraiser last year across Australia for a morning tea – and top $250,000 gathered over the years to help beat cancer.

The group’s innovative approach to raise funds packaging prize items from various locations together to create enticing and attractive deals and thus generate greater interest and demand has served it well.

One of the organising committee, John Moran, said this morning tea is particularly special because it would probably be the last for the current group of organisers, including hosts Rose Bouwens and Judy Walters, who hope to end with a bang, not a whimper. 

The group has scheduled Wednesday, July 8, from 10am, at the Sunset Tavern for the  event.

The Cancer Council Queensland chief executive Professor Jeff Dunn declared last year that “the people of Karumba have made a remarkable contribution to the fight against cancer.”

“It is tremendous testimony to Karumba’s community spirit that one of Australia’s smallest towns with a population of just 600 people, has raised more than all other biggest morning teas in Australia.”

The council has also named a grant to fund a University of Queensland project into colo-rectal cancer – in honor of the Karumbans’ efforts.

This year, the group has secured the services of Jacqui Bakhash, of the My Kitchen Rules finalist poaching pair Jac and Shaz, who won admiration from Australians for their laid back approach on the highly-rated program.

Ms Bakhash will attend as the Karumba Cancer Cuppa Ambassador on the day.