Ms JO HAYLEN (Summer Hill) (21:16:59): This Thursday marks the Cancer Council's Pink Ribbon Day, dedicated to raising awareness and funds to tackle breast and gynaecological cancers. Every day in Australia 50 women are diagnosed and eight pass away from breast or gynaecological cancer. We would be hard-pressed to find anyone in our community who has not been touched by these cancers.

I was very grateful to attend Wests Ashfield Leagues Club Pink Ribbon Day breakfast last week and to assist in raising funds and awareness to support this important cause. At the breakfast Simon Cook spoke of the devastating loss of his mother because of breast cancer. Renee Pinto spoke bravely of her ongoing battle with cancer in an incredibly inspiring and moving speech.

We also heard from local community groups such as Metro Assist in Ashfield, which highlighted the hard work it does every day to support women fighting breast cancer across our multicultural community in the inner west. These inspiring people had one clear message for us all: Early detection saves lives. I thank everyone involved in coordinating the breakfast at the Wests Ashfield Leagues Club.