Clubs in the Community Pink Race Day Raise $165,000 for Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation

The 2024 Clubs in the Community Pink Race Day held on Saturday 13 July at Newcastle Racecourse brought together clubs from the Newcastle & Hunter region in a united effort to raise funds for the Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation (HBCF).

This annual event — which began in 2009 — has grown to become one of Newcastle’s largest race days with attendees donning pink in support of HBCF and its outstanding work in the community.

Initially spearheaded by ClubsNSW Life Member Jon Chin, the Pink Race Day was created to foster collaboration among Newcastle and Hunter clubs, showcasing the significant support the industry provides to the local community. Over the years, this event has become a primary source of funding for HBCF — raising over $600,000 to date. These funds are crucial for HBCF’s Supportive Care Program, which provides practical assistance to families affected by breast cancer, including house cleaning, lawn mowing, transport to medical appointments and educational support.

This year’s event was expected to surpass previous records with anticipated funds expected to exceed $150,000 — the final total reaching $165,000.

Local clubs sponsored various races with 150 representatives from clubs and industry supporters gathering in the Pavilion to cheer on the winners and participate in fundraising activities.

The annual Pink Fascinator raffle was won by Wests Newcastle Chairman Geoff Coburn. Additionally, Muswellbrook RSL made an on-the-spot donation of $5000 which was quickly matched by Nelson Bay Bowling Club, Belmont 16s Sailing Club, Toronto Workers, The Wests Group, Beresfield Bowling Club, Club Charlestown and East Maitland Bowling Club — collectively raising an impressive $40,000.

Belmont 16s Sailing Club CEO and race day organiser Scott Williams said that this showed the power that local clubs hold when working together.

“This is a very concrete example of local clubs supporting a local charity that in turn supports the local community,” Scott said.

“We all know someone who has been through the battle with breast cancer — or is going through it as we speak — the Supportive Care Program does an amazing job by helping families and women when they need it most.”

Cath Adams is the President of HBCF and Abbey McDonell the General Manager, with both commenting on the success of the record-breaking race day.

"This is our most popular event which brings in the most money for Hunter Breast Cancer Foundation and ClubsNSW have just been awesome sponsors,” Cath said.

“We're all about supporting the local community and this is just such a great opportunity for the community to come together, so it just blends really well."

"We were hoping to beat last years' record and we absolutely smashed that out of the park this year,” Abbey added.

“Thank you for 15 years of incredible support, enabling us to support local families as they navigate a challenging time."

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Clubs in the Community Pink Race Day, a commemorative cake was cut by State Councillor Paul Cousins.