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Field of Women 2006

Wollongong, NSW.  On Sunday 22 October the Illawarra Breast Cancer Support Group in conjunction with Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) held a very successful Field of Women.  BCNA’s second Regional Field of Women was a huge accomplishment for those involved. The Field of Women was a moving tribute, a time to remember and celebrate Australians affected by breast cancer. The Illawarra Breast Cancer Support Group coordinated by Sister Gloria Swift, involved many local community groups to present the Field of Women to over 1,000 supporters. 12,000 pink, 2,700 white and 100 blue silhouettes were planted at WIN Stadium, Wollongong, on the coast of NSW.   To see more stunning photos The day began with a church service followed by a family picnic in McCabe park where families were entertained by local performers. A large group of over 500 people gathered at the park to join a walk of celebration down to WIN Stadium. The large pink lady banner was carried by local residents who are breast cancer survivors. The silhouettes were planted in two large rectangle shapes by nearly 100 volunteers including ladies from a number of local Ladies Golf Clubs and members of the local Lions and Rotary Clubs. Official proceedings included a number of local performers. A harmony chorus, choir and orchestra entertained the public while dancers and singers from Wollongong High School, Figtree High School and Wollongong Performing Arts School performed among the silhouettes with a rendition of "Somewhere over the Rainbow".   Breast cancer survivor, Jacky Woodfull made a touching speech about her breast cancer journey and the wonderful support she received from the Illawarra Breast Cancer Support Group. Olympian, breast cancer survivor and BCNA Board Member, Raelene Boyle also shared her experiences and reflected on the significance of the Field of Women. Those who attended the day were then given time to walk through the silhouettes and read the messages left in the names of women and men affected by breast cancer. The silhouettes and those walking through the display were under the watchful eye of Veronica (our inflatable pink lady) and the large pink lady banner which was placed on the hill overlooking the field.   BCNA would like to thank and acknowledge the work of the committee: Gloria Swift, Robin Gregory, Lynne Townsend, Jenny Armstrong, Robyn Phillips, Linda Palone, Meryle Jackson-Kew and Marian Grant. We send a special thank you to Ron Townsend, the photographer, who captured the spirit of the event. BCNA would also like to thank the hundreds of volunteers who helped out along the way and the Wollongong Golf Club for their support in providing a venue for meetings and volunteers from the club.  We would also like to thank our Major Partner, Bakers Delight for their ongoing efforts and support of the Wollongong Field of Women; Australia Post, the local Sussan stores and Naughton's Transport.