Rotary and FlyPink raise $150,000 for breast cancer research

The Rotary Club of Liverpool West and FlyPink joined forces to raise nearly $150,000 for breast cancer research through a record-breaking Pink October Gala fundraiser.

A partnership between the Rotary Club of Liverpool West, NSW, and aviation charity FlyPink has provided a boost for breast cancer research, raising nearly $150,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).

The collaboration was celebrated at the club’s Changeover Dinner on 18 June 2025, where Rotary members presented a cheque for $149,000 to FlyPink. The donation represented the proceeds of the Pink October Gala Dinner Fundraiser, with the club covering all ancillary costs so that every cent raised went directly to NBCF.

The club had originally pledged $50,000, but thanks to 15 months of planning, generous sponsorships and an enthusiastic committee, the total nearly tripled. Highlights of the night included extraordinary raffle and auction prizes gifted by Qantas Airways staff and partners, including two return tickets to Fiji, five-star accommodation at Marriott Resort Momi Bay and a South Seas cruise.

FlyPink was founded in 2015 by QantasLink pilot and breast cancer survivor Susan McHaffie, who was inspired by the sight of a Pink Ribbon branded aircraft on the Sydney tarmac. Determined to raise awareness and funds, she launched the now iconic campaign encouraging pilots to swap their traditional gold epaulettes for pink ones during October. Cabin crew and ground staff also show their support by wearing pink badges and ribbons.

For pilots, an epaulette is a badge of honour,” Susan said. “To see thousands of crew members around the world one day wearing pink epaulettes in October would be incredibly powerful.” QantasLink Chief Pilot Captain Adrian Young reaffirmed the airline’s support.

“As a global carrier, we will continue to back FlyPink and encourage other airlines to join this uniquely Australian initiative.”

The partnership with Rotary comes at a pivotal time, with FlyPink emerging from the disruption of the COVID pandemic. The Rotary Club of Liverpool West’s financial and organisational support has given the initiative new momentum and introduced Rotary to a wider audience, with the majority of gala attendees being non-Rotarians.

“This collaboration elevated Rotary’s visibility in the community,” said club member and Qantas Airport Ambassador Vinod Reddy.

The number of enquiries we received about our projects showed just how impactful partnerships like this can be.”

The 10th Anniversary FlyPink Gala was held on 25 October 2025 at Qantas Head Office in Mascot, NSW.