Wendy Dicenso and her dedicated group of volunteers are hanging up their aprons after hosting Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea in Moorak for nearly 20 years.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea celebrates three decades this year and is Cancer Council Australia’s most popular fundraising event having raised over $200m in that time.

Mrs Dicenso’s annual event included lucky door prizes, a raffle, homemade morning tea and an “ever popular” trading table which many individuals donated produce for.

The first two morning teas were held at Mrs Dicenso’s home in 2005 and 2006 before relocating to the Moorak Hall, due to increasing numbers attending.

From humble beginning with 11 people at the inaugural event, last year’s event raised $2360 for Cancer Council Australia with a yearly attendance of 85-100 people.

Mrs Dicenso said it would have not been possible without people willing to help out.

“It has just been a real team effort,” she said.

“There was no way I could have done it on my own.

“So many people are just willing to help.”

Volunteer Karen Jones said she had enjoyed being involved.

“It has been a great band of helpers, it really has,” she said.

“It always did just flow, we were never short of anyone to help that’s for sure.”

Mrs Dicenso said the decision to cancel the event was due to time constraints and the rising cost of living.

“Even though our last morning tea has been held, rest assured we will still be doing something on a bit smaller scale to assist with further fundraising,” she said.

“It is a shame that we are stopping but there will still be some money flowing through to the Cancer Council.”

“Each year we would lose some of our regulars to cancer, so it is satisfying to think that our funds raised over the years could help with further research.”

Mrs Dicenso also thanked all the local businesses who donated raffle prizes and her other regular helpers Carol Agnew, Sophie Johnson, Sharon Butler and Joan and Tricia McQuade.