When Clermont locals turned their town pink on September 20, it wasn’t just about fun and flair – it was about the community coming together in support of life, hope and care. At the heart of it all was Laurette “Lou” Power.
“I’m a survivor,” Lou said simply.
“Last year we celebrated my 25th anniversary and it was such a success everyone said, ‘Bring on the tutus again next year!’
“So this year we did it again coinciding with the McGrath Foundation’s 20th birthday and the announcement that they are embracing all cancers.”
The event, now becoming an annual tradition, is known as the Pink My Town Progressive Walk for a Cause. Participants wearing pink tutus wind their way through Clermont’s pubs and venues, raising funds for the McGrath Foundation.
Each stop isn’t just about food and drink – it’s about connection. With tutus as entry tickets and raffles donated by local businesses, the event buzzed with generosity.
“A huge shout-out to the local pubs and RSL for their warm hospitality and keeping the food and drinks flowing. We had around 30 donations from the community for raffles this year. Everyone gets behind it as soon as it is advertised that we were doing it again saying, ‘Bring it on!’”
For Clermont, “going pink” has become more than a theme; it’s a show of unity with streets, shops and pubs embracing the colour of care.
Guest speakers, including McGrath Cancer Care Nurses and Cr Jane Pickels, reminded participants of the importance of their fundraising, while locals reveled in dancing, singing and laughter.
The 2024 inaugural walk raised just under $5,000. This year Clermont stepped up raising more than $6,000 – with donations still coming in until the end of November. Every dollar goes directly to the McGrath Foundation to fund cancer care nurses across Australia, particularly in rural and remote communities.
The cause is personal for Lou, but also for many in Clermont.
“It’s always going to be for the McGrath Foundation, that’s my thing.
“And now that the organisation embraces all cancers, it broadens the horizons. Everyone here knows someone touched by cancer.”
Lou and her wonderful staff juggle the event alongside running Power Learning, her Indigenous-owned training company.
“We deliver training for resources, industry, infrastructure and rural sector. We’re the only Indigenous business in this area and I’m proud of that.”
But when it comes to the tutu walk, Lou is just as proud of her community.
“Thank you to everyone who joined, donated and supported the day. Our community really knows how to turn pink in style!
“We are already looking forward to doing it again next year,” she said with a smile.
| Donations can be made until the end of November. Simply scan the QR code to help ensure that no one goes through cancer without the care of a McGrath Cancer Care Nurse. |
