Lions Unveil Lifesaving Mobile Skin Check Van in Tasmania
Lions Australia marked National Skin Cancer Awareness Week (16-22 November) with a growing network of Lions Mobile Skin Cancer Screening Vans operating across Australia, helping ensure regional and remote communities have access to lifesaving early detection.
For decades, Lions volunteers have delivered free or low-cost skin checks through mobile units that travel thousands of kilometres each year. Vans currently operate in Western Australia, South Australia/Northern Territory, and Victoria, with tens of thousands of Australians screened through these volunteer-led programs.
These services are especially critical in rural areas where access to dermatologists is limited and wait times can be long.
Building on this national legacy, Lions Australia recently celebrated the successful launch of the Tasmanian Lions Skin Cancer Screening Van, unveiled at the 2025 Lions District Convention in Port Sorell.
The new van, purchased by the Tasmanian Lions Skin Cancer Foundation, will begin servicing communities early next year, delivering full-body skin checks across the state and improving access to early detection for Tasmanians in rural and remote areas.
To raise awareness for the launch, Lions volunteer and endurance runner Sari-Elle Kraemer completed an extraordinary 160 km run from Smithton to Port Sorell, drawing exceptional community support along the way.
Local Lions Clubs came out in force, and in a uniquely Tasmanian show of spirit and support from the regional areas, a tractor convoy from the Tasmanian Tractor Trekkers travelled alongside sections of her run.
Tasmanian Lions Skin Cancer Screening Foundation Chair Richard Cochrane said the launch exceeded all expectations.
“The response to the launch of the Tasmanian van was truly incredible – Lions Clubs, other community groups and the general public all came out in force. We had so many conversations with families, farmers, retirees and young people, all sharing personal stories and reinforcing why this service matters so much. Funds raised from the launch are going directly towards the operating costs of the new van. The van is almost complete and will be out on the road and in rural and remote communities early 2026, delivering the lifesaving checks people have told us they urgently need,” says Richard Cochrane.
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians diagnosed in their lifetime. Lions Australia is encouraging communities to take proactive steps this Skin Cancer Awareness Week: book a skin check, protect yourself in the sun, and support the mobile screening vans that bring vital services to local towns, farms and regional centres.
With melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers placing a growing burden on the health system, Lions Australia encourages all Australians to:
- Book a skin check or visit a mobile screening van when it comes to town
- Wear sunscreen and protective clothing
- Learn the warning signs and act early
- Support Lions Clubs’ fundraising efforts to keep these vans operating
Lions hope to eventually have a mobile screening unit in every state of Australia.
For more information on Lions Australia’s latest skin cancer screening van in Tasmania, click here.
For other locations, click on your state below:
