The initiative – called the Pink Truck Campaign – was launched last week at Peabody Energy’s Burton coal mine in Queensland, 150km southwest of Mackay.

Pink Ribbon Day, which aims to raise awareness of breast cancer, and funds for research into the disease, was on October 26, and Thiess is planning to raise $40,000 for the cause by Pink Ribbon Day next year.

The campaign has already gained the corporate support of Peabody and haul truck body manufacturer Sebba, which have offered to help Thiess in its support of breast cancer research.

“The Pink Truck Campaign was established to support women through mining,” said Simone Wetzlar, area manager for Thiess’ Australian Mining business.

“Women are one of the largest untapped resources available to our industry and this campaign further demonstrates our commitment to the care of women and their families.

“It is our hope that the Pink Truck Campaign will help break down some of the traditional barriers often associated with mining and the role of women in the resource sector – and most importantly, provide some much needed funds for research.”

The team at the Burton mine was joined yesterday by breast cancer survivor Fiona Nielson who lives in Mackay and works as a part-time theatre nurse.

Nielson was diagnosed with breast cancer in July 1994 at the age of 38 and makes time nowadays to share the important message that breast cancer can affect women at any age.