National Breast Cancer Month in Australia
October marks National Breast Cancer Month in Australia, a time when communities come together to support patients and honor those affected by breast cancer. Each year more than 21,000 Australians are diagnosed, and the disease touches almost every family in the country—mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and friends. For Hancock Prospecting and Hancock Iron Ore, supporting patients and driving progress in cancer care has been a longstanding focus.
Two decades of care: a history of action
In the early 1990s, Mrs Gina Rinehart established Australia’s first dedicated breast cancer foundation and helped inspire the nation’s first National Breast Cancer Day. With the support of Archbishop Peter Carnley, church services were held across the country on the eve of that day, turning awareness into a national movement of care, compassion and action. A major petition also helped lower the age for breast cancer checks, underscoring the importance of early detection.
Over the years, Hancock Prospecting has continued to fund patient care packages and vital cancer research, with a focus on helping people when they need it most. Pink has become part of who we are. From the world’s first fleet of pink mining trucks, each named in honour of a brave woman affected by breast cancer or someone who contributed to the fight, to our world-first pink trains, crushers and uniforms — these aren’t just colors on steel and fabric. They are daily reminders of support, encouragement and hope.
Early detection to save lives
Mrs Rinehart’s concern for breast cancer sufferers has helped shape a culture of care across our businesses. Our staff regularly show compassion, offering help to colleagues facing breast cancer and rallying behind families in need. Through workplace giving, employee donations are matched — and often exceeded — by the company, turning generosity into action. We hope this example motivates other companies and organisations to follow suit in building a broader culture of care across Australia.
Pink as a daily reminder of hope
Pink has become part of who we are — the colour embedded in our operations and in the stories we tell. From the world’s first pink mining trucks to pink trains and uniforms, these visuals are not marketing; they are signals of solidarity, care and hope for every person touched by breast cancer.
Supporting regional communities: Solaris Cancer Care in the Pilbara
In regional areas like the Pilbara, access to treatment and support can be more difficult. We support Solaris Cancer Care, delivering counselling, therapies and practical help that ease the burden on patients and families. In October, Mrs Rinehart will visit the Pilbara to announce a renewed multi-million-dollar commitment to Solaris, ensuring these vital programs can continue to grow and reach more people who need them.
Looking ahead: early detection and a hopeful future
As we remember those we have lost, stand with those still fighting and remind our loved ones that early detection saves lives, we recommit to progress in breast cancer care. Our collective effort — patient care packages, research funding and regional programs — helps move Australia toward a future where breast cancer is detected earlier, treated more effectively and, ultimately, overcome. This National Breast Cancer Month, let’s keep faith with the people who rely on us and ensure no one faces breast cancer alone.
