Breast Cancer Network Australia

Breast Cancer Network Australia
Corporate logo of pink woman in outline
BCNA logo
Abbreviation BCNA
Established 1998
Founder Lyn Swinburne
Legal status charity
Purpose Support for Australians affected by breast cancer
Location
  • Melbourne, Australia
CEO
 Kirsten Pilatti
Website http://www.bcna.org.au

Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is a not-for-profit organisation that supports Australians affected by breast cancer.[1] BCNA aims to ensure that Australians affected by breast cancer receive support, information, treatment and care appropriate to their needs.

BCNA is the peak national organisation for Australians affected by breast cancer, and consists of a network of more than 100,000 individual members and 300 Member Groups.[2]

History

In 1998, Lyn Swinburne envisaged an organisation that would positively influence the way breast cancer was discussed in the community. Her goal was for people to talk openly about the disease and acknowledge its personal impact.[3]

Following a public meeting in every state and territory, over 300 women came together to discuss issues affecting women with breast cancer. An action plan was developed and the official launch of BCNA took place following this conference, at the inaugural Field of Women, a visual display of breast cancer statistics on the lawns of Parliament House in Canberra.[4]

BCNA's aims include:

  • keeping scientists focused on discovering what might cause the disease and how its toll could be reduced
  • encouraging health professionals to see the people diagnosed as individuals, with changing needs
  • provision of timely and quality information so women could make important decisions about their treatment and health care; and
  • ensuring breast cancer was on the agenda of governments and people in planning services.

Lyn retired as CEO of BCNA in November 2011.[5] Maxine Morand served as CEO from November 2011 until December 2014.[6][7] Christine Nolan is currently CEO.

BCNA continues to support, inform, represent and connect all Australians affected by breast cancer.

BCNA is one of a number of major breast cancer organisations in Australia. BCNA works co-operatively with the other national organisations including Cancer Australia,[8] National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF),[9] McGrath Foundation [10] and BreastScreen Australia.[11]

Events and campaigns

Key BCNA fundraising initiatives include the Field of Women events held in 2005 (MCG),[12] 2007 (SCG), 2010 (MCG)[13] and 2014 (MCG). At the 2014 event, the most recent, 15,000 people in pink ponchos formed the Pink Lady silhouette, bringing the national breast cancer statistics to life in a sparkling display of strength and support.[14]

The Field of Women events have now been adapted to be held in communities across Australia every year. These events are called Mini-Fields of Women. They centre around a visual display of 100 Pink Lady silhouettes planted in the ground or on display, and often include a simple ceremony. Personal messages are displayed on the silhouettes by family and friends.

In September 2010, AFL champion Shane Crawford embarked on a marathon walk from Adelaide to Melbourne, That's What I'm Walkin' About. Crawford's efforts raised $500,000 for BCNA and he continues to support the organisation. In 2013, Shane Crawford then raised more than $1.32 million for BCNA after riding 3,600 kilometres (2,200 mi) from Melbourne to Perth in 22 days on his marathon Tour de Crawf from 20 June - 11 July .

Key annual BCNA fundraising and awareness campaigns include Pink Sports Day and the Bakers Delight Pink Bun campaign. The Pink Bun campaign is an annual three week fundraising campaign which sees every Bakers Delight bakery around Australia donate 100% of the sale of their Pink Finger Buns and Paper Pink Lady cut outs to BCNA. In 2015, BCNA and Bakers Delight are celebrating 15 years of working together to support Australians affected by breast cancer. Over the past 15 years Bakers Delight has donated a total of $15 million worth of funds and pro-bono services to BCNA.[15]

Patron and board

Patron

  • Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia

Board

CEO

  • Christine Nolan

Founder

References

  1. ↑ Guide to Giving. Pro Bono Australia. (2010).
  2. ↑ "Who We Are". Breast Cancer Network Australia. 2016.
  3. ↑ Changemakers – Lyn Swinburne. Pro Bono Australia News. 2011-11-28.
  4. ↑ History of the field Archived 17 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine.. Field of Women Live. (2010).
  5. ↑ Breast Cancer Leader Farewelled. Pro Bono Australia News. 2011-10-25.
  6. ↑ New appointments and departures. Third Sector News. 2011-09-27.
  7. ↑ A job close to former minister Maxine Morand’s heart. Herald Sun. 2012-04-28.
  8. ↑ Who’s who in breast cancer Archived 21 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine.. Cancer Australia. (2011).
  9. ↑ Useful Links. National Breast Cancer Foundation. (2012).
  10. ↑ Resources. McGrath Foundation. (2012).
  11. ↑ About the Program Archived 22 June 2012 at the Wayback Machine.. BreastScreen Australia. (2012).
  12. ↑ Breast cancer survivor to kick a major goal. The Age. 2005-04-30.
  13. ↑ Bulldogs and Demons join forces to raise awareness about breast cancer. Marngrook Footy Show. 2010-02-03.
  14. ↑ Strong ladies make a perfect pink fit. Herald Sun. 2014-05-10.
  15. ↑ Making the charity dollar and a helping hand work. Herald Sun. 2015-02-11.
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