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Darren Chester urges sun safety as Australia’s high melanoma rates stress risks, awareness, and early detection

Federal MP Darren Chester warns Gippslanders of Australia’s high melanoma rates, urging sun protection, early detection, and following the Five Sun Safe Rules as UV levels rise heading into summer.

By news@gippsland - 28th November 2025 - Back to News

Australia’s world-leading rates of melanoma and skin cancer serve as a stark reminder to stay vigilant about sun protection as ultraviolet (UV) levels rise heading into summer, according to Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.

Darren Chester getting his skin checked by Australasian College of Dermatologists President Dr Adrian Lim

Melanoma awareness event

Mr Chester, who co-chairs the Parliamentary Friends of Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness alongside Minister for Education Jason Clare, attended the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) annual Start of Summer BBQ in Canberra this week.

The event brought together patients, clinicians, researchers and sector leaders to discuss the nation’s ongoing efforts to reduce the incidence of melanoma and skin cancer, with MSCAN also partnering with leading dermatologists to offer on-site skin checks, emphasising the importance of early detection.

Sun safety urged

Mr Chester said, "Skin cancer is Australia’s national cancer. We have the highest per capita melanoma rates in the world, yet most cases are preventable if we take sensible precautions. Overexposure to UV light causes 95 per cent of melanomas. Protecting ourselves from harmful UV exposure and designing public spaces, like parks, playgrounds and sports facilities, with more shade are simple steps that can save lives."

Mr Chester urged Gippslanders to take sun safety seriously over the coming months. "As we head into summer, when UV radiation is at its peak, it’s important to look after yourself and your loved ones. By following the Five Sun Safe Rules, you can significantly reduce your risk of melanoma and other skin cancers. Simple actions can prevent life-changing consequences," Mr Chester said.

Five sun safe rules

• Slip on protective clothing
• Slop on SPF 50+ sunscreen
• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat
• Seek shade
• Slide on sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Danny O’Brien urges residents to stay vigilant against sophisticated government-themed email and text scams, verify messages using Scam Safe Check, and report suspicious activity to protect the community.
• Australia to celebrate inaugural Red and Yellow Day honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting water safety initiatives
  Australia will celebrate its first Red & Yellow Day on March 4, 2026, honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting lifesaving clubs through community participation and fundraising for vital water safety initiatives.
• Tim Bull slams Labor's cuts to 'Youth Crime Prevention', unveils $100M Safer Communities Plan
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticised Labor's youth crime prevention cuts, promoting The Nationals' $100 million Safer Communities Plan combining tougher laws with prevention programs to improve safety and restore community confidence.
• Danny O'Brien commends South Gippsland Shire for securing Nyora transport study funding, urges further state investment
  Danny O'Brien has praised South Gippsland Shire Council for securing state funding for the Nyora Transport Study, urging the Allan Labor Government to follow through with real investment and road upgrades.
• Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
  Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination.
• East Gippsland unites for 16 Days of Activism, raising awareness and preventing gender-based violence across the community
  East Gippsland joins the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, promoting respect, raising awareness of gender-based violence, and hosting community events to foster safety, connection, and inclusion.
• Tim Bull criticises Labor government for mismanagement, volunteer cuts, and inadequate fuel reduction ahead of high-risk summer season
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull warns communities face extreme bushfire risk this summer due to Labor’s volunteer cuts, ageing CFA fleet, inadequate fuel reduction, and failure to implement Royal Commission recommendations.
• Martin Cameron blasts Labor over Tyers bridge blunder, says government failed truckies and ignored safety warnings
  Martin Cameron has criticised Labor after revelations the Tyers bridge weight limit remained at 30 tonnes months after upgrades, accusing the government of negligence and failing regional Victorians.
• Latrobe unites to tackle gambling harm during awareness week: 'Set Before You Bet' 2025
  Latrobe City Council is urging residents to take part in Gambling Harm Awareness Week (27 Oct - 2 Nov) and "Set before you bet" by learning to recognise signs and reduce gambling harm.
• Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
  South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs.
• Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot approved, $1.768M federal funding restores vital community infrastructure
  Bass Coast Council’s Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot approved, receiving $1.768 million federal funding, restoring safe access, supporting local residents, industry, emergency services, with tendering expected early 2026.
• Lifeline Workshop in Warragul Library: Understanding and Preventing Family Violence for community awareness and safety
  Free two‑hour session at Lifeline, held at MYLI Warragul on 25 Nov 2025 from 1‑3 pm, aims to build awareness, understanding and practical strategies to prevent family violence.
• Gippslanders stand united, condemning violence and supporting victims of the tragic Bondi Beach attack
  The Bondi Beach tragedy deeply saddens us. Gippslanders stand united, honoring victims, thanking brave responders, condemning violence, and calling for kindness, tolerance, and community support in the face of adversity.