The launch was held at the St John’s Anglican Church Markets with an information stand and members of the Relay For Life committee hit the streets to get the word out even further.

Relay For Life is an overnight community fundraising event that spreads a message of hope and support to those affected by cancer.

Groups of people enter a team and take turns relaying around a track. In Mudgee it will be Victoria Park’s track.

Mudgee Relay For Life Committee Chairman Ian Hunter said with a bit over three months until the event, the push for teams was now on.

“Team numbers are looking really good but there is certainly room for plenty more. We’d also like to encourage people in surrounding areas in the region to also enter a team,” he said.

So far there are 15 confirmed teams. The goal for the 2012 Mudgee Relay is 50 teams and a fundraising goal of $75,000.

Mudgee Relay For Life Marketing and Team Co-ordinator Christina Caughey said there was a good atmosphere for the launch for the first Mudgee Relay since 2009.

“It was very positive. We had a lot of interest and people are glad to see the event return after a couple of years break,” she said.

Among those at the launch were members of the Mid-Western Regional Council team including are captain Leonie Johnson, who have already begun their fundraising and are up to $1500.

Council general manager Warwick Bennett said that he and Mayor Des Kennedy would be doing the night shift at the relay and put the challenge out to the community.

“We’re looking forward to it and we’d like to challenge all other businesses in town to do the same and raise money for this great cause,” he said.

“Even if you don’t want to accept the challenge of walking, at least accept the challenge of fundraising and sponsorship.”

The next important date on the 2012 Mudgee Relay For Life calendar is a team captains’ meeting on Wednesday evening.