"We need to have a bit of gaiety in the town."
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With the Mid-Western region encased in lockdown since August 14, Pink Up Mudgee is looking to be the spark of brightness all could use.
Event founder, Hugh Bateman has his fingers and toes crossed that the ongoing lockdown will ease in time for the festivities, offering locals a chance to break free from the negativity brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.
"Given businesses have done it tough, given the community has done it tough, it's going to be a time of awareness, gaiety and fun," Mr Bateman said.
"It's something that is very bright and positive, and will give us a new lease of life coming out of lockdown."
Last year, Pink Up Mudgee raised $74,000 for the McGrath Foundation and approximately 170 local businesses signed on to support the cause.
The event, which commenced in 2016, has garnered the support of approximately 100 locations nation-wide, and it is hoped more will jump on the bandwagon.
"I would really love to see it continue because a large number of women and men are diagnosed with breast cancer every day," Mr Bateman.
It's important that we keep the recognition of what the McGrath nurses and breast care nurses do going.
- Pink Up Mudgee founder, Hugh Bateman
On offer this year will be a Pink Up golf event on October 17 and a polo day on November 6 at Gulgong, among other things, but "the balls are in the air as to whether we'll be able to conduct those".
Should the lockdown put an end to all that is planned, Mr Bateman said the Pink Up committee will seek alternative ways people can participate and donate to the cause.
"The way this community has conducted themselves throughout this lockdown is nothing short of incredible," he said.
"Everybody has endeared themselves to the situation of doing what they've been told to do so we can get back to what we're used to doing.
"Personally, I'm hopeful the lockdown will lift in the first few days of October. If that's the case, we'll be off and running.
"If we're still in lockdown, we'll make available facilities to be able to donate online."
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