It’s not often a local teenager can say she’s sharing the big screen with Hollywood heavyweight Hugh Jackman.
But, Newcastle competitive surfer Arabella Tarpey is about to do just that.
She’s featured in a new documentary about the rising risks of skin cancer.
It’s something close to the youngster’s heart.
After her father survived multiple skin cancers, Arabella was always aware of the dangers of the sun.
But, despite her perception of being young, healthy and untouchable, she was given a rude awakening when diagnosed with skin cancer as a teen.
“Being 18 and fit, you think you wouldn’t have a concern like that,” Arabella said.
Diagnosed with stage two melanoma, she underwent many procedures to remove the cancer and now has to get her skin checked every three months.
“For people who spent just as much time outside as I did, it kind of wasn’t cool to wear sunscreen,” Arabella told the Newcastle Weekly.
“I definitely think it is a time now where people are shifting away from that.”
Conquering Skin Cancer is described as a compelling social impact film with a mission to prevent skin cancer.
Highlighting how preventable melanoma can be, the documentary includes compelling stories from survivors, advocates and world-leading experts, delving into how everyone can live safely under the sun.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), deaths caused by melanoma will increase by 68% by 2040, rising by 510,000 new cases and 96,000 deaths globally.
Alongside Arabella, Conquering Skin Cancer features Wolverine star Jackman, world champion surfer Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholemew, Olympian Cate Campbell and 2024 Australians of the Year Professors Richard Scolyer and Georgina Long.
Directed by Mike Hill and produced by Sue Collins, the documentary will premier at Event Cinemas Kotara on 4 December.
Tickets can be purchased here
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