Griffith University’s iconic bridge across the Smith Street Motorway is once again spending its evenings awash in a stunning shade of pink in support of the fight against breast cancer.
Although usually a distinct shade of powerful red, the bridge has spent each October – which is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month – since 2008 receiving its night-time makeover, which is made possible through the use of special pink gels placed over the lights that shine onto the structure once the sun goes down.
Driven by Griffith Business School academic and National Breast Cancer Foundation Qld Ambassador Dr Robyn Cameron, the lighting switch has become a key visual ally in continuing to raise awareness of the disease, which remains responsible for more than 13 per cent of all new cancer cases diagnosed this year.
"National Breast Cancer Foundation statistics show that breast cancer is still the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia," said Dr Cameron, a two-time breast cancer survivor whose work as a social activist netted her a role as a Queen’s Baton bearer ahead of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in April.
"In fact, its incidence is increasing, with 1 in 8 Australian women and 1 in 700 Australian men expected to be diagnosed in their lifetime. So, it remains crucial that we not lose sight of the work to be done in combatting this disease.
"I am proud to be able to play a part in the fight for awareness and funding by making our already-stunning Smith Street bridge even more eye-catching, all month long.
"A special mention must also go to our hard-working facilities personnel, who go to great lengths and heights to put the gels on the bridge lights and ensure the campaign shines out brightly."
Other Gold Coast businesses involved in the visual project include Pacific Fair, which will shade its distinctive ‘super roof’, and the Marina Mirage centre, which will tint its imposing sails in support.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1994, and has since invested more than $160 million in more than 500 research projects investigating the disease. The foundation is now working towards a goal of zero deaths from breast cancer in Australia by 2030.
