Cancer Council NSW’s Policy and Advocacy team have been working with our Public Relations and ABMT
teams to provide the following suggestions for integrating Saving Life 2015: change starts here with ABMT.
ABMT this year is a perfect opportunity to:
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Congratulate successful local political candidates
Build on the relationships with MPs/candidates that were fostered during the Saving Life campaign
Say a public and private thank you if they supported Saving Life 2015, and for the commitment/s their
party made during the campaign
Follow up on any specific commitments they made during the campaign.
Show first-hand an example of fundraising initiatives in the local community and how money raised goes
specifically back to those affected by cancer across the electorate – e.g. transport to treatment,
information services.
Below are some suggestions for ABMT, but the above messages can form the basis of whatever you
decide to do to engage your MP.
1. Encourage your local MP to host an ABMT event of their own.
2. Invite the MP to attend a local ABMT being held in their community. Your local Cancer Council office will
be able to fill you in on all the local ABMT events.
3. Consider organising a public ABMT in a local mall or community space where the MP is invited as a
special guest. (This is a good idea if your MP has been hard to engage.)
4. Use ABMT as a reason to arrange a delegation to your local MP to congratulate them on being elected
and follow up on Saving Life. Feel free to take a gift of an ABMT mug or apron and take a photo together.
5. MP Liaisons, where they exist, should be your contact point with the MP. Encourage them to issue the
invitation or make the visit where appropriate.
6. Use the #changestartshere photo frame for photos and write ‘Thanks for your support’ and/or ‘at
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea’ on the frame. You can post photos on the CanAct Community Facebook
page using #biggestmorningtea
7. Don’t forget to invite local media for an interview or photo opportunity using a media release that will be
available from the media team prior to ABMT.
8. Last but not least, drop around to the MP’s office with a gift of an ABMT mug (plus one for their staffer).
Talk to your local office if you need a mug.
PLEASE REMEMBER
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Integration of Saving Life with ABMT is optional, and at the discretion of local staff.
To communicate with your local Cancer Council events staff and involve them in your planning.
Community Relations Coordinators and Community Events Coordinators will be able to provide relevant
ABMT branding, and collateral and event support.
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Cancer Council NSW 60 anniversary will also be celebrated through ABMT.
Cancer Council NSW | Saving Life 2015: Change starts here…
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