With a Lyttle help, Bingie's morning tea will give the Cancer Council its biggest fundraising boost yet

Robyn Lyttle is preparing her Bingie property for one of the community’s main social events of the year.

Don’t let her name fool you – there’s nothing small about Robyn’s Biggest Morning Tea.

Robyn and her husband began hosting the Cancer Council fundraiser event in 2015.

She was a little uncertain at first, but by the end of the day the couple had raised almost $700 for cancer support and research, and Robyn knew she was on to a good thing.

“My husband and I are so lucky – we’re healthy, we live in paradise, we have wonderful supportive families,” she said.

“Some people don’t have a whisper of what we’ve experienced, and I don’t think there’s anyone who doesn’t know someone who’s suffered from some form of cancer.

“We’re on a property, we have plenty of room for parking and to put a couple of tables out.

“We just like to give something back.”

Since 2015, the event has grown to a 90-person extravaganza, which last year raised $2600.

This year a neighbour has donated seaplane flights as raffle prizes, and Robyn is hoping for a record fundraiser.

“We’re a small community out here at Bingie, and the support I get from local businesses like South Coast Seaplanes, Turnbulls, Camerons, Harrisons, Woolworths and IGA, people at the markets and Mogo Zoo leaves me speechless,” she said.

“My husband’s a keen surfer and belongs to the Bingie Boardriders, so a lot of them come and bring a friend.

“So many people have put their hand up to support this much-needed research into a cure for cancer, it’s wonderful.”

This year the morning tea at 22 Priory Lane will be held on Sunday, 4 June, from 11 o’clock. All are welcome, and attendees are asked to bring a plate of sweet or savoury snacks, as well as a donation.

There will be a raffle with plenty of prizes, as well as a lucky door prize, music and outdoor games.

Don’t worry about getting lost – once you’ve found Bingie, just look for the big Cancer Council sign, then follow the flags to the parking area.

Tea and coffee will be provided, generously donated by Woolworths and IGA Moruya.

Robyn says hosting over the past few years hasn’t just raised some serious cash for cancer research, it’s also been a great way to meet new people and deepen community connections.

If you’d like to host your own Biggest Morning Tea, Robyn has some pointers.

“It’s very easy to do – the Cancer Council provides you with a kit that has tags, bunting, aprons, everything you need to put up in your backyard or at work,” she said.

“Set the scene so everyone feels comfortable, create a happy atmosphere with a bit of music and some decorations.

“Games are a great way to get people who don’t know each to have a chat and a laugh and be a bit competitive. And it keeps it fun, so people don’t feel they’re just being asked to show up, put money in a box and go home.

“The Cancer Council provides a game called ‘Tea-rivia’, and you can have an entry fee for that with a prize for the winner.

“Don’t worry about the food, it doesn’t matter what people bring to eat. What matters is that they’re there, ready to have a good time and wanting to contribute.”