SISTERS Jodie Hayes and Tracey Maguire are hoping to push their lifetime fundraising total for Cancer Council Victoria past $100,00 when they host their annual Girls Night In this October.
Hayes, who lives in Carrum Downs, says she has been fundraising with her sister for more than a decade. She said “fifteen years ago, we never imagined our Girls’ Night In would grow into what it is today. Each year we’re reminded just how many people have been touched by cancer and how willing our community is to come together to support one another.”
The recent loss of a friend to cancer has strengthened to sisters’ resolve to help. Hayes said “in the past 12 months, we lost a close friend to breast cancer, which has reinforced why being involved in Girls’ Night In is so significant for us both. We’re incredibly proud to be approaching a milestone fundraising target for Cancer Council Victoria, but more importantly we’re proud of the conversations, connections and support that our event creates amongst our community of friends and supporters.
“We’d encourage anyone thinking about hosting a Girls’ Night In to give it a go. It’s a great way to come together with those you love to do something meaningful and personally rewarding.”
Cancer Council Victoria’s head of individual and community giving, Natalie Gibbs, said “over the past decade, Girls’ Night In participants and supporters have helped raise more than $1.6 million, but with more than 7,200 Victorian women expected to be diagnosed with breast or gynaecological cancers this year, we know there’s still so much more work that needs to be done. That’s what makes community-led campaigns like Girls Night In so important.
“Every dollar raised helps drive the next generation of research breakthroughs and innovations in treatment and care, while also helping Cancer Council Victoria deliver prevention programs that encourage women to reduce their cancer risk and participate in life-saving cancer screening.”
For more information on hosting a Girls’ Night In, visit girlsnightin.cancervic.org.au
First published in the Frankston Times – 22 September 2026