Sunraysia Residential Services Inc. (SRS) is proud to be part of the 2026 Mildura Riverfront Marathon Festival, with one of our own stepping up for an incredible challenge, and for a worthy cause.
Active Support Leader Garry Chahal will lace up his runners and hit the course on Sunday 7 June 2026, over the King’s Birthday long weekend, running not just for personal achievement, but for something far bigger.
The Mildura Riverfront Marathon Festival, which is based at Powerhouse Place on Hugh King Drive, brings runners from across Australia to our region, inspiring locals of all ages to get moving and embrace a love of running.
Garry is proudly running to raise vital funds as part of SRS’ ongoing campaign to support 12-year-old Michele Dichiera.
Michele, who is the son of SRS Garden and Maintenance Coordinator Robert, was born with a giant cell angioblastoma in his right foot – an extremely rare, aggressive tumour that occurs in the soft tissue of children.
All current treatments are proving ineffective, leaving his specialists in Melbourne with two options – a trial medication called ‘Cabozantinib’ which they hope will heal the tumour, or, as a final resort, amputate Michele’s foot.
Cabozantinib is not currently available to treat giant cell angioblastoma under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, meaning the Dichiera’s are facing monthly bills of approximately $10,000 to utilise the drug in a last-ditch attempt to save Michele’s foot.
Read more about Michele’s story here: www.srsinc.com.au/micheles-ready-for-fight-of-lifetime
Garry said his participation in the local marathon event felt like the perfect way to support local efforts to raise funds for Michele.
“Michele is going through a bit at the moment with what he’s going through, what his family is going through and what they’re facing,” he said.
“I think any funds raised for young Michele will be going to a great cause, and it’s a cause I’m proud to support.
“I certainly urge our community to get behind the cause and support this young family.”
Garry boasts a passion for running, having completed half marathons in Melbourne prior to taking on a full marathon in Mildura next month.
“I love running marathons, I’ve done this one every year since it started and will head to the Gold Coast on July 5 to compete in another one.
“I train myself and for me it’s a bit of fun and a bit of personal fitness.”
Garry is originally from India and moved to Mildura nine years ago. He joined SRS three years ago as an Active Support Assistant and is now a House Leader at one our Supported Accommodations, supporting three NDIS participants.
Those interested in supporting Garry’s fund-raising efforts can visit https://tr.ee/Michele to donate to the cause and leave Garry and Michele a message of encouragement and support – your words will help power Garry every step of the way!
Keep up with Garry’s training, milestones, and race-day experience by following SRS on social media, with regular updates as the big day approaches.
Together, let’s cheer Garry on, and help turn every kilometre into meaningful support for Michele!
Media Contact:
Vinnie Rodi – Marketing and Events Coordinator
Phone: 0439 364 781
Email: [email protected]