Pink Angels fundraiser reveals Bourke’s Big Heart

Story by Tricia Duffield and Ian Cole

The Pink Angels long lunch in Bourke on Saturday was a celebration, a call to arms and a living example of service to the community.

The long lunch, hosted by the Bourke Rotary Club, raised $60,000 for the Pink Angels charity in Dubbo, which supports people through treatment after a breast cancer diagnosis.

The charity focuses on people living in western NSW and relies on the generosity of community – and the long lunch proved that the community has a very big heart.

Around 190 people took part in the lunch at the Renshaw sporting complex, where they enjoyed beautiful food, refreshments, entertainment, a fundraising auction and a unique game of ‘pony poo bingo’.

Three guest speakers brought meaning to the event.

Bourke High School students and staff did all the table service - pictured l-r: Principal Trent Graham, Sahara-Lee Dennis, Barbara Grimes, Tyler-James Walsh, Beau Harrod, Ashley Harrod, Jasmine Whitbread, Harper Rice, Eden Marshman, Letaliah Burford and Community Liaison Officer Kirsten Marshman. Photo: Bourke High School

Pink Angels president Sue Gavenlock told the story of the organisation; local identity Kylie Fisher spoke about her family’s challenges with breast cancer and Carol Mudford talked about Shedway and the work it does with mental health challenges in the shearing industry.

Their stories brought home the reasons why helping others is at the core of our community.

“Pink Angels provides practical care for breast cancer patients throughout western NSW, including medical costs, scans and x-rays, travel and accommodation,” Sue Gavenlock explained.

“We want to ease the financial burden for patients during a difficult time. We also provide an outreach program where we visit patients in remote areas.”

Sue explained that the Pink Angels get their referrals directly from the McGrath Foundation nurses in Dubbo.

“When we hear their stories, it makes you realise how important the assistance is for patients and their families,” she said. […]

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