Mitchell Shire Council’s team were a sea of pink sprinkled with teal to support breast and ovarian cancer at Seymour’s 2026 Mother’s Day Classic.
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Pink tutus and teal feather boas descended on Goulburn Park in waves as about 250 people made strides for breast and ovarian cancer research.
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It was a pleasant morning for Seymour’s 2026 Mother’s Day Classic on Sunday, May 10, with the calm air and blue skies described as “absolutely perfect” by event co-organiser Adele Deverell.
“The vibe was high, it didn’t really feel that cold, so not too many people were shivering,” Ms Deverell said.
“Everyone really got into dressing in pink (for breast cancer) and teal (for ovarian cancer).
“Some people have unfortunately lost loved ones to breast and ovarian cancers, so they were wearing tributes on their shirts or a lanyard with a photo.
“They might be gone, but their memory will live on.”
The Pucka Pookies stunned in their finest tutus and raised the highest amount of money in Seymour for breast and ovarian cancer research.
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In its fourth year, the annual event saw a huge number of attendees and an even larger sum of money raised for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.
Through participation fees and individual or team fundraising efforts, over $20,000 was collected for the cause from the local community.
Two teams raised a standout amount contributing to that total – Team Shazbugs with over $4000 and the Pucka Pookies with over $8000.
The Pucka Pookies also triumphed by making the state’s team fundraising leaderboard, raising the 10th highest amount in Victoria.
Ms Deverell said it was great to see the community support a cause close to her own heart, having been diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 30s.
“Being supported in this event is huge,” she said.
“I may be the one who got the wheels turning in Seymour, but it’s for everyone. We would all know someone affected.”
Even local pups turned out on Mother’s Day morning to support the cause.
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While the fundraising efforts blew her away, Ms Deverell said the event was also a tool to raise awareness about breast and ovarian cancer, which was particularly vital in regional communities located far from major hospitals.
“If something isn’t right, just go to the doctor and get it checked. Having a doctor who takes it seriously, too, is a huge help,” she said.
“If even one person notices something and gets it checked, then that is a win.
“Men are also not immune to breast cancer, there may be a stigma around being in a sea of pink and what mates might say, but around 200 men per year are diagnosed nationally.”
She added that she would like to see a future where the age for free mammograms was lowered from 40 years old.
Ms Deverell said the success of the 2026 Mother’s Day Classic was thanks to event volunteers, the Mitchell Shire Concert Band, which provided free music on site, and a long list of supporters.
“Events like this wouldn’t happen without volunteers, sponsors and supporters from the local community,” she said.
“We have signed up for a non-traditional Mother’s Day with 4am alarms instead of a lavish breakfast.
“For volunteers, it’s not spending the morning with their own kids and grandkids, perhaps not visiting their own mums, but we are so grateful.
“We can’t thank everyone enough for what they do year after year without hesitation.”
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