Towns across Australia will be turning pink this October and an eager group of locals is making sure Parkes is among them.
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It's all part of the McGrath Foundation's Pink Up Your Town fundraiser to help fund McGrath breast care nurses and raise awareness.
A public meeting was held at the Parkes Shire Council Chambers on June 13 to discuss how Parkes could get involved, with the idea of encouraging community groups, businesses, clubs and individuals to turn their events pink during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
The gathering was initiated by Dianne Green and Parkes Mayor Ken Keith OAM, who want to bring the community together to not only recognise the important role that breast care nurses play, but also to raise funds to support the McGrath Foundation.
A committee was formed and so the inaugural meeting of the Parkes Pink Up Your Town committee took place.
Carolyn Rice has been appointed chairperson and Marg Applebee, on behalf of Central West Lachlan Landcare, as secretary.
"Parkes is fortunate to benefit from the services of a breast care nurse and the committee sees this opportunity for the town to show their appreciation and raise awareness and funds," Carolyn said.
"The challenge is out to local businesses, schools and organisations to go pink in October!
"You can 'pink' your office, 'pink' your business, 'pink' your event or even 'pink' your farm!"
A number of events in Parkes have already been flagged as potential "pink" events and the committee hopes there will be more to add to the list.
Funds raised will go directly to the McGrath Foundation, who also source additional funding from the government and other philanthropical organisations to support communities across Australia.
The committee encourage participants to think about the environment when decorating as well.
"Think outside the square and be creative," Carolyn said.
"There is good news for those of you who are already organising an event in October! You can go pink!"
Carolyn said there are opportunities to host a speaker or representative at your event to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month and raise funds and awareness.
"We would also love to hear about new events that can also tie in with the theme," she said.
"More information will be available in the month ahead."
For further information and some inspiration from other towns that have already gone pink in October, visit the Pink Up Your Town website at https://www.pinkupyourtown.com.au/.
To register your interest in the first instance, contact Marg Applebee at cwllpo@hotmail.com or 0418 611 053 and you will be added to the contact list.
People can keep up to date with what's happening in the lead up to and during October by heading to the committee's Facebook page at @PinkUpParkes
And if you're on social media - then these hashtags will come in handy: #pinkupparkes #pinkupyourtown and this #mcgrathfoundation and Council will want to know about it @visitparkes #italladdsup
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