Construction begins for Think Pink!

By Spencer Fowler Steen

Construction has begun on a new living centre supporting individuals and families affected by breast cancer inside Forge at Yarra’s Edge.

Yarra’s Edge developer Mirvac celebrated the milestone at an event on October 15, announcing that it was contributing more than $700,000 to deliver the Think Pink Foundation’s new purpose-built living centre, which can cater for up to 50 clients at a time.

The living centre, which can be used free of charge, will offer education programs on topics such as food, fitness and finances, as well as services from oncology dieticians, exercise physiologists and financial advisors when it opens later this year.

Mirvac design senior associate Victor Wong said the flexible layout included a function space, hairdressing salon, counselling and therapy rooms, as well as a kitchen area and private offices.

“We wanted to create an inviting space where people can dwell, where it doesn’t feel like a clinic and people don’t feel like they’re going to the doctor,” he said.

Think Pink is an independent charitable foundation providing professional and holistic support for patients, their families and carers.

Think Pink care nurse Andrea Cannon said the foundation had outgrown its previous facilities in a busy commercial tower on St Kilda Rd.

“Some clients need support beyond the oncologist; the nurses, the hospitals and treatment – and we provide that unique service, the next step,” she said.

“Some women get lost in the system and can’t access the individual attention to pull them through the recovery.

“We’re for the wellbeing of each individual woman, her family and carers.”

The living centre, which can be used free of charge, offers education programs on topics such as food, fitness and finances, as well as services from oncology dieticians, exercise physiologists and financial advisors.

Other popular services at the living centre include a free wig service for patients experiencing hair loss, yoga classes, meditation, art therapy, writing workshops, weekly walking groups, massage therapy and counselling.

Mirvac general manager of residential Victoria Elysa Anderson, said Mirvac had been working with Think Pink Foundation since its inception nine years ago.

“Think Pink’s clients and volunteers will benefit from access to the lush parkland, and riverside walking trails – not to mention the tranquil waterfront environment with city vistas– to enhance their living centre experience and assist with the rehabilitation and recovery,” he said.

Over 3000 women have accessed Think Pink’s services over nearly a decade.Construction of the new centre is due for completion later this year.

thinkpink.org.au