'Paint The Town Pink' is an initiative spearheaded by the McGrath Foundation, which the local Gladstone business community and residents were proud to throw support behind by dressing themselves and the buildings in pink.

Amanda McDonnell, president of the Gladstone CWA branch, spoke to the Argus about the goal of this years event, and her hope for the future.

"This was our first one, so the focus was more on raising awareness, and getting an idea of how the event runs, next year we will focus more on raising funds to help fight breast cancer," she said.

"Pretty much every business in town participated, the community really got behind the initiative, we can't wait to see this event be bigger and better next year."

The overall count for how much was raised is still being tallied, but initial estimates place the number around $4000.

The Donovan Family were declared the 'best dressed' which awarded them $100 from Coastline Credit Union. Their family, like so many, has been devastated by breast cancer, so the day meant a lot to them. A home on Kinchela Street was awarded the 'best-dressed house' and $50.

The CWA held a successful raffle, with more than 700 tickets sold and over $2000 worth of prizes given away. Markets were held in the grounds of the Gladstone Hub where there was live music, toys and t-shirts, along with a decadent high tea and tarot reading.

Amanda hopes that with the success of this years event, it will create a dialogue that might see some changes to health services in the area soon.

"Our closest breast care nurse is at Macksville, it's not that far with the new highway, but still a bit of a drive, it would be better if there were one local, it would help a lot of ladies," Amanda said.

Each year over 19,000 people are diagnosed with Breast Cancer in Australia, and it is estimated that it will become the most commonly diagnosed cancer in 2019. Figures from the Cancer Institute NSW, show that on the Mid-North Coast 217 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone.

The McGrath Foundation is a breast cancer support and education charity in Australia, which raises money to place McGrath Breast Care Nurses in communities across Australia and increase breast health awareness.

Stay ahead with local news by signing up for the Macleay Argus newsletter here.