The revered Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) won’t be the only location turning “pink” this week to support the McGrath Foundation.

While the Australian and English teams will face off in the fifth Ashes fixture, the third day of the final Test – Tuesday 6 January in 2026 – usually boasts extra meaning.

That’s when all the attention centres on the late Jane McGrath… and the charity established in her honour.

The former wife of national sporting legend Glenn McGrath passed away in 2008 following a long battle with breast cancer.

So, to champion the cause from afar, Lake Macquarie City Council lifeguards will also don pink to help raise awareness of the insidious disease in line with the eagerly-anticipated event.

They’ll add a colourful, but powerful, element at the LGA’s four patrolled beaches – Redhead, Blacksmiths, Caves and Catherine Hill Bay.

Team Leader Beach Lifeguards Hayden Copping said everyone jumped on board with the concept several years ago, when a former member lost his mum to breast cancer.

“We’re proud to be involved,” he stated.

“Almost all and sundry are touched by breast cancer in some way, whether it’s themselves, their mum, their sister or another relative or friend.

“Throwing on the pink lifeguard shirts for the day is just a really visible way to remind people about cancer awareness and to encourage them to support and donate to the McGrath Foundation.”

Since 2009, Cricket Australia, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) Trust and McGrath Foundation have worked together to make the Pink Test one of the biggest charitable sporting events in the world.

Already, the collaboration had raised almost $4 million by Monday (5 January) through the sale of 160,000 “virtual” seats to the Sydney showdown.

It aims to sell 480,000 by the end of the match.

Go to pinktest.com.au to donate.

For more community stories:

• Partnerships brewing opportunities for Mai-Wel’s Thrive Café
• Port Stephens eyes off new opportunities amid natural disasters, airport expansion
• Grants hit the right note for Newcastle’s emerging talent

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