NSW Premier Mike Baird and Deputy Premier Troy Grant have today announced support for the McGrath Foundation, with $2.5 million of funding to help the Foundation continue its outstanding work supporting women with breast cancer.

Mr Baird and Mr Grant made the announcement during Jane McGrath Day at the Sydney Cricket Ground, which is the first major event of the McGrath Foundation’s 10th anniversary year.

“We are proud to support the McGrath Foundation and the vital services it provides women with breast cancer,” Mr Baird said.

“This $2.5 million funding will help communities across NSW now and into the future by improving awareness particularly among young women and ensuring people diagnosed with breast cancer can access the support and services they deserve.

“You only need to look at the sea of pink here today at the Sydney Cricket Ground to understand how much the McGrath Foundation has done to promote breast cancer awareness across our community.”

Deputy Premier Troy Grant said the McGrath Foundation has become a vital support service for families affected by breast cancer.

“In the 10 years since the Foundation was established, thousands of women and their loved ones have been supported around Australia by the McGrath Breast Care Nurses,” Mr Grant said.

“More than 100 McGrath Breast Care Nurses have been placed in communities around Australia, particularly in regional towns, to support families impacted by breast cancer.

“There’s not a single person who hasn’t in some way been affected by cancer, whether it is they personally or a loved one and I’m extremely proud the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government is able to support such a wonderful organisation.”

McGrath Foundation CEO Petra Buchanan said the funding would go a long way to supporting more families in need.

“Research has found seven in 10 young women consider themselves ‘breast aware’, yet only half conduct breast checks every month, so we are grateful to the NSW Government for this donation which will make a significant contribution to increasing breast awareness, particularly in young women,” Ms Buchanan said.

“The Foundation has set an ambitious target to increase the number of McGrath Breast Care Nurses to 110 to support 10,000 families in communities across Australia in 2015.

“We have been fortunate to have the support of the Australian community and I have no doubt we will be able to achieve our goal in 2015 and continue the wonderful legacy instilled by Jane McGrath for a cause that is close to so many families, including my own.”