Penrith, let’s paint the town pink this October!
October is breast cancer awareness month and Penrith is being encouraged to pink up the town to raise funds for McGrath Foundation breast care nurses in the local area.
McGrath Foundation breast care nurses are specialised registered nurses who are trained to manage the care of people with breast cancer throughout the course of treatment and to provide trusted and knowledgeable support for families by offering medical expertise, clinical care and psychological support from time of diagnosis and throughout treatment.
Gai Hawthorn, CEO of Penrith CBD Corp and Pink Up Penrith organsier, said Penrith was one of the first towns to take on the challenge of “pinking up”.
“Seven years ago, we had no local McGrath Foundation breast care nurses available at Nepean Hospital and we were the first metropolitan city to take on the challenge of pinking up our town,” Hawthorn said.
“Getting involved with McGrath meant that we were building a better connection and hopefully we were fundraising for our local community to have our own local nurses.”
Since beginning the challenge of pinking up Penrith seven years ago, Penrith has raised over $350,000 and now has five McGrath Foundation breast care nurses with a sixth nurse anticipated to start at Nepean Hospital in the coming months.
There are a series of events across October Penrith residents are urged to get behind.
For $5 you can enter the York Jewellers raffle to win a pink diamond necklace worth $2,500 and on Thursday, October 24 they will be holding a VIP event where pink diamonds will be available for purchase.
The Log Cabin is offering a Pink River Spritz, Watermelon Margarita and Pink Up Cannoli all month with $2 from every purchase being donated to the McGrath Foundation.
There will be a Pink Up Penrith Party featuring Jellybean Jam on Saturday, October 12 at Penrith RSL where $1 from all pink cocktail sales will go directly to Pink Up Penrith. Penrith RSL is also offering a pink raffle on Sunday, October 20 with over 60 prizes.
Alexanders at Panthers Leagues Club will be hosting a Pink It Up Brunch on Friday, October 18.
Henrys Bar and Grill is offering a night of fun on Wednesday, October 23 where 40 per cent of ticket sales and a portion of cocktail and mocktail sales will go to the McGrath Foundation.
On Thursday, October 24 there will be the United In Pink show at Penrith Panthers with a range of entertainment and dancing.
The Pink Up Penrith Golf Day was held on Friday, September 20 where $16,000 was raised.
Hawthorn said that as well as events there are other opportunities available, including a special initiative involving Atmosphere gym.
“We secured a grant that the next 100 women or men going through breast cancer their breast care nurse will give them four weeks free at atmosphere gym to rebuild with meditation, yoga and light training.,” Hawthorn said.
“So, they will get a four-week free opportunity to go use Atmosphere Gym to their advantage. Just to build up their confidence again and get them back into that healthy lifestyle.
“Melissa McIntosh has given us some funds to create a decal that’s going to be available for free for businesses, shopping centres, schools and sporting grounds… we put this decal together that shows people how to check their breasts.”
And during October, advertisers in the Weekender who turn their ads pink to raise awareness will be in the running for a terrific prize pack. Our masthead is also pink today.
For more information about all the pink events going on in Penrith this month or to donate please visit https://www.pinkuppenrith.com.au.
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.