A SEA of purple shirts will standout at Barossa’s upcoming Australia Day event as the Barossa Area Fundraisers for Cancer join with the wider community in congratulating and celebrating one of their own.

Barossa Area Fundraisers for Cancer (BAFFC) founding member and current president Julie Combe has been announced as 2019’s Barossa Citizen of the Year, having spent more than a decade supporting local cancer patients and their families.

Mrs Combe said she was very humbled to have received the accolade and hopes it helps to raise the awareness of BAFFC, so its volunteers are supported to help even more people.

“I always feel it’s ‘we not me’,” she said.

“I work with the most wonderful group of dedicated volunteers who give of their time relentlessly in each and every way.

“I’ve had the privilege of being their chairperson for the past six years and we’ve become more like a family.”

Mrs Combe lost her husband Roy to cancer 22 years ago and said she understands the need for patients and their families to feel supported during their treatment.

The support offered by BAFFC is far-reaching, from medical and palliative care equipment to programs that give comfort, dignity and quality of life to cancer sufferers.

In 2010, the group, with the strong advocacy of Mrs Combe, helped bring a regional McGrath breast care nurse to Barossa.

“I think why we are so successful is because the money we raise stays here in the Barossa area and is helping people here through their cancer journey,” Mrs Combe said.

“It’s a big all-round effort from a lot of people, so I get quite humbled by the generosity of the Barossa community; it’s absolutely fantastic.”

Now in its 11th year, BAFFC has raised more than $500,000 for cancer patients in the Barossa.