in brief: mudgee goes pink for breast cancer

Mudgee, a town best known for its nationally celebrated varieties of red (think Shiraz) and white (Pinot Gris), has become the first town in Australia to “Go Pink”. Supporting the McGrath Foundation over the month of October to raise awareness and donations for victims of breast cancer, more than 250 businesses have joined in to “Pink Up Mudgee”, with the main streets of the town – from light-posts to pharmacy windows – buried in pink crepe paper and ribbons.

The charity has swept across Mudgee, inspiring a weekend of events and activities geared towards raising funds for the McGrath foundation. These include an all-pink dance-off in the main park, a golf day and an auction, the town has truly shown a passion and commitment towards their chosen cause.

The Mudgee Chambers of Commerce announced the initiative last month, citing their enthusiasm for the generosity and determination of their community: ‘Our aim is to have as many shop fronts turn pink and our goal is to have pink lighting in the main street. There will also be pink races, pink tennis, pink lawn bowls, pink touch football and pink cricket.’

Walking through the main thoroughfare of Mudgee is a sight to behold, and the sparkle in the eye of every pink-tiara’d baker and florist makes the initiative even more special. Not only is the charity event an arresting spectacle, but it is also a heart-warming gesture from the residents of Mudgee to women and their families who are affected by breast cancer. We can only hope this will be able to inspire more communities across Australia to show their compassion, and reach for their brightest shade of pink lipstick this October.