More than 15,000 volunteers lending a hand at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games can step outside in confidence, knowing their skin will be protected from the sun.
Cancer Council Queensland has been working with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) to develop sun safe guidelines* to make sure volunteer uniforms are sun safe.
All Games Shaper uniforms have a UPF 50+ rating and meet the Australia/New Zealand standard for Sun Protective Clothing.
Volunteers will also be given a wide brim panama style hat, have access to free sunscreen and adequate shaded areas to carry out duties. The uniform also includes a convenient holding loop to store sunglasses.
Cancer Council Queensland CEO Ms Chris McMillan applauded the GOLDOC for their commitment to sun safety.
“Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with more than 12,000 people diagnosed with melanoma each year and around 900,000 non-melanoma skin cancers removed,” Ms McMillan said.
“We’re proud to have advised Games organisers through this process to ensure that volunteers and staff are protected from the sun.
“At Cancer Council Queensland we understand the value of volunteers and the role they play in making events like these come together – and we are dedicated to helping all volunteers improve health and wellbeing.
“Skin damage can occur in as little as 10-15 minutes if you’re outdoors without sun protection.
“Wearing protective clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and seeking shade will provide vital protection from the sun and significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer later in life.
“Sun protection is required when the UV Index is 3 or above – which is all year round in Queensland, including the Gold Coast.”
Ms McMillan said volunteers also played a part in role modelling sun safe behaviours to athletes and spectators during the games.
GOLDOC CEO, Mark Peters said the GC2018 Games Shapers will wear a unique uniform reflecting the Gold Coast’s distinctively bold, bright and relaxed style combined with a number of practical features adapted for the Queensland heat.
“The health and wellbeing of our workforce is paramount. We want the uniforms to be comfortable, sun safe and worn with pride,” Mr Peters said.
“With the advice of Cancer Council Queensland, Hard Yakka have been able to develop a sun safe uniform that will help our team deliver a great Games.”
Australians should follow all five sun-protective behaviours to protect their skin when outdoors – Slip on protective clothing, Slop on minimum SPF30 broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, Slap on a broad-brimmed hat, Seek shade and Slide on wrap-around sunnies.
More information about Cancer Council Queensland is available at cancerqld.org.au or Cancer Council’s 13 11 20.
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