General News
27 October, 2026
Pink events raise thousands for cancer
THE Cairns Jockey Club has raised more than $12,000 for breast cancer research at its annual pink ribbon race day, with local businesses and community fundraisers joining forces during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The event, at Ladbrokes Cannon Park on 11 October, saw the Cairns Jockey Club and RE/MAX Powerhouse support the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) through horse racing, fundraising and a pink ribbon lunch.
Cairns Jockey Club general manager Sarah Campbell said the day raised more than $12,000.
“The Cairns Jockey Club are so privileged to once again throw our support behind such a worthy cause. We all know or know of someone who has been affected by breast cancer, so we are doing our part to raise awareness and funds,” she said.
The lunch, in the president’s lounge, contributed $10 from each $84 ticket to the foundation and featured a pink-themed fashion competition.
Guest speaker Andrea Ambrosio shared her personal experience of breast cancer, highlighting the importance of recognising symptoms, early detection and research.
Local fundraiser Benjamin (Ben) Anderson, also known as ‘The Pink Mo Bro’, has supported the ‘Go Pink’ campaign by sporting pink hair and a pink moustache to raise awareness.
Mr Anderson was also scheduled to make a pink jump at Skypark Cairns on 11 October as part of his fundraising efforts.
Meanwhile, Skypark Cairns by AJ Hackett was scheduled to host its inaugural pink ribbon breakfast on 22 October, with a $2000 fundraising target.
Event manager Charlie Aubin said the organisation was seeking community support to reach its goal, with ticket sales up by around 15% ahead of the event.
The breakfast was organised in response to a request from a staff member who had recently lost two family members to breast cancer.
The Smithfield event was scheduled to begin at 7.30am with yoga in the rainforest, led by Susan Stackhouse, followed by breakfast from Mojo’s Street Food.
Tickets cost $69, with $30 from each purchase going to the foundation. They also pledged an additional $20 for each giant swing or bungy activity purchased on the day.
According to the foundation, one in seven women and one in 600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and nine Australians die from the disease each day. The fundraising initiatives support the foundation’s research into breast cancer prevention.
