MGallery hotels across Australia and around the world are celebrating Pink October in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
On Thursday, the William Inglis Hotel MGallery at Warwick Farm in New South Wales hosted its annual Pink October charity event in support of McGrath McGrath Foundation and will continue to raise funds for the McGrath Foundation throughout October.
In addition, the hotel has posted QR code stickers in guest rooms and public areas to inform guests how to conduct a thorough self-examination.
Michelle Payne OAM, the first woman to win the Melbourne Cup, was a special guest at Thursday's lunch and she candidly shared her story and the ways in which the tradition has been dominated by men challenges of competing in sport.
“We can't think of a more fitting Pink October lunch ambassador than Michelle Payne, who captured Australia's hearts when she won the Melbourne Cup and continues to inspire women and girls to believe they can do anything they put their mind to thing,” said Belinda Thomson, general manager of The William Inglis Hotel, MGallery.
Speaking about the global initiative, Thomson said she was proud to be a part of it.
“The MGallery brand is not only a collection of beautiful boutique hotels around the world with very unique stories, such as ours at William Inglis, but also embodies their passion and connection to empowering and supporting women, which is reflected in Pink Ten month,” she said.
“This is part of our MGallery global brand journey and I am honored to be a part of this process.”
Payne said she was honored to be able to raise funds for such an important cause before reflecting on her upbringing, racing career and Melbourne Cup win.
“That day, I was so happy to be fulfilling my five-year-old dream, but as I walked down Prince of Penzance, I think within five minutes of being interviewed, I realized it was more than just that,” she said.
“Over the years, especially in our sport, we’ve seen older girls struggle for opportunities. I distinctly remember, growing up, my dad used to walk around our house , said: “The girls are just as good as the boys; they just need a chance'. He used to repeat this over and over again, and I believe it, because why wouldn't we?”
Two-time Olympic medalist Sarah Ryan hosted the event, and another special guest was Debbie Kepitis, co-owner of one of Australia's greatest racehorses, Winx .
