By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
TIRELESS local volunteer and champion for prostate research Allan Cunningham passed away recently at the age of 83.
The Traralgon man was instrumental in a wide-range of activities in the region to raise crucial funds and awareness surrounding prostate cancer.
Mr Cunningham was most notably co-founder of the Latrobe Valley Prostate Cancer Support Group in 2010, and was key in forming the Latrobe’s Biggest Ever Blokes BBQ committee, which has now run for the past 13 years and has raised a mammoth sum of $1 million.
Full of heart and passion, as convenor of the local support group, he has supported hundreds of men and their families with information and direction in helping them through their difficult journey.
Mr Cunningham was the recipient of the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia’s prestigious Max Gardner Award for his distinguished service to the community and to the cause.
His dedication and enthusiasm to see progress and change was so much that he even attracted high-profile names such as Merv Hughes and Mick Malthouse to support.
Mr Cunningham’s advocacy had such an effect that over the span of his work, the Latrobe Valley stooped from the highest death rate in Australia for prostate cancer to as low as seventh. And he only wished to see it driven down further.
PCFA Chairman, Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Callister AM paid tribute to Mr Cunningham’s legacy.
“Allan was an outstanding member of the community and advocate,” he said.
“He played a vital role in providing men and their families with information, comfort, and support, calling on his own personal experiences to ensure that men and their partners do not have to walk the journey of prostate cancer alone.
“Allan has made an exceptional difference to so many Australians impacted by prostate cancer, improving survivorship outcomes for all – a far-reaching legacy benefitting many thousands of people into the future.
“Vale to a devoted community advocate and a compassionate man.”

Mr Cunningham has been at the forefront of countless local initiatives along the way.
He assisted in the establishment of the Blue Ball Game at the Churchill Football-Netball Club, while also organising campaigns such as barbecues, stalls and rotary conventions across the Latrobe Valley.
Mr Cunningham also supported the Male Bag Foundation, holding a number of events regionally, including rides from Melbourne through Gippsland to raise vital funds.
Innovative as well, Mr Cunningham helped evaluate the blue bus concept, providing a mobile screening bus for people, including negotiating tours locally for workers at Loy Yang A Power Station and the Australian Paper Mill.
The revitalisation saw a new million-dollar purpose designed bus to bring prostate testing directly to individuals at their workplaces with doctors and other health professionals.