Forest Lake residents are being encouraged to lace up their walking shoes and join their neighbours for a meaningful morning around the lake this International Women’s Day, as the community comes together to raise awareness and funds for women battling breast cancer.
Read: 5K Your Way: Forest Lake Residents Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness
The walk, scheduled for Sunday, 8 March at 8:00am, will see participants complete a 5-kilometre course around Forest Lake—roughly two laps—though organisers emphasise that everyone is welcome to walk as much or as little as they feel comfortable with. Starting from The Esplanade, the event will see the community rally behind an important cause.
Local mum Kylie Gates is once again at the helm of organising the event, following the overwhelming success of last year’s inaugural walk which raised more than $7,000. Gates is hoping to see an even bigger turnout this year as the Forest Lake community shows its strength in numbers.
“Every step counts, and every person makes a difference,” Gates said in announcing the event. “We’ll be walking 5km—that’s just over two laps around the lake—but you’re encouraged to walk as much or as little as you like.”
Gates is calling on residents to bring their friends, family, and neighbours to “surround the lake with hope, strength, and solidarity” on what is a significant day for women worldwide.
Each participant who registers will receive a Chicks in Pink t-shirt as part of their registration package, though Gates has warned that spots will sell out quickly due to high demand. The vibrant pink shirts have become a symbol of unity and support, creating a powerful visual statement when worn collectively.
The 5K Your Way Campaign
The Forest Lake walk is part of the national “5K Your Way” campaign, a flexible fundraising initiative that allows Australians across the country to participate in supporting women with breast cancer, regardless of where they live.
Running from Sunday, 1 March through to Sunday, 8 March, the campaign encourages participants to walk, run, or roll 5 kilometres in their own way, at their own pace, and in their own neighbourhood. This approach makes the challenge accessible to everyone, whether they prefer to complete the distance solo, with family members, or as part of an organised community event like the one at Forest Lake.
When participants register for “5K Your Way,” they receive a Fun Run Race Kit that includes the signature Sea of Pink shirt. The campaign invites Australians to grab their “breasties,” don their best pink attire, and turn their neighbourhoods pink—all in support of women facing breast cancer.
The 2026 campaign aims to raise more than $1.8 million for Mater Chicks in Pink programs and services.
Supporting Women Through Their Journey
The funds raised through events like the Forest Lake walk support the vital work of Mater Chicks in Pink, an organisation founded on the principle that no woman should have to face breast cancer alone.
Mater Chicks in Pink provides a comprehensive range of personalised, practical support services for women diagnosed with breast cancer. These services include counselling, financial assistance, mastectomy bras, wigs and scarves, and yoga therapy—all designed to help women maintain their dignity and quality of life during treatment.
Beyond immediate support services, the funds also help purchase new state-of-the-art equipment to improve diagnostic capabilities and continue investment in life-saving breast cancer research. With one in seven Australian women expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, according to the Mater Foundation, the need for such services has never been greater.
The timing of the Forest Lake walk on International Women’s Day adds extra significance to the occasion, creating a powerful intersection between celebrating women and supporting those facing one of the most challenging experiences of their lives.
Read: Lino Lakes Elementary Stem School walks and runs in memory of teacher
Registration for the Forest Lake walk is available through the Mater Foundation website. Whether you’re an avid fitness enthusiast or simply someone who wants to make a difference, the Forest Lake breast cancer walk offers an opportunity to be part of something bigger—a community united in hope, strength, and solidarity.
Published 17-February-2026
