Sea of pink at Cactus Jack's Redcliffe

Redcliffe’s Cactus Jack’s will again be bathed in pink hues as the team raises money, and awareness of breast cancer’s impact throughout the month of October.

For the fifth year in a row, owners Rob and Kate Griffiths and their crew will be hosting events to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), which is aiming for zero deaths from breast cancer through research, trials and innovation.

One in seven women and one in 500 men are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Rob says the pink month initiative aims to raise as much money and awareness as possible; and create a space where those affected by breast cancer feel supported by the community, confident and comfortable.

His mother was diagnosed with breast cancer 12 years ago and is fortunately now clear of the disease.

Since 2020, Cactus Jack’s Redcliffe has raised almost $100,000 – a monetary milestone the team hopes to reach this year.

The impact they’ve had in raising awareness, generating support and prompting early detection action is more difficult to measure.

“I think it’s bigger and bigger in terms of awareness. Yes, we’re raising more money, which is great, but I think our focus has changed,” Rob explains.

“It’s becoming a calendar date so the awareness factor for us is so much more important.

“Based roughly on the number of customers we have a week, we’re looking at about 85 of those customers ... based on the stats ... are affected with breast cancer.

“It’s a space where they’re reminded there’s a whole community behind them. We’re lucky in Moreton Bay that it is still that small city where everyone does get behind each other.”

The activities during the month of October are also a way for family and friends to support a loved one battling breast cancer.

“It’s a predominantly female disease and the males in those females’ lives often are looking for ways to support ... and how they can do it when it’s such a personal disease,” Rob says

“As males, we like to be pretty practical and proactive and there’s not a lot you can do if your loved one is going through something like this.

“When we do something like this, there’s a big male contingent that gets together and really helps to drive it.”

Rob will be leading the charge, shaving off his mullet which will be coloured pink on October 1, to raise money for the cause.

Pink month at Cactus Jack’s

Trivia night

October 1, 6.30pm.

See the Facebook page for details.

‘Balls Out Bingo’

October 20, 7pm.

Live performances by cabaret and drag performer Candy Surprise, five rounds of bingo, prizes to win. Tickets are $20.

See the Facebook event for details and tickets.

Pink Party finale

October 26.

Market stall from 10.30am and event from 2pm, with live music, raffle draw and more.

See the Facebook page for details.