Hunter community helps raise $75,000 at milestone 20th Breast Care Breakfast

PKF Sydney and Newcastle have thanked the Hunter community for helping raise $75,000 at the 20th annual Breast Care Breakfast, marking another record-breaking year for one of the region's longest-running and most supported Breast Cancer Awareness Month events.

Held at NEX Newcastle, the milestone event welcomed 500 attendees, bringing together local businesses, community leaders, healthcare professionals and supporters united by a shared commitment to improving outcomes for individuals and families impacted by breast cancer.

For two decades, the Breast Care Breakfast has provided an opportunity for the Hunter community to come together in support of a cause that touches so many lives. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, sponsors, raffle prize donors, and supporters, the event has continued to grow year after year, with 2026 delivering another outstanding result.

All funds raised support the Hunter Nurse Education Group (HNEG), helping provide education, training, and professional development opportunities for specialist breast care nurses across the region.

Bob Bell, Managing Director of PKF Sydney and Newcastle, said reaching the event's 20-year milestone made this year's result particularly meaningful.

"To celebrate 20 years of the Breast Care Breakfast and once again witness our community rally behind this cause was incredibly special," he said.

"Each year, the event continues to grow, and each year we are humbled by the generosity shown by our community. Raising $75,000 is an extraordinary achievement, but what makes it even more significant is the impact these funds will have on local breast care nurses and the people they support every day."

"This event simply would not be possible without the many businesses and individuals who contribute their time, resources, and generosity. On behalf of PKF, we extend our sincere thanks; this is your achievement as much as it is ours."

A highlight of the morning was a powerful and inspiring presentation from the Founder of Breast Cancer Network Australia, Lyn Swinburne AO, whose personal story and advocacy left a lasting impression on attendees and reinforced the importance of breast cancer awareness, education, and support.

The event was hosted by NBN’s Lauren Kempe, whose warmth, professionalism, and connection with the audience helped create a memorable and engaging experience for all in attendance.

Casey Hutchinson, Chair of HNEG, expressed their gratitude for the continued support shown by PKF and the broader community.

"The generosity shown through the Breast Care Breakfast continues to create meaningful opportunities for breast care nurses across our region.”

"Not only for us as nurses, but for someone facing a breast cancer diagnosis, having access to a specialist breast care nurse can make an enormous difference. It means having a trusted source of information, guidance, and support throughout what can be an incredibly challenging time. Through initiatives like this, we're able to continue enhancing the care we provide and ensure patients receive the highest standard of specialist support throughout their journey."

"Twenty years ago, no one could have imagined the impact and growth that this event would have," said Bell.

"What started as a simple idea has become a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when a community comes together behind a shared cause. We're proud of how far the Breakfast has come, grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey, and excited to see the difference we can continue to make in the years ahead."

Thank you to our sponsors and supporters:

PKF and the Hunter Nurse Education Group extend heartfelt thanks to the speakers, to every person who attended, donated, sponsored, volunteered, or contributed a raffle prize. Your generosity and passion continue to drive change and support meaningful outcomes for people across the Hunter.

As we celebrate 20 years of impact, we're reminded that together, we can continue making a difference for generations to come.

Photo captured by 3L Photography.