Time to have a think about how to turn town pink

BALLAN residents have another chance to go pink for a good cause.

The Pink Up Ballan campaign is set to return this October and events as part of the campaign will aim to raise money for the McGrath Foundation, which provides specialist nurses that support people experiencing breast cancer.

Campaign organiser Kevin Harper said Pink Up Ballan was to return because it had worked well when it was last run in 2019.

“Because, after a few disrupted years, there is a real appetite to reconnect and do something purposeful together again,” he said.

“At its heart, this is about community and care.

“It’s about standing alongside those affected by cancer and supporting the extraordinary work of specialist nurses who walk that journey with patients and families. It also brings the town together in a way that is joyful, visible, and deeply meaningful.”

He said the campaign’s first community meeting attracted a strong turnout of businesses, community groups and supporters.

“At this stage, we’re building momentum – gathering ideas, confirming partners, and setting the framework for the month,” the Ballan Autumn Festival president said.

“Right now, we need people, ideas, enthusiasm, and a willingness to take ownership of small events. The model works best when many groups each contribute something manageable, rather than a few people trying to do everything.”

He said to expect everything from cafe specials to sporting events.

“The beauty of it is that it’s not centrally imposed, different groups bring their own ideas and together it creates something rather special.”

More information is available at the Pink Up Ballan Facebook page.