Prime Minister Scott Morrison has joined a group of industry leaders from the political, business, sport and medical fields in becoming an ambassador for the fifth annual Michael Tynan Challenge, which will take place in October.
Mr Morrison agreed to be the parliamentary patron for the event, which provides several ways in which people can help raise much needed funds for the St George & Sutherland Medical Research Foundation and University of Wollongong medical research.
More than a million dollars has been raised for medical research through the initiative over the last four years.
The 2020 Challenge will again feature a 26 kilometre walk on the Coast Track through Royal National Park from Otford to Bundeena on October 24, taking in coastal lookouts, swimming spots, seasonal wildflowers and whale watching.
Walkers will be supported with nourishment and first aid by volunteers at checkpoints along the track.
Another option - which is being offered for the first time - is a "virtual challenge". Participants can walk, run, ride or swim at their own pace to reach their personal goal of 30 kilometres during October.
Organisers say this initiative provides flexibility while helping participants to form healthy lifestyle habits over a 24-day period to support their mental and physical well-being.
Not as exhausting, but a lot of fun, is the Drive & Scooter Challenge on October 17, in which participants drive or ride from Sydney to the South Coast, supporting not only local medical research but also fire affected communities.
Drivers will be provided with a Jeep Empty Esky - a national tourism movement founded earlier this year to encourage Australians to embark on a road trip to fire-affected towns, supporting communities by filling an empty Esky with local produce and goods from small businesses.
The annual challenge honours the life and achievements of Michael Tynan, OAM, who died in 2016 at 80 after a two-year battle with cancer.
Mr Tynan was a leader in the motor industry, a former president (mayor) of Sutherland Shire and a great supporter of community groups and charities in the shire and St George.
His strong support of Calvary Hospital Kogarah for more than 35 years was indicative of his commitment to the local community.
Mr Tynan was chairman of the hospital board and a community advisory board, and served on the national board of Calvary Health Care.
Mr Morrison said he was happy to give his personal support to the Michael Tynan Challenge in raising funds for much needed medical research, and encouraged those within the communities of southern Sydney and the Illawarra to participate in one of the unique challenges.
"The Michael Tynan Challenge is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when communities come together, and it's a great tribute to Michael, who was himself a generous philanthropist, that it raises funds that directly make a difference in achieving better health outcomes for our local hospitals and communities", Mr Morrison said.
"Medical research at the St George and Sutherland Hospitals and at the University of Wollongong has the potential to have a lasting and positive impact on our families, our communities and our country".
St George & Sutherland Medical Research Foundation is an independent charity which proudly supports medical research in the Southern region of Sydney, with a global impact.
Doctors, nurses and medical specialists are continually seeking better health outcomes for the community, and through this commitment to ongoing research lives continue to be saved and improved.
The University of Wollongong (UOW) is a leader in health and medical research, committed to addressing global and regional health challenges by delivering innovative and quality healthcare.
UOW's Health and Wellbeing Strategy includes a strong focus on innovative future models for delivering quality research and clinical services, supported by a skilled and agile health workforce for tomorrow.