Co-founders Shirley Fitzgerald and Anna Wellings-Booth. These remarkable women used their lived experiences with breast cancer to bring Bosom Buddies ACT to life. Photo: Helen Fallow.
Bosom Buddies ACT is turning 30 this month, and to celebrate, the crew has planned an evening of community, care, and carnival-themed delight.
It promises to be a night filled with delicious canapes, plenty of smiles and, of course, a cheeky themed cocktail.
There’ll be a chat about breast health and early breast cancer detection, too – vital information to share with loved ones.
A little friendly competition never hurt anyone, so the prize-minded can look forward to a range of skill-based games and raffles to join.
Bosom Buddies will also run an expert panel of survivors sharing their stories and health specialists who have dedicated their lives to the study, awareness, and treatment of breast cancer. What’s not to love?
Established in 1995, Bosom Buddies is Canberra’s only organisation dedicated solely to providing personalised, on-the-ground support for people affected by breast cancer.
The team runs a range of programs, including one-on-one peer support, group meet-ups, and awareness, advocacy and resource distribution.
“We were determined to do something a little different to just another gala fundraiser,” volunteer and past president Gail Murray says.
“There’ll be some formalities and a panel of speakers to enjoy, but we are mainly looking forward to having some fun with our community and celebrating everything we’ve achieved over the past 30 years.”
Bosom Buddies provides both practical and emotional support. This includes providing ‘Buddy Bags’ to breast care nurses in Canberra hospitals for patients undergoing chemotherapy before surgery, and crafting ‘Buddy Gifts’ to support patient healing during and after treatment.
“As well as being the only service in our region that organises one-to-one peer support, we can assist with post-surgery garments and pillows, lymphoedema treatments, comfort items, drainage bag holders and more,” Gail says.
“More than 2600 items like these have been created and packed by our volunteers since 2023.
“But like every charity, we can’t do it alone. We are deeply grateful for the generous nature of Canberrans – our 30th anniversary isn’t just about celebrating us, it’s about recognising all of you, too.”
As part of the anniversary celebrations, Bosom Buddies will also be launching their brand-new website, developed in partnership with OPC.
The refreshed site will offer clear communication, improved accessibility, and a more engaging experience for users.
Recognising the vital role Bosom Buddies plays in the community, OPC provided web development services to help the non-profit achieve a professional online presence without compromising their budget. The team leveraged extensive experience to guide Bosom Buddies through every stage, from planning and design to final deployment.
“Non-profits do a lot with very little. Having limited resources means finding a balance between money spent and value gained is crucial,” OPC account manager Quentin Shobbrook says.
“A website isn’t just a digital presence; it’s a vital tool for outreach, fundraising, and community engagement. Quality sites create valuable opportunities to connect with supporters.
“Bosom Buddies’ support is incredibly important for all Canberrans impacted by breast cancer. The upcoming anniversary will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate their hard work.”
The Bosom Buddies 30th anniversary event will be held on Thursday, 18 September, from 6 pm to 9 pm, at 59 Cameron Avenue, Belconnen. All proceeds go towards Bosom Buddies programs, groups, and peer support.
Tickets are $66 per person, available via Shout For Good.
OPC offers an all-in-one website solution, built on the trusted Drupal platform, to provide not-for-profits with a safe and affordable way to strengthen their online presence.
