Published: 16 Sep 2009
More than 400 Sydney wharfies at the Patrick Terminal at Port Botany were today kitted out in new hot pink hard hats bearing the McGrath Foundation logo, proving once and for all that real men do wear pink.
The teaming of the Maritime Union and Patrick Terminals to adopt the pink safety helmets came through workers wanting to show their support of the McGrath Foundation on the job site everyday.
Co-founder and Chairman of the Foundation, Glenn McGrath, on hand at the terminal, was thrilled to be able to help the Patrick dock workers show their support through the new hats.
“Jane would have loved to have seen the Patrick’s wharfies stepping up to the docks in their McGrath Pink Hard Hats, to set such a good example for other Aussie blokes - that it takes a real man to wear pink - one of Jane’s favourite sayings”, McGrath said.
“As experienced at the Sydney Test in January, we couldn’t be more proud to see Australian men wanting to take a stand to wear pink to promote breast awareness and show their support for the women in their life, as breast cancer is not just a women’s issue, it affects families”, he said.
Straddle driver and MUA member, Aaron More, found his inspiration for the initiative watching that Sydney Test and initially looked at more traditional fundraising ideas such as gold coin donations or BBQs.
“But we actually really wanted something that showed our support 365 days of the year, rather than a one-off token gesture. The McGrath Pink Hard Hats will be a reminder each and every day that we support the McGrath Foundation cause and are helping educate Australian women and their partners,” said More.
Crane driver and one of seven women who work at the terminal, Mich-Elle Myers, said that the female workers at Port Botany were inspired by the men’s decision.
“Some of our men have experienced breast cancer first hand, through their sisters, mothers and girlfriends. We are so proud of what they have done”, Myers said.
Terminal HR Manager of Patrick Terminals, John Fletcher, issued a challenge to workers from terminals across Australia, to prove they are also real men. “It’s our hope that Patrick’s dock workers will stand out from the crowd in their new McGrath Pink Hard Hats reminding Australians from all walks of life that breast awareness leads to early detection, which can save lives.”
McGrath also announced today the release of McGrath Pink Safety Vests, with Visy Recycling the first company to issue the vests for all of their onsite visitors and contractors to their plants – the only pink safety vest available which meets all Australian Safety Standards.
While the new McGrath pink safety range will promote valuable breast awareness, a donation will be made to the McGrath Foundation for each hard hat and safety vest sold, helping fund additional McGrath Breast Care Nurses across Australia.
For further information about the new range of McGrath Foundation pink safety wear and how your company can get involved, please call (02) 8962 6100 or visit www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au.
Media MUA: Zoe Reynolds 0417 229873
