Renee Coffey (Griffith, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On Sunday, my community once again turned out in force for the Mater Foundation's Chicks in Pink fun run. And what a powerful show of solidarity it was. I understand Sister Angela Mary Doyle had prayed for good weather, and thankfully the rain held off just long enough for the event to go ahead and for that sea of pink to make its way through Brisbane. The Mater in South Brisbane is such a special place for people in my community. Like so many families across Brisbane, I was born at the Mater and one of my sons was born there. Our community knows how connected we are to this institution and to the care, compassion and expertise it has provided for generations.

One in seven Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and one in four of those Queensland women will be treated at the Mater. For 35 years the Chicks in Pink fun run has brought Queenslanders together in hope and in action, and this year it raised $2 million. Every dollar raised helps fund better research, treatment and equipment as well as practical support for women going through breast cancer. I want to thank the Mater Foundation, Mater Chicks in Pink, every volunteer, every fundraiser and everybody who laced up on Sunday. This is community—my community—at its very best: compassionate, determined and making a real difference.