Shops and homes in Mudgee, Gulgong, Rylstone and Kandos have embraced the colour pink and the transformation will continue until the end of October – Australia’s breast cancer awareness month.

Mudgee was the first town in Australia to turn pink to raise funds and awareness of breast care nurses in 2016, this year the campaign has expanded to not only include the entire Mid-Western region but many other towns in NSW including Dubbo. The Pink Up initiative is being driven by the Real Estate Institute of Australia.

Australia Post is a major supporter – with both Mudgee and Gulgong post offices getting involved this year.

Mudgee manager Graham Peggs described the 2016 campaign as bringing, “the town together”.

“Last year was such a great community spirit and great community event and we’re part of the town as much as any other business in town,” he said.

Mr Peggs explained the “worthy cause” is very close to home for the staff at the post office.

“We had a staff member die from cancer earlier this year from a cancer-related illness and we’ve had another staff member resign to care for her husband,” he said.

“It’s quite touching for us to be motivated and that’s why we fully get behind the cause again this year and to improve on what we did last year.”

The pink plan for this year includes Mr Pegg’s beard being dyed pink.

Gulgong Post Office has also ‘Pinked Up’ – with the community and businesses getting behind the region-wide fundraiser.

Gulgong Manager Scott Etherington explained they will raise money through posting pink ribbons in-store.

“The team have made pink ribbons and we’ll have a clear post box in the shop, you’ll be able to come in and buy a pink ribbon to put in the box,” he said.

“We’ll be able to see how many ribbons are in the box and we’ll have graduations along the side and when we get certain levels – we’ll have challenges.”

Mr Etherington said the whole town is getting behind the cause. “I think the town has a vibe – you just walk around and already everything is pink.”