General News
24 April, 2026
Pink day raises over $5000
The Hopetoun Pink Day High Tea has again delivered a strong fundraising result, with this year’s event raising $5437 for the McGrath Foundation to support cancer care nurses.
One of the organisers, Bridget Williams, said the day attracted strong support from local women and the wider community, both through attendance and through takeaway purchases, raffle ticket sales and donations.
Ms Williams said the fundraiser had a great turnout and a successful result for the cause.
“We had 46 people sit down,” she said.
“All ladies, and we had a very successful day raising $5437 for the McGrath Foundation.”
The event was held at Hopetoun clubrooms and started at 12 noon, running through the afternoon between the netball and football.
The event saw attendees coming from Hopetoun, Rainbow, Jeparit, Yaapeet, and Beulah.
While talking about the event, Ms Williams said those who attended in person were able to enjoy both the high tea and the sport, while takeaway buyers could still be part of the day.
“It started at 12 o’clock, just prior to the A Grade netball out on the deck,” she said.
“So those that sat down and attended were able to watch the netball, and those that chose takeaway packs were able to go and sit in their cars and watch the football.”
She said one of the biggest highlights was the spirit of the day, with attendees embracing the pink theme and giving generously.
“The whole lot, the beautiful weather, everyone wore pink, just the massive donations that everyone gave generously,” Ms Williams said.
She also said the takeaway option proved highly popular and contributed strongly to the final fundraising total.
“That was a great success on the day, we sold every piece of food, which contributed to the over the $5000,” she said.
Several local sponsors, including Forty Winks, KMC Hair, Sassy Beauty Bar, JR Pharmacy, Crop Opti, Mallee Magic and Bow Bakery backed the fundraiser.
A raffle was also held on the day, and Janine Brown and Ebony Spokes won the best-dressed awards.
Ms Williams said the event has been running since about 2015, beginning around the time of the Giants’ merger.
She said former organisers Trish Lehman and Kaylene Shannon, who previously ran the Pink Day in Beulah and now live in Horsham, returned to attend this year’s event.
She also acknowledged the many volunteers who helped organise and run the fundraiser, including members of the netball committee and broader club community.
Ms Williams thanked those who were involved in organising the event.
“Huge thank you to everyone who donated or supported or bought raffle tickets on the day, and before the day, and everyone who volunteered to help run the day so successfully.”
She said the community could look forward to the event returning.
“We’ll be back in 2027,” Ms Williams said.