Inverloch Icebergs shatter fundraising goal with chilly Daffodil Day dip

INVERLOCH’s Iceberg Club braved the elements early this morning plunging into the freezing coastal waters of Anderson Inlet to support the Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day Dip.

Gathering at the Inverloch Yacht Club with the sun still over the horizon local coordinator Robin Smith and the Inverloch Icebergs welcomed an enthusiastic crowd of 18 brave swimmers and shore-side supporters to unite against a disease that affects nearly everyone.

The icy event was a resounding triumph. Aiming for an ambitious fundraising target of $3,000, the group's collective courage captured the community's heart, raising $5,237 for world-class cancer research.

“It’s still not too late to donate. Almost one in two Australians will face a cancer diagnosis by the age of 85," said Robin emphasising the urgency behind the icy challenge. "We are brought together by the ways cancer has touched our lives. Shivering through a cold dip is a small sacrifice to help power the research that saves lives and creates a cancer-free future."

The Inverloch Icebergs gather rain, hail, or shine every Tuesday at 6.30 am at the Inverloch Yacht Club launching ramp. Participants travel from near and far, discovering that the weekly ritual offers far more than just social interaction.

Group members credit the freezing Bass Strait waters with building immense mental and physical resilience. According to Robin confronting the shock of the cold ocean each week equips her dippers with the internal strength to navigate life’s broader hardships and personal challenges.

It was Robin’s second Daffodil Day dip after braving the icy waters alone last year.

“It’s the first year with a group. We’re always happy to welcome more people to join us.”

Over its historic run Daffodil Day has grown hope and radically improved medical outcomes for individuals facing cancer diagnoses. As the community marks decades of progress, the Icebergs are looking toward the next 40 years of cancer research.

They hope their growing numbers will inspire other coastal towns to start their own winter traditions. With yellow zinc on their cheeks and smiles on their faces, the swimmers wrapped themselves in warm towels, sipping hot tea after their swim and proving that even the coldest waters can be warmed by a community's shared generosity and purpose.

To donate to the Inverloch Daffodil Day dip go to daffodilday.com.au/st/1012/s