On the eve of the Domain Pink Test, Cricket Australia and the SCG Trust, together with charity partner the McGrath Foundation, will honour the efforts of Fire and Emergency Services and personnel fighting fires on Day 1 of the Domain Pink Test at the SCG (3 – 7 January 2020).
Australian and New Zealand players at the start of the play will wear black armbands and pay tribute to Fire and Emergency Services and personnel fighting fires during the Anthem Ceremony at the start of play on Day 1 of the Domain Pink Test, followed by a minutes applause.
SCG Trust and Cricket Australia also announced the Gillette ODI Series in March will be dedicated to raising funds for the Australian Red Cross to support those affected by the bushfires. Signed playing shirts from the Domain Boxing Day Test will be auctioned online from today, with all proceeds also going to the Australian Red Cross.
McGrath Foundation co-founder and President Glenn McGrath highlighted the importance of support networks during challenging times and thanked the Australian community for their ongoing generosity in supporting people in rural and regional areas.
“The last year has been a particularly tough one for a lot of rural communities and it’s important we work together to support one another.”
McGrath highlighted the critical and continued need for breast cancer support services in Australia.
In 2020, breast cancer is estimated to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia1 and the risk of a woman being diagnosed by their 85th birthday will be 1 in 7 (1 in 675 for males)2.
“Sadly with increasing numbers of people being diagnosed, breast cancer is felt by communities Australia-wide. Almost everyone knows someone who has been affected by breast cancer,” McGrath said.
“It’s critical we continue our support for people with breast cancer to get the vital care they need,” he continued.
The McGrath Foundation raises funds to provide specialist breast cancer support via their McGrath Breast Care Nurse program. Nurses provide physical and emotional support free of charge for anyone experiencing the disease – from diagnosis and throughout treatment. Since the Foundation started it has supported over 75,000 families and there are now 135 McGrath Breast Care Nurses available across the country. Three quarters of the Foundations’ work is in rural and regional areas.
“Coming from a rural farming community I know just how tough times can be and it’s important that people know there are professionals there to support,” McGrath continued.
McGrath highlighted the importance of the Pink Test for the Foundation.
“2020 is the twelfth year of the Pink Test and this year we have a fundraising goal of $1.6 million to fund 12 nurses.”
Funding is needed to close the current gap of 120 nurses to ensure every person experiencing breast cancer has access to this invaluable service. And as the rate of diagnoses increases, so too does the need for more McGrath Breast Care Nurses.
“I’ve been incredibly lucky to have a support network for many aspects of my life – from my family, friends, cricket community and nursing professionals.
“A breast cancer diagnosis presents a lot of challenges for the entire family. I know from personal experience that having practical and emotional support is very important. Our McGrath Breast Care Nurses do incredible work making life easier for people experiencing breast cancer. It’s our mission to ensure everyone has access to this vital service,” McGrath said.
McGrath Foundation CEO Holly Masters commented: “Thanks to Cricket Australia and communities across the country we have been able to support tens of thousands of families, but there are still many people who don’t have access to a nurse, so we still have a lot of work to do.”
Cricket Australia CEO Kevin Roberts commented: ““The Pink Test is a special event on the cricket calendar. Every year, we’re very grateful for the support shown by the cricket community, whether that be our players, fans, partners or opposition. It’s no different this year with the New Zealand Cricket Team and their generous support of the cause – we are looking forward to the start of the Test and seeing the SCG bathed in pink for Jane McGrath Day”.
Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground CEO Kerrie Mather said: “Jane McGrath Day is one of the most significant days on the Australian sporting calendar and each year it clearly illustrates the positive impact sport can have on our community.”
Donations can be made at pinktest.com.au.
Cricket Cares
Through Cricket Australia’s official charity partners, disaster relief efforts and broader community work, the Cricket Cares program uses cricket as an agent of change in the community.
Domain Pink Test
The McGrath Foundation is the official charity partner of the Domain Pink Test and Cricket Cares, Cricket Australia’s community action program.
Now in its 12th year, the Domain Pink Test has become a national phenomenon. It is the largest sporting fundraising initiative in Australia where Cricket Australia and the wider cricket community, both on and off the field, wear pink as a symbolic show of support for those experiencing breast cancer and raise much needed funds for the McGrath Foundation.
About the McGrath Foundation
The McGrath Foundation raises funds to support people with breast cancer by providing specialist McGrath Breast Care Nurses where they are most needed across Australia.
The Foundation currently funds 135 nurses who provide essential physical and emotional support free of charge to anyone experiencing breast cancer and their families from diagnosis and throughout their treatment.
Breast cancer is estimated to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia (1 in 7 women will be diagnosed in their lifetime) and as the rate of diagnoses increases, so too does the need for more McGrath Breast Care Nurses.
Funding is needed to close the current gap of 120 nurses to ensure every person experiencing breast cancer has access to this invaluable service.
