Pink Filipiniana holds its first breast health gala for Filipino women in Western Sydney
Pink Filipiniana Inc., described as Australia's first Filipino-led organisation dedicated to breast cancer awareness and early detection, held its inaugural gala dinner at West HQ in Rooty Hill on 17 October, with BreastScreen and Cancer Institute NSW speakers.
Pink Filipiniana Inc. held its inaugural Pink Filipiniana Gala Dinner at West HQ in Rooty Hill on Saturday, 17 October, The Philippine Times reported on 21 October. The organisation is described as Australia's first Filipino-led organisation dedicated to breast cancer awareness and early detection.
Held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the gala brought together health professionals, breast cancer advocates, survivors, community leaders and members of the Filipino community to promote breast health, screening and early detection.
Breast health presentations were given by Dr Suellyn Kennedy, Selin Prasad and Katrina Santos-Monses of the Breast Cancer Institute/BreastScreen Sydney West, Sheetal Challam of Cancer Institute NSW, and GP Dr Rhima Gonzaga. Special messages came from Blacktown City Councillor Julie Griffiths and Sheila Marie Tario, Minister and Consul General of the Philippine Embassy in Canberra, while 20-year breast cancer survivor Maria Stella "Maite" Reyes shared her journey.
"We want every Filipino woman to feel informed, supported and empowered to take action on her breast health, whether that means learning more, speaking with her doctor or participating in regular breast screening," Pink Filipiniana President Josie Musa said.
The gala was presented in partnership with the Blacktown City Council Women's Advisory Committee and Adhika Inc. In an August interview with SBS Filipino, Prasad and Santos-Monses said the initiative aims to reach Filipino women through trusted community networks. The Philippine Times reported that Pink Filipiniana will build on the gala through ongoing collaboration with health professionals, community organisations and advocates.
Key facts
- Pink Filipiniana Inc. held its inaugural gala dinner at West HQ in Rooty Hill on Saturday, 17 October 2026, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
- Speakers included breast screening staff from the Breast Cancer Institute/BreastScreen Sydney West and a multicultural strategic advisor from Cancer Institute NSW.
- The gala was presented in partnership with the Blacktown City Council Women's Advisory Committee and Adhika Inc.
- Pink Filipiniana was founded by volunteers from the Filipino community and aims to provide culturally relevant health education, The Philippine Times reported in August.
Official sources
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